Pilates Exercise Machine – Will Using One Get You Great Results?

Pilates is one of a few exercise methods that has really taken off over recent months and years. There seems to be a greater emphasis on getting (and staying) fit than in previous times, and as a result, people are always looking for better ways to stay in shape so that they can live their lives the way they want to. The question is, is a pilates exercise machine the perfect home exercise solution for you? While only you can ultimately answer that question, we can explore the reasons that Pilates is so popular, and discuss the benefits of a machine that follows the principles of Pilates.

One reason that Pilates is becoming more and more popular is that it is something new. People tend to get bored of the same old exercise routines, and why wouldn’t they? After all, you can only hop on the treadmill or head to the same aerobics class so many times before it starts to get a little stale. Pilates is a way to get fit without relying on the same boring type of workout that you have been doing.

Also, Pilates is a no-impact exercise method, which means that if your joints are sore or worn down by years of running, aerobics, or other activities, you can get some relief by doing Pilates. Best of all, even though there is no impact on your knees, feet, and other body parts, you will still get a wonderful workout that will get you into great shape.

What exactly can a machine do to help someone who is using Pilates to get in shape? You may be surprised at how natural and helpful a machine can be, actually. Many people are shocked at the idea of a machine that can be used for Pilates exercises, especially because Pilates seems to embody concepts that machines do not help you with usually, such as flexibility and fluid movements.

What a great machine will do for your workouts is intensify them by adding a bit of resistance to your movements. This will be helpful both for veterans of Pilates workouts who need a bit more challenge to their workouts, and also for those who are relatively new to Pilates, but are very fit and want to maintain that level of fitness. With a machine, the performance of exercises (and the challenge involved) can be tweaked to suit the performer his or herself.

If you think a Pilates exercise machine sounds right for you, check out some information on the internet to select the best one. Use reviews and consumer ratings as a guide, and do not forget to consider the value you are looking for, as well.

Read about working out using a Pilates Reformer Machine and more about Pilates instruction and exercise at => http://www.instructionstopilates.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Forster.

Anatomy Of A Pilates Machine: The Reformer

Mechanized beds were the forerunners of the spring-based exercise machines, such as the Cadillac and the Reformer, for which the Pilates method is known today.  Perhaps the most renowned of all Pilates equipment is the Pilates Reformer.  With its sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys, more than 100 exercises can be performed on this surprisingly versatile apparatus.

The Reformer comes with foot-bars, the height of which may be adjusted with the gear system. There will be two to four notches on the inside of the frame that will allow you to adjust the height of the foot-bars.

The springs provide resistance from the machine. The rest of the resistance is provided by your own body weight. The springs hook on the spring bar, and different springs can be unhooked to increase or decrease the resistance.

The crux of the Reformer is in the gliding platform on which one can sit, kneel, stand or lie on their front, back or side. Known as the carriage, the user pushes and pulls off the footbar using the arms, legs, wrists and ankles to slide back and forth along the rails in a controlled manner while the tension in the springs gently work the muscles.

Many Pilates Reformer exercises are done lying down with the head on the headrest. The important thing to be aware of is that the headrest can be down flat or propped up.  However, it is important to have the headrest down anytime you are going to bring your legs over your head. There are also exercises where you turn around and put your feet through the headrest area.

The shoulder blocks keep you stable on the Reformer as you push or pull the carriage. Often your shoulders are against the blocks, but there are also exercises that use the shoulder blocks as props for the feet, knees or hands.

The straps are connected to pulleys at the top end of the Reformer. The straps have handles on the end that you can grasp to pull or push the carriage. The basic principle is that you will be pushing or pulling yourself on the carriage against the resistance provided by your own body weight and the springs.

The Pilates Reformer helps one establish torso stability and postural alignment while working peripheral limbs in a range of motion. The adjustable springs allow for progressive resistance, which helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles rather than building bulk. It makes for an effective, no-impact stretching and toning workout that is friendly to the joints.

There are many styles of reformers. Some reformers are wood and some are metal. There might be leather straps or ropes, and the reformer may be on legs or not. Nevertheless, the basic parts and their functions will be the same.  Despite the variations, the majority of Reformers stay close to the vision that Joseph Pilates engineered.  Prices fall in the $2000-$4000 range for various models of quality Reformers, so be discerning when you see some advertised for $150. For occasional home use these cheaper machines in the $150 range might be sufficient, but don’t expect them to measure up in terms of quality and precision.

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