There are many different pieces of equipment for Pilates exercises. If you want exercise simply or on the go, there is always the bare basic: the Pilates Mat. With the Pilates Mat you can exercise anytime, anywhere. With the Pilates Mat you can perform Joseph Pilates 34 Free Exercises. If you want to expand upon the 34 Free Exercises or take them to another level, you can use the Pilates Reformer, Pilates Exercise Balls, or Pilates Exercise Rings. No matter which piece of Pilates equipment you use, you will be doing your body justice. All you have to do is find the right equipment for you!

Pilates mats are often available at any exercise facility. But the benefit of having your own is that you can chose the right mat for yourself from a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. The best benefit of owning your own Pilates mat is that it is available to you in your home too! You can take your Pilates mat with you anywhere you chose: to the studio, vacation, or even the park. Your Pilates experience will no longer be based on your location; instead it will be based on your personal preference.

When selecting a Pilates mat it is first important to realize that there is a difference between Pilates mats and Yoga mats. While they are similar in size a Pilates mat needs to be much thicker than a Yoga mat. Because a Yoga mat is mainly used for standing poses Yoga mats are sticky to prevent slipping and are thin so that the practitioner can feel the floor. A Pilates mat must be thicker to protect your body from the floor when doing intense rolling exercises. About.com describes important elements of a Pilates mat the best!

• “A good Pilates mat is at least a half inch thick. I see a lot of thinner mats marketed as Pilates mats, but they are really just yoga cross-over mats.
• A Pilates mat should also be firm. A mat that is too soft will not support balance and alignment properly.
• Make sure that the mat is long enough and wide enough. Typical roll up mat lengths are 72" - 86", though I have seen them as short as 56". Widths vary from 21" to 39". There are also folding mats, similar to the kinds of mats found in studios, and those are usually significantly larger, 4' by 8' for example.”

There are other options in selecting a Pilates mat other than size and thickness. Also available are Roll Up Pilates Mats and Folding Pilates Mats. This decision is completely up to you, the consumer! Roll Up Mats offer different benefits than Fold Up Mats. Roll Up Mats are portable and easily stored. They are very popular and are found online, in stores, and in magazines. There are several types of Roll Up Mats, foam, rubber and even PVC. Ever consumer has their own opinion about which type of Roll Up Mat is better. The thing to keep in mind is that every person is looking for something different in a mat, and what may suit someone else may not suit you!

Closed Cell Mat Close cell foam mats are very popular in the Pilates industry. They are thick yet firm as opposed to regular foam mats which tend to be slightly softer. StottPilates.com and WinsorPilates.com both recommend closed cell mats.

PVC/Fusion Mat While PVC mats, otherwise known as Fusion Mats, aren’t quite as common but are beneficial because of their durable rubberized non-slip surface. PVC mats have sealed edges to repel moisture and prevent bacterial growth. They are over ¼” thick and long lasting!

Rubber Mat A good Roll Up Mat, no matter what the material, will come with straps or a tube like bag to transport it in and make for easier storage. Good Pilates mats range from $20.00- $50.00. Folding Pilates Mats Folding Pilates mats are good for higher quality types. While they are more expensive than Roll Up mats, they also have their benefits. They are closer to what you may find in a Pilates studio and are good if you’re looking to outfit a home studio. Because they are heavier than Roll Up mats they aren’t quite as portable, however, many have carrying straps attached. High quality of Pilates mats range around $300.00. If you’re going to invest in a Folding Pilates Mat it is important to purchase a high quality mat. Most of the less expensive mats are not firm enough for a Pilates workout. Folding Pilates mats are significantly larger than roll up mats and the average size is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long.

Folding Platform Mat Consumer Reports Top Five Suggested Pilates Mats! 1. The Aeromat Surface Exercise Mat Authorized Aeromat Dealer. The Aeromat Surface Exercise Mat with VELCRO® Strap offers firm support for mat work. It is constructed with closed-cell foam and provides excellent cushioning for comfort. $20.99 2. Home & Gym Folding Exercise Mat by TKO TKO is committed to manufacturing and designing innovative quality boxing and fitness products that bring value and enjoyment. Prices from $39.99

3. Exercise Mat - Everlast Aerobic Roll Up Exercise Mat Authorized Everlast Dealer. The Aerobic Roll Up Exercise Mat is used for aerobic exercise, is 0.375 inch thick and weighs less than 3 pounds. From $24.99 4. Exercise Mat - Aeromat 39 x 72 inch Dual Surface Exercise Mat Authorized Aeromat Dealer. The Aeromat 39 x 72 inch Dual Surface Exercise Mat features many characteristics of more expensive mats but are economically priced. From $46.99 5. Exercise Mat - TKO Strength Interlock Fitness Mat Authorized TKO Strength Dealer. The TKO Strength Interlock Fitness Mat is made from high-density foam and is specially designed to absorb the shock that occurs on gym flooring. These four protective, non-slip mats boast a lightweight design with an easy-locking system, allowing you to easily and safely cover 16 square feet of floor space. From $19.99.

