Many people consider pilates fitness equipment to be redundant and not 100% in accordance with the principles of pilates. The truth is that the form of exercise is evolving and what it lacked in certain areas and workouts we can no append and make better. In my humble opinion, using props and specialized equipment can and will make it better.

Although there are an endless amount of new props and "machines" coming out all the time, there are 3 main pieces of pilates fitness equipment you may want to consider.

1. Matts And Balance Balls

Pilates, very much like yoga, started out as a form of exercise that requires little or no machines or equipment. In its most basic form, a mat is probably all that's required. This special mat will just give you a soft cushion and since many postures buts your knees and elbows on the ground, a hard surface can be painful to train on. Balance balls is a new addition and is a great way to enhance some of the postures and make them more challenging.

2. Pilates Reformer

Pilates reformers address one of the biggest problems there was with this form of exercise and that is the fact that there was no resistance training. Reformers changed all that in its kind of a mix between a rowing machine and platform home gym. It consists of a sliding platform with a foot rest and a pulley system that's connected to different resistance levels. this allows you to practice many of the postures with the addition of resistance training.

3. Pilates Trapeze Table

Often called a "Cadillac" this simple pilates aid is also designed to add a level of resistance to your workout. Unlike a reformer, this is a static piece of equipment and looks a bit like a cage with handles and bars that are connected to resistance springs. It also allows you to target specific muscles groups by using resistance in some of the most popular postures and exercises.