When I first began my Pilates journey (25 years ago), I was 100% faithful to the Mat repertoire. I bought a book, The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler, that I consumed and followed all the moves listed. It went traveling the world with me. At this point in my Pilates passion, I didn't even know there was equipment!
Doing Mat Pilates makes sense, it is easy to do anywhere that you can get down on the ground (like airports, hotel rooms, beaches). So logic ruled that I began my studies with a Mat Certification.
But while I was waiting for my course to begin with Polestar Pilates Australia, I tried a Reformer class. And my world seemed to shift in that moment. The smoothness of the carriage, the challenge of co-ordinating so many moving parts and the pure delight of Feet In Straps; I was hooked. So I signed up to simultaneously study Reformer and Mat certifications.
I went a full year before I was brave enough to enter a clinical studio space and meet the other pieces that were patiently waiting.
The Trapeze Table (aka the Trap), has a silent strength to it that can elevate you into things you didn't even know were possible in movement. And at the same time, it is a true therapeutic beauty for anyone suffering from acute and/or chronic conditions.
The Chair (aka Wunda Chair or Combo Chair) is like a mini reformer. It's a terrific tool to challenge the work in weight bearing and control. The ability to adapt springs to suit any body on its surface is what makes it shine. Because as we know, the same exercise can change completely based on how much or how little support we provide.
The Barrels - we group them as one piece but they totally deserve separate mention.
The Spine Corrector / Pilates Arc is an invitation to explore the most exquisite ways your spine can move.
The Ladder Barrel is the most common place for people to do stretches, but don't think that's all it's good for. This piece has a hidden WOW-factor that makes people defy gravity!
While I believe in having all these pieces of equipment in the set up of a Clinical Studio space, it's not always in a budget to get them simultaneously. So I am often asked: "Should I get a Trap Table or Reformer first?" The answer varies based on who you are drawing in to your space. I like to work with more rehabilitation based needs, so I would choose the Trap first. If you're looking to get people understanding the elements of Pilates and general good movement strategies, then I'd choose the Reformer. But as I said, you'll be looking to get them all so that you are able to offer the most variety as well as, the most specific tools to the body in front of you.
So to put the question in a different way ...
which is my favourite piece to move on? Without a doubt, the Reformer. It is my dance partner and it offers me the quiet space to explore, discover and play.
which is my favourite piece to teach on? Hands down, the Trap Table. It allows me access to channel in all the other skills I have under my belt in order to facilitate better movement in the individual.
If you're looking to add Clinical Pilates to your life and you're local to the Sunshine Coast, then give us a call to set up an Initial Consultation so that we can start moving you.
If you're not local but still want to have individualised sessions, I offer Zoom consultations. Be in touch through the contact on www.kinectedpilates.com.au
Looking for just a bit of home-based movement inspiration? You can follow me on YouTube here
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