The Genius Of Joe- A Little Guide to Pilates Apparatus
Although Joseph Pilates consistently believed that the Mat exercises provided a complete, whole body workout,
“In these exercises, the student stretches, flexes, bends, twists and rolls the body in a very precise and exacting manner which progressively works every portion of the body from head to toe.”*
he also designed, invented and constantly refined equipment to assist, facilitate and further develop the body and movement.
The Reformer
The most well known and recognisable piece of Pilates equipment had several versions including the Junior Reformer, a home Reformer sold as “the Pilates Gymnasium-The 101 Exerciser” with accompanying wall charts. You can buy one of the wall charts from PilatesPosters by clicking here.
In speaking about the Reformer, Joe said,
“Why use my strength? So I made a machine to do it for me. Look, you see it resists your movement in just the right way so those long inner muscles really have to work against it. That’s why you can concentrate on movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it.”*
The Chairs
Joe invented a series of exercise chairs including the Wunda Chair, Baby Chair and the High or Electric Chair. Joe said about the Wunda Chair,
“You can climb mountains, swim seas and walk the earth- all while lying down”*
Designed to be a piece of furniture in your living room, once flipped over it becomes an incredible piece of equipment. You can see a fantastic piece of footage of Joe demonstrating the Wunda Chair by clicking here.
The Cadillac
This largest piece of Pilates equipment is supposedly named after the finest, luxury car made at that time. Resembling a four poster bed with it’s overhead frame, it has different spring attachments for leg and arm work, a roll back bar, a push through bar, a trapeze, airplane board and fuzzy straps. It really is the ultimate piece in the Pilates studio. Although it is often linked to rehabilitation, it offers so much more bringing significant strength gains and advanced mobility challenges.
The Wall Unit or Tower
The Cadillac’s little brother, often seen as half a Cadillac and a more compact, space saving alternative, almost all of the Cadillac exercises can be performed on the Wall Unit.
In a fascinating webinar presented by Sean Gallagher and Elaine Ewing on the history of the Wall Unit, I discovered that it’s origins can be traced to before Joseph Pilates and he also invented several precursors and versions.These include the Divana, combining an integrated small barrel, Reformer and Tower, the Bednasium, the Massage Table, the Guillotine, the Gym in the Doorway, the Resister and others.
To find out more about these pieces go to Rhinebeck Pilates where you will find photos and more history of original Pilates apparatus.
The Barrels
Joe developed several pieces of apparatus in the shape of barrels, the Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel and Small Barrel. The Spine Corrector, being small and portable, was sold particularly for home use or for use in large group classes,
“..for sensational demonstrations in correction of posture and spine defects”*
Hand weights and steel bottomed Slippers were recommended to be used to further enhance the exercises. Predicted in the advert for the Spine Corrector,
“Its benefits, when used correctly, are most amazing”*
Other pieces of apparatus
There are so many other pieces of apparatus from the Ped-o-Pul to smaller pieces such as the Magic Circle, Foot Corrector, Toe Stretcher, Bean Bag Device, Neck Stretcher, Breath-A-Sizer and others such as the Tens-o-meter which have disappeared over time.
The incredible genius of Joseph Pilates tells most in his inventions and equipment designs, there is something for every single part of the body, including the eyes! It also seems that there is more to be discovered through the fabulous work and research of Elaine Ewing & Sean Gallagher and I can’t wait to see what else is revealed.
- So much of the information can be found in the meticulously researched and well written book, Get To Know Joe Pilates by Cathy Strack. This is a must read for any Pilates teacher or enthusiast as it brings the life and work of Joe Pilates to life. Click here to read a review of the book and please contact me if you would like a copy.
Go to Rhinebeck Pilates to watch & register for Pilates History Webinars presented by Sean Gallagher and Elaine Ewing which are invaluable.
If you would like more information on training on the Studio Equipment, extra dates have now been added, click here.
