5 pieces of equipment you might find in a Private Pilates Studio (other than a Reformer)
A Pilates studio can be an intimidating place when you first enter it, whether you come to a private Pilates studio or group classes. There’s large equipment you will probably have never seen and that look unlike anything you will have seen in regular gym. Based near Diss and as one of only a small number of Pilates studios in Norfolk I am used to confused, or scared, looks from clients wondering what they have walked into.
The most commonly seen piece of equipment is the Reformer; with so many images and videos on social media you’d be forgiven for thinking that was the only piece of equipment in a Pilates studio. However, Joseph Pilates was a prolific inventor not just of the exercises and his ‘method’ but also of equipment.
There are many more pieces of equipment than are listed here but I have selected these as they are what I have currently my private Pilates Studio near Diss in Norfolk.
To read more on the Reformer have a look at the blog What is a Pilates Reformer?
1. The Cadillac
The Cadillac (or trapeze table, as it’s sometimes called), along with the Reformer, is the largest piece of equipment and due to its size and the ‘things’ hanging off it, I get a number of comments and questions from clients (whether they are here for private Pilates, Neural Reset Therapy or Rossiter Stretching).
I love working with the Cadillac for a number of reasons, a major one is its height. The one in the studio is a rehab height Cadillac, slightly higher than a standard chair but lower than a bar stool, making it perfect for older or less mobile clients to sit down and stand up easily.
Exercises are based around springs providing assistance or resistance depending upon the focus of the exercise. This is another reason why I love this piece of equipment and find it invaluable in a private Pilates class. I can scale the exercise for you whether that’s mobilising or stretching a stiff tight back or challenging core muscles or arm strength.
The Cadillac can be worked on from either end, standing next to it or on it, sitting on the side or hanging off it. Often I will use it as an easy platform for clients to do Pilates matwork exercises to avoid getting up and down from the floor.
2. Ladder Barrel
Unlike the Reformer or other pieces of Pilates Studio equipment on the list, the Ladder Barrel has no springs or moving parts.
Many clients have a love/hate relationship with the Ladder Barrel. One of the most recognisable sets of exercises is the Ballet Stretch series which really works into the tight hamstrings. Clients love the results but not always the exercise itself.
This is something that is usually only experienced in a private Pilates studio class as few studios will offer this equipment in group classes.
3. Wunda Chair
This can be a challenging piece of equipment to work on and again is rarely seen in group classes outside of large studios, so is mainly seen in a private Pilates class.
You wouldn’t think that just ‘sitting on a chair’ could be a challenge but it can provide a strong workout for the core. I love bringing clients here to work in a seated position as many people spend much of their day sitting at a desk. For clients who have issues laying down using the Wunda chair can provide as good a workout as on the reformer.
It is widely believed that Joseph Pilates invented this piece of equipment to give clients a ‘home gym’ in their New York apartments (he really was ahead of his time). The idea being that the Wunda chair could be turned 90o so the base becomes the chair back, this converted it into a regular chair when your workout was finished.
4. Foot Corrector
Another love/hate piece of equipment for many clients and the smallest piece of equipment in this article is the foot corrector.
Usually only seen in a private Pilates sessions, the foot corrector is often overlooked but I feel one of the most important pieces of equipment.
So many of the exercises in Pilates work the feet and our connection to standing, with a number clients coming in with issues around balance, their feet or issues with knees and hips when standing. I find using the foot corrector to isolate the movement of the foot and ankle invaluable, having trained for a marathon hike it is a go to piece of kit to help my feet.
Exercises done on the foot corrector feel very small and almost like you aren’t doing anything however walking around afterwards can really show the power of this piece of Pilates equipment.
5. Ped-O-Pull / Pedi Pole
or Ped-O-Pull
The Ped-O-Pull or Pedi-Pole is another lesser-known but effective piece of equipment. Again usually only seen in private Pilates sessions, the name literally means pulling from the feet.
The Ped-O-Pull is designed to work your whole body, challenging balance, strength and posture while standing.
With so many pieces of Pilates equipment to choose from a private Pilates session can be infinitely variable and challenging for your needs whether you are a sports person looking to improve or someone needing to improve your daily life.
I hope by showing you the equipment will see in the studio in your private Pilates session you feel more comfortable when you come and visit.
If you’re interested in trying any of the equipment and want to book a private Pilates session I am based near Diss in Norfolk (England) and I’d love to be able to welcome you.
Use the link below to get in touch and book a private Pilates session today.