Achieving Strong, Well-Toned Body with Pilates Machines
May 25, 2009 by RLuve
Filed under Pilates Machines
Pilates is a well-known exercise system that not only improves muscle strength, but also enhances one’s physical and mental conditions. It commonly involves two methods, both of which use the principle of resistance for toning and strengthening the body. The first method uses mats, and the other uses Pilates machines. There are three types of machines used in Pilates workouts. These are the Cadillac, reformer, and wunda chair.
Pilates Cadillac
The Pilates Cadillac consists of a padded platform that has a frame above it. Springs connect the frame to various bars or straps.
To use a Cadillac, sit on the platform and make sure your body is at the front of the roll-down bar. Also, your spine should be in a neutral position. Put your feet about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Lightly hold the roll-down bar. Then roll toward the bench. As you do this, pull your abdominal muscles tightly and slowly. Inhale once after your body has been aligned completely with the bench.
Afterwards, exhale while pulling your body up to the direction of the roll-down bar. See to it that you tightly pull in your abdominal muscles.
Reformer Machine
The Pilates reformer consists of a gliding platform attached by springs to a wooden or metal frame. The gliding platform can be pulled on ropes or pushed off from a non-moving bar. This machine uses the principle of resistance to make your abdominal muscles stronger.
How is it used for Pilates exercises? First, lie flat on the gliding platform and put your feet on the foot bar. Since the platform is near the foot bar, bend your knees at an angle of 90 degrees.
Next, stretch your legs to push the gliding platform away from the foot bar. As you do this, you must exhale and inhale gently. Also, bend your knees slowly and carefully.
Pilates Wunda Chair
This equipment is made up of a small padded platform with springs attached to a bar. Exercises using a wunda chair involve moving the bar forward as you stand or sit on the bench.
To use the wunda chair, begin with the basic moves as you sit on the bench. Then slowly increase your movements before you do harder exercises.
You can also use this Pilates machine by standing up on the bench. Put your right foot gently at the chair’s base. Bend your left knee and push the pedal down with your left foot. Once the pedal is lowered, raise it once more with your left leg.
Since you already know how to exercise with the above-mentioned Pilates machines, you can now begin to use them so that you can work out your muscles and improve your overall well being.


