PILATES STUDIOS & EQUIPMENT
Pilates Equipment
Pilates equipment can be grouped into two general categories:
- Larger pieces of equipment (apparatus) that include the Pilates Reformer, Pilates chairs, barrels, the tower, and the Cadillac.
- Smaller, portable equipment (Pilates props) such as the magic circles, weights, and resistance bands, and the Pilates springs
The Studio Reformer
There is probably no piece of Pilates equipment more well-known than the Pilates reformer. For more than 30 years, the world’s most respected Pilates instructors have used and recommended the Balanced Body Pilates Studio Reformer.
It is a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs provide choices of differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame.
The Reformer Springs
The springs provide the resistance on the Reformer. The remaining resistance is provided by your own body weight.
Each springs hooks onto a single spring bar, allowing for graded resistance. Unhooking springs will either increase or decrease the total resistance.
The springs are one component of the Pilates ‘secret sauce’; providing resistance that can be used for challenge or for support. Springs resistance can even change the muscular focus of an exercise. The Pilates springs help you to move well.
The Cadillac
The Cadillac (also known as the Trapeze Table) is one of the most effective and versatile pieces of exercise equipment ever to be engineered. The Cadillac was originally devised by Joseph Pilates to rehabilitate bedridden patients back when he was working as a hospital orderly. The apparatus has evolved a bit since the makeshift bed spring days, but its inspiration is apparent and it continues to be a bridge between exercise and physical therapy.
Pilates Chair
Designed to strengthen muscle groups not easily reached by more traditional techniques and equipment, Chair workouts focus on upper and lower body strength and conditioning and enhance stability, body control, and balance.
Pilates High Barrel
Combines ladder rungs with a barrel surface on which stretching, strengthening and flexibility exercises can be performed.
Pilates Wall Tower
Wall Tower is free-standing, giving you the flexibility of using it with a Reformer or a mat. Gives a three-in-one exercise system: Reformer, mat station, and Tower. A tremendous variety of exercises can be performed on this versatile piece of equipment.
Pilates Magic Circle
The magic circle is a Pilates tool created by founder Joseph Pilates that’s intended to help you find your center. It is said that Joseph Pilates made the first magic circle from the ring of a keg. It is used in a variety of ways and can be used in both equipment and mat classes.
2 State-of-the-Art Studios
Ballet Austin’s Pilates Center in downtown Austin encompasses 1,500 sq. ft. and is equipped with state-of-the-art Balanced Body reformers, chairs, barrels, and towers to offer private, duet and group sessions seven days a week. We practice classical-based Pilates as designed by Joseph Pilates almost 100 years ago, preserving the rich tradition of Pilates with a fresh and motivating approach. Our staff instruct with innovation and creativity, and take the classic Pilates exercises that have been proven to work and add variety to make each class a unique and challenging experience. We take your workout seriously, but we also like to have fun!