I firmly believe that all (safe) movement is good movement, and the best workout is the one you actually do. So, if your choice is between (1) doing an at-home mat workout with no instructor and no equipment and (2) not doing any Pilates, then roll out that mat at home and feel good about it! But, if you have the opportunity to work with a highly trained and experienced instructor on state-of-the-art equipment in a session completely tailored to your individual needs, you can expect to see and feel results much faster. For the best results, your sessions should be based on YOUR needs, not the needs of a group class or the whims of the instructor.
All Pilates equipment is not created equal, and at Ridge Pilates, I have invested in the very best quality equipment available. The studio is fully equipped with classical Pilates equipment custom-made for Ridge Pilates by Pilates Designs. I have a Reformer, a Tower, a Wunda Chair, a High Chair, a Ladder Barrel, a Spine Corrector, and a whole assortment of smaller pieces of equipment as well. You can expect to use all of this equipment during your sessions at Ridge Pilates. Here is a quick introduction to each piece of equipment.
Reformer
The Pilates Reformer is the most-used piece of equipment. Almost all of your sessions will incorporate the reformer at least for a bit. There are five springs on the reformer to provide resistance during exercises. The springs are attached to the padded carriage (the mat) where you will lie, sit, kneel, or stand, depending on the exercise. There is an adjustable headpiece and removable shoulder blocks. There are two straps attached to the carriage and, in a typical Pilates session, you’ll use the straps for both your feet and your hands for various exercises. There is also an adjustable footbar that is incorporated into many exercises. The Reformer helps improve strength, flexibility, and overall body alignment. You might often be lying down on the Reformer, but don’t let that fool you – it’s challenging!
Tower
The Tower unit is a large, bed-like apparatus with a metal frame that features a variety of bars, straps, and springs. It is a versatile platform for strengthening and stretching exercises that target different muscle groups and promote flexibility. My personal favorite exercise on the Tower is Push Through. It’s a “feel-good” exercise that gives you a great stretch in your hamstrings, back, and shoulders. But, like most Pilates exercises, the best stretch only comes when you are working your core. Strength and stretch – a great combination!
Wunda Chair
The Wunda Chair is a small and relatively portable piece of equipment. It consists of a padded seat with attached springs and a pedal for your hands or feet. You can lie, sit, kneel, or stand on the Wunda Chair. You will be surprised by the number of exercises you can do (and how tired you’ll feel afterward) on just this one small piece of equipment.
High Chair
The High Chair is very similar to the Wunda Chair but also incorporates a tall wooden back and handles for support. Some people refer to the High Chair as the Electric Chair, but I promise it’s not scary.
Ladder Barrel
The Ladder Barrel features a barrel-shaped top with a ladder-shaped structure attached to it. It offers a curved surface that supports a variety of exercises targeting the back, hips, and core. The barrel allows for spinal extension and flexion, as well as strengthening and stretching movements. The Ladder Barrel is a client favorite. Come in and give it a try. Your spine will thank you!
Spine Corrector
The Spine Corrector is a small, curved bench-like apparatus that supports exercises aimed at improving spinal mobility, flexibility, and postural alignment. It provides support for stretching, strengthening, and balancing movements, particularly for the back, shoulders, and hips.
Small Props
In addition to the larger apparatuses, Ridge Pilates has a large assortment of smaller pieces of equipment and props including a foot corrector and toe corrector for strengthening the feet and toes and increasing range of movement; a small barrel that is similar to the Spine Corrector but slightly smaller; a Magic Circle which is deceptively difficult for something so small; a bean bag device for strengthening arms, hands, and wrists; and various other props including resistance bands, light hand weights, small balls, and foam rollers. I will incorporate these props and pieces of equipment in your sessions depending on your individual needs.
One of the reasons I love Pilates so much and have for so many years is that it has always been just what I need, no matter what I’m going through or how I’m feeling. In my peak athletic prime, Pilates made me stronger and kept me healthy. In my early postpartum days after having my children, Pilates felt so good for my tired, aching, uncomfortable, unfamiliar body. Now, as a busy mom, my workouts are short and sweet, but they keep me active and give me the energy I need. All of this is made easier by the versatility of the Pilates equipment at Ridge Pilates. It is designed to provide support when necessary and challenge when appropriate. Pilates has grown with me through the last 20 years, and I know it will continue to do so as I go through life. What a gift!
Interested in giving the equipment a try? Contact the studio to schedule a session!