Transforming the way your body looks, works, and feels is a progressive process. Circulating through the same recurring workout routines won’t provide the kind of challenge your system needs to improve. In fact, spending too much time on the same few exercises can put your system out of balance.
Thankfully, Firehaus Pilates has some fun, easy-to-use equipment that can quickly transform your workout routine. If you are new to any of this equipment, make sure to keep up with our blog where we will make regular posts with new exercises to try.
1. Wunda Chair
Despite the funny name, a Wunda Chair is a fantastic piece of Pilates equipment. It is essentially a sturdy base with a folding panel or section which provides adjustable resistance. Wunda chairs come in a variety of forms, but the principals for all of them are the same. They can be used for a wide number of different exercises that emphasize everything from limbs to core. Their versatility makes them the ideal piece of equipment for Pilates enthusiasts who are looking to add some diversity to their routine.
Everyone from first timers to advanced Pilates enthusiast can take advantage of a Wunda Chair. However, before you rush out to buy one on your own, come in and try a class with one. Our team of instructors know all the best exercises and techniques that utilize a Wunda chair and can show you how to get the most out of your time with one.
2. Reformer
If you’ve never seen a Pilates reformer, don’t be intimidated by its appearance. Reformers are some of the best known pieces of Pilates equipment and one of the most common you will encounter at many Pilates studios. Like the Wunda Chair, a Pilates reformer is a solid base that utilizes straps and cords that provide adjustable resistance for a variety of exercises. A reformer is more like a cot frame than a chair and is designed to help isolate and work out specific muscle groups.
Because reformers are comparatively large pieces of Pilates equipment, many people choose not to keep one in their home gym. Firehaus Pilates maintains its own set of reformers and is happy to show you how to use one to optimize your workout routine.
3. Trap Table
Trap Tables are the Cadillac of Pilates equipment. They are one of the largest and most impressive pieces you are likely to see in a Pilates studio and can be utilized for the most advanced and specific rehab based Pilates workouts. They resemble a small bed frame complete with posts that support two parallel bars suspended over a padded area. A series of straps and adjustable pulleys give users the ability to fine tune their exercises as needed.
Trap Table Pilates are very advanced and should only be utilized at first under the eye of a qualified Pilates instructor. Once proficient in their use, a Pilates aficionado will have access to some of the most challenging and versatile exercises, making the Trap Table the ultimate piece of equipment necessary for achieving your workout goals.
4. Pilates Barrel
Pilates Barrels, half barrels, and ladder barrels are pieces of equipment that specialize in stretching and spinal alignment. Exercises that utilize Pilates barrels help open the chest, improve posture, and restore the natural curvature of the spine. Working at a desk or on your feet for hours at a time can be hard on your body and promote improper alignment which can have widespread physical effects. It’s especially important to include a variety of upper and lower back stretches into your routine to help mitigate these effects and Pilates barrels provide an easy way to expand your workout repertoire into this key area.
Especially for those with chronic back pain and because of their small size, keeping a Pilates barrel in your home or office may be a practical step toward improving your body’s condition and providing relief throughout the day. The highly experienced Pilates instructors at Firehaus Pilates in Denver are happy to make suggestions on how you could incorporate a Pilates barrel into your home workout.
To test out any and all Pilates equipment, check out the variety of Pilates private sessions and classes offered at Firehaus Pilates in Denver and call us today at (303) 945-6951.