The Pilates Reformer The Pilates Reformer was originally designed by Joseph Pilates with help from his niece Mari Pilates. The Reformer is often the first purchase made when creating an at home Pilates studio. The Reformer is made of a sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys. The spring resistance offered in the Reformer helps to generate strength without muscle bulk. Reformers are versatile, and adaptable, and more than 100 exercises can be performed on it. Reformers are built with the utmost craftsmanship and with several models, you can find the best Reformer for you. Take into consideration craftsmanship, durability, space availability, and price when choosing your reformer. The most important part of the Reformer to take into consideration when looking into one of your own is the gliding platform where the user can sit, kneel, stand or lie. When doing exercises it is possible for the user to be on their front, back, or side. The participant pushes off the foot bar using their appendages to slide back and forth along the rails in a controlled manner. This creates tension with help from the springs and will help to created lean, strong, muscles.

“The Pilates Reformer helps one establish torso stability and postural alignment while working peripheral limbs in a range of motion. The adjustable springs allow for progressive resistance, which helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles rather than building bulk. It makes for an effective, no-impact stretching and toning workout that is friendly to the joints.” (Pilatesinsight.com) There are many styles of reformers. The Reformer pictured here is a classic Pilates Reformer made by Peak Pilates. Some reformers are wood and some are metal. There might be leather straps or ropes, and the reformer may be on legs or not. Nevertheless, the basic parts and their functions will be the same. A Pilates Reformer includes the springs, foot bar, gear system, the carriage, head rest, shoulder blocks, and the straps or ropes. Some Reformer exercises may seem simple, however the effects are deep within your body, working your core and engaging your entire body. As you progress, the intensity of your workout is likely to increase and you will be able to broaden your knowledge and undertaking of the Pilates Reformer exercises. The Reformed has become a key component in not only Pilates studios but also in rehabilitation clinics. Many medical professionals are embracing the Reformer for help in Physical Therapy, Chiropractics, and more. The Reformer is quickly becoming complementary to many specialties.

Stott Pilates Reformer Reputable Reformer equipment manufactures today include Balanced Body, Gratz Pilates, Peak Pilates, and Stott Pilates. There are many variations in material, design, and style all close to Joseph Pilates original version. While wood is the most traditional, metal may be more durable. Other subtle enhancements are also available. A wide variety of upholstery colors are available making the Reformer aesthetically pleasing to any eye. Prices fall between $2000-$4000 dollars offering a range of options and quality.

“If you're Reformer shopping for club, clinic, studio or home use, look for: • Durable material used in wood, metal and upholstered components • Smooth gliding carriage • High-integrity springs • Sturdy standing platform • Non-slip foot bar, preferably adjustable • Comfortable hand and foot loops, easy to alter • Padded shoulder rests to secure alignment • Easy adjustments to accommodate different body sizes and ability levels • Easy-to-clean surfaces • Available accessories such a box, mat converter and jump board”

The Exercise Ball “An Exercise Ball, is a Balance Ball, is a Stability Ball, is a Core Challenge” (Marguerite Ogle). Exercise balls are considered to be contemporary pieces of Pilates equipment. However, exercise balls have been welcomed with open arms into the Pilates community because of their diverse and core-building ways. In an ever-changing and fast-paced health and exercise industry, fitness balls are making an imprint. Most likely you have seen one of these balls on TV or in the gym in the past year. While fitness balls may look like a light workout, don’t be deceived. Fitness balls offer one of the best methods for strengthening your abdominals and core. Fitness balls- also called the exercise ball, stability ball, Swiss ball, or physio ball- introduce an element of instability not found in common floor exercises. The lack of stability allows the body to respond naturally and automatically to keep balance on the ball. The fitness ball works multiple muscles at one time while forcing your body to balance itself. This creates an extremely effective workout. The fundamental nature of the fitness ball allows individuals to build core strength in important back and abdominal muscles without knowing it. This inexpensive piece of equipment offers a total body workout while also improving balance. The fitness ball is diverse in the fact that it offers literally hundreds of different exercises. The fitness ball is limited neither to beginners nor experts, and can be used by children and seniors. The variety of the fitness ball allows everyone to be healthy, in shape, and having fun!

