Pilates Fitness Equipment

One of the single most popular (and dare I say “trendy”) fitness crazes of the decade is really a throw-back to ancient eastern martial arts and fitness.  Pilates began to take western cultures by storm in the mid 1990’s, and it hasn’t looked back.  What was formerly virtually unknown to most westerners suddenly became the fitness craze of the century, and it wasn’t always cheap.   Depending on the program, practicing Pilates may require investing in a mere DVD on up to paying for a high priced personal trainer or even expensive Pilates fitness equipment.  Depending on what you are hoping to accomplish with your Pilates workout, you really have a variety of options which are generally only limited by your budget and creativity.

Standard Equipment

The most basic piece of Pilates fitness equipment that any aspiring Pilates buff has own, without question, is a basic workout or Pilates mat, which provides cushioning against bruises and abrasions while working on the floor.  A Pilates mat is generally fairly inexpensive — however as you get more advanced in your Pilates workouts, the more expensive the equipment tends to become.  That being said, there are hundreds of Pilates workouts that you can do with no equipment at all (except for a mat, which can be replaced with a stack of towels in a pinch.)

Among the most commonly used pieces of Pilates fitness equipment are the (very expensive) Pilates Reformer, the Pilates Chair, the Pilates Barrel, and the Pilates Cadillac.

Accessories

In addition to the larger pieces of equipment, most Pilates buffs also invest in smaller (but necessary) accessories such as Pilates balls, Pilates bands and weights.

Where to find it?

If you are interested in investing in your own personal Pilates fitness equipment, you are should be able to find the majority of it in virtually any larger sporting goods or fitness supply store.  Depending on the area you live in, you may even be able to find specialty shops that exclusively sell Pilates fitness equipment and other Pilates supplies.  These types of establishments tend to be a little pricier than larger chain stores and stores that have wider selections.  Of course, if you are looking for a particular or harder to find piece of equipment or accessory, you may have an easier time at a specialty shop.

In addition to being available at brick and mortar retailers and wholesalers, there is an entire etailer subculture devoted to the promotion of Pilates and the sale of equipment.