Inside the Torture Chamber: why we love Pilates Designs by Basil

Upon entering a Pilates studio for the first time, people often compare its likeness to a medieval torture chamber. The metal springs, long dangling chains, leather straps and intimidating apparatus with names like "Guillotine" and "Electric Chair" generally lead many to question - who was this Joseph Pilates and what kind of a sadist was he?

Well, I can assure you that  Joseph Pilates was not a barbarian. His ultimate dream was to make the world a better place through movement.  He believed that physical exercise was an anti-aging drug and people who moved well generally lived longer and happier lives than those who were sedentary.  "You are only as old as your spine is flexible," he said.

Joe originally created his system of exercises on a mat.  Because the majority of people were not able to successfully perform those movements, he invented apparatus to assist them.  He found that the use of springs and resistance was much more efficient in creating better movement patterns and providing tactile feedback which would establish a body mind connection more quickly.  Actions such as banging the carriage in footwork or rocking your carriage as you pump your arms in the Hundred are indicators that your movements are not being done with control.

The Universal Refomer was Joseph Pilates first complete apparatus and was invented almost a century ago. It was a one size fits all machine comprised of several springs, straps, and a moving carriage with a head rest. Today, with the growing popularity of the Pilates method there are hundreds of different types of Pilates equipment on the market.  There are so many styles and manufacturers including more contemporary styles of apparatus made with ropes, adjustable straps, different color springs and settings that accommodate people of all shapes and sizes and abilities

.At the Pilates Project we choose to use classical equipment by Pilates Designs by Basil.  This is high quality hand crafted apparatus which adheres to the original plans and proportions of Joseph Pilates original Reformer.  After all, Mr. Pilates invented the method and knew how each exercise should be experienced in the body.   The springs should be strong and the apparatus should be simple enough to allow one to flow continuously from one exercise to the next without having to adjust the machine mid-workout.

I personally have worked out on many different brands and types of Pilates equipment and I undoubtedly get the most efficient and strongest workout on a classical apparatus like Pilates Designs by Basil or Gratz . I know and trust my students will experience the best Pilates on this equipment. In the words of Pilates Elder Jay Grimes, "Joseph Pilates invented his exercise method and his apparatus hand in hand. He was adamant about the precision of the exercises and was equally as adamant about the precision of the apparatus."