“Easy:
• Do Pelvic Curl with your legs in table top propped on the ball.
• Do Spine Stretch with your hands on the ball, allowing it to roll out with the exercise.

Moderate:
• Do Plank with the hips balanced on the ball.
• Do The Hundred with legs propped on the ball.

More Difficult:
• Do Roll Up holding the fitness ball in your hands.
• Do Open Leg Rocker with the ball between your ankles.” (about.com)

Pilates fitness balls are inexpensive, useful, and easy to transfer. You can even use a fitness ball for your desk chair, building core strength while you work. It is important to find the right ball for your size. The ball size may also change depending on the exercise you are doing. Here is a basic guide: you will want to get a ball 55 cm for someone 4'11" to 5'4", 65 cm for 5'5" to 5'11", and 75 cm for people 6' to 6'7".

Pilates fitness balls are sold wherever exercise equipment is sold. They are easily found online, in stores, magazines, and in gyms and studios. If you are looking to outfit your home studio, or if you even just want a small piece of equipment for your home, the fitness ball is the way to go.

Fitness balls are available anywhere exercise equipment is sold, from all the big discount stores, to fitness stores, gyms and studios, and of course, online.

1. Stamina Products Exercise Ball - Stamina Shiatsu Body Ball- Authorized Stamina Dealer. The Stamina Shiatsu Body Ball has a diameter of 65 centimeters, comes in gold color and is meant to target the back, thighs, shoulders and abs. From $17.99.

2. Cory Everson 65cm Exercise Ball Kit by TKO- Features 65-cm. exercise ball Perfect for yoga and fitness classes Helps increase flexibility Strengthens and tones muscles Soft rubber supports and cushions your body Durable, anti-burst construction Easy to maintain and clean. From $14.99

3. Stamina Products Exercise Ball - Stamina INTOUCH® Yoga/Pilates Mini Ball- Authorized Stamina Dealer. This workout challenges you as you increase your strength, flexibility and endurance. From $14.99.

4. Cory Everson 55cm Exercise Ball Kit by TKO- Features 55-cm. exercise ball Perfect for yoga and fitness classes Helps increase flexibility Strengthens and tones muscles Soft rubber supports and cushions your body Durable, anti-burst construction. From $12.99.

5. Stamina Products Exercise Ball- Stamina Denise Austin Hour Glass Exercise Ball Authorized Stamina Dealer. The Stamina Denise Austin Hour Glass Exercise Ball has a diameter of 54 centimeters, comes in purple and is meant to target the abs, thighs, arms, shoulders and back. From $23.99.

Pilates Ring aka Magic Rings A Pilates ring is also known as a magic circle, exercise circle, exercise ring, power ring, workout ring, power circle, fitness ring, and fitness circle. It is a flexible ring, often metal, with padded handles, about 13 inches in diameter. Pilates rings provide resistance and muscle feedback during exercise. They are great for toning the arms, chest, hips, and thighs. The Pilates ring provides gentle to moderate resistance during a specified Pilates exercise. They give the body feedback as to which muscles are being used, and how much they are being used. Pilates Rings are becoming very popular in the fitness world. They were originally developed my Joseph Pilates and are very versatile, portable, and offer a great workout for minimal money. The price range of Pilates rings is currently about $20.00-$75.00. When purchasing a ring you want to find one that suits all of your workout needs. The Pilates ring is amazingly diverse. “For example, you can use the Circle standing, sitting or lying down on your front, back or side. You can squeeze both in and out on the circumference with your legs or arms for abduction and adduction exercises. You can place the contoured handles on your shoulder and push down with the triceps. You can grasp the Ring in both hands as you squeeze in with the chest muscles. You can balance the "O" between your knees to help you focus on your abs.” Some Pilates exercises with Pilates Rings include, seated legs, straight arms, and arms back.

Pilates rings are extremely durable and great for travel. They are mainly made of metal but occasionally are made of rubber. However, rubber does tend to be very squishy. If you are a stronger individual or are looking for greater resistance it is best to look towards metal rings. Pilates rings are great for travel because no matter what they are made for, they don’t weigh much. They lay flat and add little volume. Even heavy duty rings don’t weigh much. They are great for a home studio or as a travel companion. Also, look for pads on the inside and on the outside of the circle. This will add versatility to your exercises and allow you to stabilize the ring with ease when exercising.