The ultimate piece of equipment, the Cadillac is a free standing piece of equipment with many fascinating accessories and parts to it. The Cadillac is a raised mat (padded with leather/PVC surface) and a metal or wooden frame surrounds the mat. From the metal or wood, various items are hung and attached. Typically you will find the fluffies(!) and sliding unit to attach the trapeze, and at one end a foot strap for foot stability is found. A wooden bar called the push through bar and there are multiple attaching clips to attach additional pieces of equipment to the Cadillac. In many studios (which have limited spaces), the Cadillac has been modified to create a Tower unit. This is simply a Cadillac cut in half, with one section attached to the wall. A raised mat is then placed in front of the tower unit. All exercises remain identical, except for one exercise, the full traditional ending which can only be performed on a Cadillac
It’s difficult to explain the feeling when working on a Cadillac or Tower. A major piece of equipment, it gives the client the confidence and support needed to develop all aspect of their training and body conditioning. Mat exercises can be performed on the Cadillac or Raised Mat in front of the Tower, and then all the various exercises using the accessories give a huge arrange of challenging exercises. From deep stretches through to intensive abdominal exercises, the ultimate piece of equipment allows for the ultimate experience.
A fascinating piece of equipment, one can actually use this equipment as a relaxing chair! Then when turned on its back, the chair becomes and explosive and exciting piece of equipment. A wooden structure with light padding and leather/PVC on the top, the base also has a thin layer of matting. The centre of the chair has a movable wooden platform, with a thicker foot or hand circular structure, often covered in rubber or slip-proof material. The central platform connects to the back of the chair with two springs and at the back of the chair three metal fixing points exist on both sides. The middle platform moves up and down with resistance from the springs varied on which setting the springs are placed on.
It’s difficult to explain the feeling when working on a Wunda chair. Its an explosive and invigorating piece of equipment which gets the blood pumping and heart rate up! A much smaller piece of equipment, clients are challenge with the workouts, giving a focus and advanced feel to many of the exercises you perform on it. Now height becomes an important factor, as clients stand and work on a much higher level. Again this challenges the balance, co-ordination and strength in all of the body.
A wooden structure which has a curved padded, leather/PVC covered coating. The back section of the barrel has three horizontal poles connecting the upper structure, and at the top, a longer bar extends past the structure itself. The main wooden structure on top of the curved wood is fixed in place. The ladder barrel is in the family of barrels, and a small barrel and spine corrector are additional accessories in this family of equipment.
It’s difficult to explain the feeling when working on a ladder barrel. But the main use of a ladder barrel is to achieve deep supported stretching and for advanced practitioners to use it to challenge the body! When stretching on the ladder barrel, even for the tightest of bodies, or those with injuries, it gives a safe, stable and supporting base to work on. The different level bars at the back accomodate for all body shapes and types. For advanced practioners, the curved section of the barrel can be used for certain exercises to challenge and advanced the practice, or for deep and advanced stretching.
A raised mat is a wooden raised platform which is covered in padding and then leather/PVC, giving users a firm, comfortable and safe area to workout. On the raised mat, we teach the mat exercises invented by Pilates himself. In the classical system, we have the three levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced) and the instructor works the body through the different levels according to body type, rehabilitation issue and fitness level. The raised mat is a wonderful piece of equipment to work on as the body feels supported and safe. At the front of the raised mat are two additional blocks (called moon boxes) used for wide leg positions. At the front of the mat there is a strap which users can slide their feet under to give an extra level of security in certain exercises, and at the rear of the mat, two wooden poles extend from the mat to give arm stability in certain exercises.
It’s difficult to explain the feeling when working on a raised mat. But the main use of a raised mat is to workout and feel amazing! The body feels supported and cushioned by the mat. The additional props (moon box, strap and wooden pole) gives additional support when needed. Although some clients find the raised mat the most challenging piece of equipment (due to the fact that its ultimately just you and your body with gravity), the mat clearly shows the areas of strength (and weakness) which exist – allowing the instructor to challenge and improve the areas required. The raised mat workout can also be completed at home workouts, so many students of classical Pilates will work on home exercises of the raised mat repertoire.
A reformer is made from a frame of metal or wood, a strong sturdy base which supports the metal runners and reformer ‘mat’. At one end of the reformer is a movable foot bar, which lifts up and down. At the other end of the reformer are two leather straps which are used during the workout. The centre of the reformer is where the body spends (the majority) of the time, supported by the shoulder blocks and head piece. Inside the frame (not seen by the side profile) are four equal weighted springs. There are multiple accessories and additional items to use with the Reformer, but the core (and majority of the exercises) are done with just the reformer.
It’s difficult to explain the feeling on a reformer. But the main use of a reformer is to workout and feel amazing! The body feels supported and cushioned by the mat. With the knees bent and the feet on the footbar, the back is protected and in a position to support the work. No matter what aches or pains, or rehab concerns you might have, the reformer is designed to support, and aid you in your work. Often a misconception of Pilates is that the mat is where the magic happens. The magic does indeed happen on the mat, but the reformer builds the core and gives the additional support to really develop and challenge the mat work. Echoing above, if you’ve only experience mat Pilates, well then quite frankly you haven’t lived… 
