• Equipment? What equipment?
• What part does the equipment play in the Pilates technique?
• Do I need this training if I already have the Matwork?

These are the questions we are often asked by delegates when they are considering their training programme.

It was the intention of Joseph Pilates that the equipment and the matwork would work to assist each other. The repertoire for the equipment is almost identical to the matwork series of movements. Using the equipment will enhance both understanding and performance of the matwork exercises. Supported by the spring tension some matwork moves become easier and conversely sometimes the spring tension makes movements more challenging.

Originally Pilates was taught in studios with equipment, and a session would consist of a circuit-style class where clients would be moved from Matwork to Reformer, Cadillac. Wunda Chair or Spine Corrector, whichever piece of equipment was considered by the teacher to be most appropriate for the client that day.

The Reformer is probably the most commonly used piece of equipment. Joseph Pilates preferred a wooden design, a frame with a moving carriage, pulleys and straps. The Universal Reformer was ahead of it’s time, now with emphasis on core training and the unstable surface the Universal Reformer is being given the recognition it deserves.

Resembling a four poster bed, the Cadillac, a remarkable piece of equipment, is large and requires sufficient space to be used to its full extent. The Cadillac is definitely a piece that lends itself well to rehabilitation work and many physiotherapists use it in their maintenance programmes.

Both the Cadillac and Reformer may be used in supine, prone, side laying, kneeling and standing giving the equipment the benefit of variety and challenge.

The Wunda Chair was designed for a friend of Joseph Pilates who wanted a reformer but didn’t have space in his New York apartment. Exercises on the Wunda Chair are challenging, many exercises are performed in an upright seated or standing position.

The Spine Corrector is a large barrel styled box that is used for strength and flexibility of the spine.

Working in this way, the client was exposed to a full and varied exercise session that could target any imbalances in their muscles.

Since the introduction of Pilates into health clubs, the significance of the equipment has been somewhat eroded. The simplest way to introduce the technique to the mainstream exercising public was group matwork, no specialised equipment is necessary – just a mat and maybe a towel. We now have a situation where people are practicing Pilates and even teaching the technique are completely unaware that there is an equipment series. The Pilates Institute believe strongly that students of the technique should be fully schooled in all elements, matwork and equipment in order to fully understand the concept that is Pilates. We appreciate that not all teachers will buy or have access to equipment in their teaching practice, but as students of the system it is vital they experience the Pilates Method to the full.

This is the reason we offer a complete Masters Certification programme so that students can achieve a full training without having to shop around.