For those who are used to traditional fitness centers where the multigym is a main piece of equipment that uses a series of weights and pulleys, and offers muscle building and strength while lying or seated on a bench, the concept of pilates may be foreign. Since pilates, in its truest form is closer to yoga, it is often a type of exercise that people who do not appreciate the huff, puff of the “no pain, no gain” idea of bodybuilding, will go for. What that means is that while a multigym system offers a means of working out the physical body, pilates machines tend to work the body in conjunction with the mind, with breathing, with relaxation, with stretching, and with the aim to total well-being and flexibility rather than just specific regions. That makes the basis of a multigym and the pilates machines available extremely different.

In this post, I focus on just some of the less melodramatic pieces of equipment that are relatively affordable – the pilates equipment that is based on the concept of using chairs and barrels as aids. What? Chairs? Barrels? Yes, let me explain:

First the pilates chairs don’t look like household furniture. They are in fact a piece of home gym equipment that allows a full upper and lower body workout. As an example, the Peak Pilates series as one that’s called the Wunda Chair. It’s a box-type seat or stool that has a scalloped back, an upholstered seat, and has a dual position mode that allows for sitting or working-out. There are also pedals that offer a kind of resistance with springs. The design of the chair includes the steel springs that are quick changing and offer nine resistance levels. The person who uses the chair will stand on it in different ways, using the spring resistance to create a level on sustained tension while holding yoga-like positions. The chair is a tool, not a workout center.

The Hump Barrels are more like half barrels that rest on the floor and offer a sort of padded arch for the back to rest on and a support for areas of the body whilst engaged in performing stretching and toning exercises that are not about repetitions like up/down pulleys on multigym pieces, but more of a means to hold a posture, and strengthen the body. The barrels offer a series of cushions and comes with a manual for different positions. There are also things like the high ladder barrel pilates machines that are wood with unholstery and not much more. Yet, these simple pieces of equipment may make it possible for those who are less flexible or at a beginner stage, to actually progress faster.

Setting up a home studio for your own private use is affordable when using barrels and chairs and pilates rings. Small tools are enough to help you progress stretching, gaining flexibility and toning the core muscles of your body, while breathing, and releaseing stress in a calm manner.

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