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An innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates, Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can help alleviate back pain.
Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Hollywood celebrities and supermodels use it to maintain beautiful physiques.
Developed from the rehabilitation techniques of Pilates, Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or equipment, that will help you look and feel your very best. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you.
Benefits of Pilates:
‧Tone and strengthen Abdominals ‧Longer, leaner muscles
‧Improve posture
‧Prevent injury
‧Increase circulation, relive tension
‧Enhance strength with flexibility
‧Heighten concentration
‧Enhance athletic performance
‧Boost self-esteem
Click the tabs below to learn about some of the specialized pilates equipment available for private or small group training in our Taipa club:
 Perhaps the most renowned of all Pilates equipment is the Reformer. With its sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys, more than 100 exercises can be performed on this surprisingly versatile apparatus. The crux is in the gliding platform on which one can sit, kneel, stand or lie on their front, back or side. The user pushes and pulls off the foot bar using the arms, legs, wrists and ankles to slide back and forth along the rails in a controlled manner while the tension in the springs gently works the 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. Don't be surprised if some beginner Reformer exercises seem simple - a relaxing, almost effortless glide back and forth on the carriage with none of that overexertion sensation you get from pumping iron. The effects go deep, and you'll engage muscles you never knew you had. As you progress, the fitness challenge becomes significantly greater.
 This piece of Pilates equipment is often referred to as "The Rack" as it resembles something you might find in a medieval torture chamber. But fear not. The Cadillac (also known as the Trapeze Table) is one of the most effective and versatile pieces of exercise equipment ever to be engineered. The Cadillac was originally devised by Joseph Pilates to rehabilitate bedridden patients back when he was working as a hospital orderly. The apparatus has evolved a bit since the makeshift bed spring days, but its inspiration is apparent and it continues to be a bridge between exercise and physical therapy. Over 80 different exercises can be performed on this piece of Pilates equipment, ranging from gentle spring-assisted sit ups to advanced acrobatics that have one hanging from the upper bars - there's something for all ages and abilities. The Cadillac repertoire of exercises truly challenges the core abdominal muscles, develops spinal flexibility, works the shoulder girdle, strengthens the back and stretches the total body
 The Pilates ring can be used 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.
This is a surprisingly multipurpose piece of Pilates equipment that can help:
* > tone the upper arms
* > activate the inner and outer thighs
* > engage the chest
* > isolate the pelvic floor
* > develop neuromuscular coordination
* > make the mind-body connection
 These lightweight, portable Pilates barrels are a great complement to a mat workout or circuit session. Essentially, these are upholstered arches that help support the back and shoulders and plus open up the neck, hips and thighs, depending on how you use them. They're great rehabilitative tools for those recovering from stress, tension or injury and make a safe surface for deep stretching.
 Like most barrels, this unit is effective for stretching the spine and shoulders in a safe, stabilized, supported way. It adds variety and challenge to a Pilates mat routine or circuit training session whether one is a novice or expert.
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