Are Pilates Exercises the Way to Go?

Are you aware that, at least at the beginning, machines were built to assist with Pilates exercises?  I had no idea.  I’ve seen many advertisements for Pilates classes, videos and various workouts, but never heard mention of a machine.

I’ve decided to get in shape and so am doing some research to figure out which exercise method I would like to learn. You know the usual suspects — Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates. That’s how I came upon this information.

I haven’t studied Pilates at all yet.  My impression was that it involves a number of stretching exercises that are often assisted by one of those exercise bands or an exercise ball.  Clearly, Pilates is similar to Yoga and Tai Chi in that there are many variations spanning the spectrum of physical exertion.

What I have learned is that Pilates focuses on stretching and strengthing the body, with a focus on posture and supporting the spine.  It also appears to include a prominent mental component. I came across a several references to training the mind in order to control the body.  Clearly, Pilates is not just a series of stretching exercises. It has a much richer foundation than that.

Now back to the Pilates machines for a second. In my research I learned about two machines. The first is called a “Reformer.” The second is called a “Cadillac.”  I guess if you use some imagination, the reformer has some similarities to a rowing machine, but that you can push or pull. So that involves an upper and lower body workout and sounds pretty cardio vascular.

Then the cadillac is used for a huge variety of exercises that are focused on developing the core strength of the body in the abdominal area.  This type of training greatly impacts balance as well.

Now, are the machines still used with Pilates exercises these days?  Again, I sure haven’t heard of it before.  Something to check out.  Overall, Pilates sounds like some very powerful stuff that can be done at home or at a studio.

Now on to some more research…

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