Which Pilates Machines Is Right For You?
Friday, May 22nd, 2009If you’ve been doing Pilates for any length of time, you’ve probably come across a couple of Pilates machines. There are a number of these pieces of equipment available on the market today. A Pilates machine, such as the Pilates Reformer, is an all in one, self contained Pilates workout.
I don’t care which “brand name” of Pilates you practice, whether it’s Winsor Pilates, Malibu Pilates, or Stott Pilates, there is a good chance you’ve used one of these machines. Maybe you have even bought one for your own home gym. If you don’t have one but thought about buying one…keep reading.
Alright, let’s get down to it. Here is my review of the three best Pilates machines available on the internet today. I am going to review, for your benefit, the Pilates Reformer, the Malibu Pilates Chair, and the ever popular Pilates Power Gym.
I want to start with the big dog on the market, the Pilates Reformer.
Pilates Reformer
This legendary (alright I’m being a little facetious with this term) Pilates Reformer is the top of the line Pilates machine out there. It is the equipment of choice among most of the worlds Pilates teaching elite. Although the name certainly does sound like some ancient torture device straight out of the Spanish Inquisition (which, if you remember your Monty Python, no one expects), it is actually a state of the art and up to date exercise equipment model.
As most people know Pilates is a modern form of core strengthening exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early part of the last century. Mr. Pilates was a prisoner in an internment camp when he realized he needed to keep active in order to survive his outer conditions. At the heart of Joes system is the concept that the health of the whole of the body could be greatly improved by strengthening the core inner abdominal and postural muscles.
The Pilates Reformer allows you to sit in its carriage on a padded seat and pull and push yourself along the track using the patented pulley and spring system. This way you can build yourself up with a steady and progressive pace, increasing your workload with time.
Pilates Power Gym Review
What a beautiful piece of equipment is the Pilates Power Gym. Assuming you are under 250 pounds, it is perfect for you with its padded foot straps and handles just like the Pilates Reformer. Like the Reformer, you can adjust the PPG to your own fitness level to strengthen your body’s core muscles. As well, it is only about half the size of the PR and is fairly light weight for easy maneuverability. The sturdy carbon steel frame makes firming and toning a snap. You can quickly sculpt your thighs, calves, abdominals, hips, butt,and back using its modern technology. Use it for a few weeks and see a whole new, fit not fat, you.
Malibu Pilates Chair
This is one of the smallest and certainly most compact of the whole body Pilates machines. And clocking in at just under three hundred and fifty bucks, it might just be one of the most affordable. It comes with a free wall chart and diet plan that make massive weight loss not only possible but simple and easy. Even sitting on your backside (it is a chair after all) you are going to get a serious work out with the MPC.
Whichever Pilates machine you choose you are sure to feel fantastic as you see those unwanted pounds drop off your body weekly until you see a whole new wonderful you.