Pilates Equipment - Pilates Rings, Cord Kits and Mats

The equipment used in Pilates tends to be simple and straightforward, in keeping with the confined origins of Pilates exercises when developed by Joseph Pilates.

The Pilates reformer is perhaps the best known, as well most expensive, piece of equipment, but for those who do not feel inclined to go to that lenth to try out Pilates exercises, there are also some inexpensive types of Pilates equipment around also. Below are a few examples.

Pilates Cord Kit

You cannot get much simpler than the Pilates cord kits pictured left, a basic kit that is enough to get started with Pilates exercises without breaking the bank. With this kit, you are not just given the chords and left to your own devices. A video, with a qualified Pilates instructor, guides you through a series of exercises for a complete workout. There is a CD also, and a guidebook, to help even the novice get started with Pilates.

Pilates Mats

For some Pilates exercises a mat is required. Any mat is better than none, but far better to have a specially designed and made Pilates mat. The one on the left is an example, specially made with Pilates exercises in mind. This high density and extra thick mat gives plenty of support while exercising, making it a comfortable experience. It is also made to last longer than the average Pilates mat.

Pilates Rings

Another piece of simple equipment used is a Pilates ring, which is used in a wide array of exercise routines. As you can see, the ring is a very simple prop, but nonethelss effective. The ergonomic design of the ring shown, in blue or gray, makes for easy grip yet firm and beneficial resistance.