There are at least two opposing versions of what can be regarded as the indicator of general health conditions and physical fitness.
The first one, a more modern western concept, puts the emphasis on the strength of muscles.
Bodybuilding is therefore a key element to this perspective.
The ancient eastern concept, puts the emphasis on stretching rather than on strength; on harmony between physical and spiritual element within ourselves and not the outer body.
Hatha yoga is the best example of a "sport" of this second kind.
If we take this second concept seriously, then where do we place pilates? Although pilates makes use of many different machines to achieve its goals, its basic aim and methodology is a bit closer to that of yoga than to that of bodybuilding.
For those of you who prefer to exercise at home, here is a short list of pilates home gym machines.
All of them can be used at home: reformer, Pedipull , resistance bands, Cadillac, barrel and chair.
To understand the differences between them I recommend buying a pilates DVD from one of the online stores.
That way you'll get to know the machines and exercises and it will be faster than searching and reading articles online.
But to help a little here are some brief descriptions of the basic machines and what they offer.
A Pedipull , one of the simplest and easiest pilates machine models to use.
Pedipull is a pole in a shape of a "T" bolted to the wall or to the floor.
It has two parallel spring attachments, both with handles.
Pedipull is used mainly for improving posture, providing spinal realignment.
It strengthens hand muscles, arms, back, legs and breasts.
This is one of the "bodybuilding" style machines used in pilates.
The best known manufacturers of pilates machines for home and studio use are Peak Pilates, Stott Pilates, Balanced Body, and Equilibrium.
However traditional Pedipull can be hard to find.
Most modern machines like Cadillac or reformer can have Pedipull included in some way.
Check the manufacturer specifications carefully.
The first one, a more modern western concept, puts the emphasis on the strength of muscles.
Bodybuilding is therefore a key element to this perspective.
The ancient eastern concept, puts the emphasis on stretching rather than on strength; on harmony between physical and spiritual element within ourselves and not the outer body.
Hatha yoga is the best example of a "sport" of this second kind.
If we take this second concept seriously, then where do we place pilates? Although pilates makes use of many different machines to achieve its goals, its basic aim and methodology is a bit closer to that of yoga than to that of bodybuilding.
For those of you who prefer to exercise at home, here is a short list of pilates home gym machines.
All of them can be used at home: reformer, Pedipull , resistance bands, Cadillac, barrel and chair.
To understand the differences between them I recommend buying a pilates DVD from one of the online stores.
That way you'll get to know the machines and exercises and it will be faster than searching and reading articles online.
But to help a little here are some brief descriptions of the basic machines and what they offer.
A Pedipull , one of the simplest and easiest pilates machine models to use.
Pedipull is a pole in a shape of a "T" bolted to the wall or to the floor.
It has two parallel spring attachments, both with handles.
Pedipull is used mainly for improving posture, providing spinal realignment.
It strengthens hand muscles, arms, back, legs and breasts.
This is one of the "bodybuilding" style machines used in pilates.
The best known manufacturers of pilates machines for home and studio use are Peak Pilates, Stott Pilates, Balanced Body, and Equilibrium.
However traditional Pedipull can be hard to find.
Most modern machines like Cadillac or reformer can have Pedipull included in some way.
Check the manufacturer specifications carefully.
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