Pilates in the Pines

The only thing you must have to do Pilates is, well, your body. That said, like most activities, having a few accessories handy can certainly make it more effective.

When it comes to Pilates, the first thing you will want to have to complement your practice is a mat. Primarily, it will protect the knobby parts of your body (knees, elbows, and tailbone) from the hard floor as you go through various exercises. Mats are made of a type of foam that offers added traction. While a typical floor may not offer the resistance you need to perform some exercises, a mat will allow your feet and hands to find grip so you can push and pull as you need.

Speaking of mats, you may also want to invest in a towel to wipe moisture off your mat before you store it away.

Pilates blocks are essential to advancing to more challenging positions. The rectangular, foam pads with a rigid consistency that offer support for poses that are somewhat difficult.  Strategically place the block to give you the leverage you need to complete the exercise.

A foam roller can be a great addition to your Pilates practice. Using a foam roller post workout can deliver the benefits of a deep tissue massage and help break up blockages that cause soreness. It can also be used for a number of exercises that improve both strength and flexibility.

A Pilates ball is another great addition to your Pilates workout. Balls open a door to a variety of new exercises that would be otherwise impossible. The Pilates ball is a large ball filled with air used for intermediate poses as well as gentle stretching. We have plenty here at Pilates in the Pines for your use.

Another accessory you may find useful is the yoga strap. This is a strap that helps you pull deeper into a stretch (for the highly flexible) or get into a basic stretch (for the inflexible). Simply anchor the yoga strap to a fixed point (this could be a table leg or even the bottom of your foot), and use the tension in the strap to pull into a deeper stretch.

Pilates in the Pines makes these accessories available to students. Plus our certified educators will oversee your Pilates exercise to ensure that your poses are correct delivering you the best benefit possible. Check out our calendar for courses to suit your schedule. We also offer individual training by appointment.