At the Pilates Center of Oklahoma LLC you won't just do exercises, you will follow a method tailored to the needs of your body. The Pilates Center of Oklahoma LLC is a fully equipped studio using Gratz and Stott™ equipment to provide you with the best sessions possible. The equipment used at the Pilates Center of Oklahoma LLC is based on the original designs of Joseph Pilates and those of Moira Stott-Merrithew. The apparati is manufactured by Gratz, a seventy-year-old manufacturing company that continues to produce the apparatus of choice by Romana Kryzanowska. Choosing high quality equipment is very critical to successful Pilates and I am proud to say I have the best.
The Pilates apparatus is unique in its appearance and function. The equipment can provide resistance and assistance during an exercise, thus both challenging and supporting the body as it learns to move more efficiently. Here are some of the more commonly used pieces of equipment.
The Mat can either be the kind used at the gym or raised off of the ground. The exercises in the mat system emphasize pelvic stabilization and abdominal control and are the foundation for the entire Pilates method of body conditioning. The mat is designed to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and breath control.
The Reformer is a sliding, horizontal bed on which the client reclines, sits, or kneels. The platform rests on tracks parallel to the ground. Movement is initiated and controlled by the client who either stabilizes, pulls or pushes against a metal bar or ropes. Five detachable springs hooked onto the carriage determine the amount of resistance.
The Cadillac is the largest and most versatile piece of equipment, extensive range of applications makes the Cadillac ideal for rehabilitation and athletic training.
The Wunda Chair or Split-Pedal Chair is a versatile piece of equipment, designed so that clients could keep a smaller more compact piece of equipment at home, but still reap the benefits of reformer work. The Chair is considered by some master teachers the most advanced piece of equipment. The Electric Chair is used in a Classical Pilates Studio. Exercises performed on the Electric Chair are very similar to those on the Wunda or Split Pedal Chair. The Electric Chair provides more stability for the client. Joseph named this piece "The Electric Chair" because "you are the electricity that makes it move".
The Ladder Barrel, is designed for core conditioning and stretching, and is a key component of a fully equipped studio. Six rungs accommodate varying strengths and degrees of flexibility. The sliding base adjusts the distance between the ladder and the barrel, allowing for different torso and leg lengths. Metal construction ensures stability and durability.
The Arc barrel is used in a wide variety of stretching and strengthening exercises. This barrel can also be incorporated into the matwork exercises.
The Spine Corrector is wonderful for people who need to strengthen their upper bodies, while stretching the chest and back. The spine corrector also stretches the hips and legs, while strengthening at the same time.
Is STOTT PILATES equipment like the equipment I've seen for sale on TV?
Why is some Pilates equipment made of wood?
What are the other pieces of equipment used for?
What are the benefits of this type of conditioning equipment?
Why are springs used for resistance instead of weights?
How much resistance (in weight) do the springs supply?
Is this equipment good for flexibility?
Is STOTT PILATES equipment like the equipment I've seen for sale on TV?
No. STOTT PILATES designs and produces top-of-the-line equipment primarily used in clubs, personal training and rehab facilities. The STOTT PILATES Client Reformer is designed for people who want quality equipment for home use or for use in personal training facilities. STOTT PILATES equipment is far more versatile and durable than that sold on TV.
Why is some Pilates equipment made of wood?
This is mainly due to tradition. People used to have carpenters make equipment for them. Since wood can warp, we make our equipment using durable, quality materials such as anodized steel, extra thick and strong ropes, a quality pulley mechanism, long-life resistance springs, a patented rolling mechanism for smooth carriage travel & safety.
What are the other pieces of equipment used for?
A broad variety of stretching and strengthening exercises are done on the Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. While the STOTT REFORMER is the key piece of equipment, all of the other pieces are highly versatile and have their own distinct features and benefits (Review our catalogue or speak to instructor for more details).
What are the benefits of this type of conditioning equipment?
STOTT PILATES core conditioning equipment is highly versatile. It facilitates hundreds of exercise variations, is no-impact (and therefore easy on the joints), allows for modifications for those with injuries/conditions, allows for three-dimensional movement/conditioning, and is suitable for a wide variety of clients (from rehab to pro athlete). It also facilitates balanced strength & flexibility, provides eccentric/concentric muscle contraction (resistance on the in and out moves), total musculo-skeletal conditioning (muscles & postural alignment), and facilitates core conditioning and peripheral mobility.
Why are springs used for resistance instead of weights?
In using springs for resistance, STOTT EQUIPMENT provides gradual resistance as your muscles contract, which ensures the muscles are being worked properly. There is greater resistance at the muscle's strongest point of contraction & less resistance on the initiation/completion of the contraction so there is less stress on tendons and ligaments).
How much resistance (in weight) do the springs supply?
Initial tension is 5 lbs. for the first inch of tension (for full strength springs), and then increases by approximately 1 lb. per inch. Multiply the number of springs and distance traveled to get approximate tension in lbs. On a STOTT REFORMER, four springs are full tension & one is half. (Most people simply make a note of the number of springs used per exercise).
Is this equipment good for flexibility?
Yes, STOTT EQUIPMENT is excellent for improving flexibility. Flexibility is a key component of total fitness that has been largely ignored by other conditioning methods.
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