What Is the Pilates Tower?
You’ve moved on the reformer, you’ve rolled around on the mat, but have you ever tried utilizing the tower attached to our reformers? A new Pilates apparatus can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! The Tower is the perfect segway into trying out new apparatus if you’re only familiar with Reformer or Mat.
The Pilates Tower is a scaled-down version of a Cadillac with two upright rails that have springs, bars, and loops for attachments. Students can hold either the push-through or roll-down bars or handles with springs of varying tension to experience amazing stretches and challenging balance exercises.
To get even cooler, the tower can be used while working out on the reformer and it can be used by converting the main length of the reformer into an elevated stable mat surface. Keep reading to learn the best way to incorporate Tower into your Pilates practice.
How Do I Use the Pilates Tower?
Towers combine the reformer, tower, and mat system into one apparatus, providing maximum versatility with less square footage. There are two main ways to use Tower when coming to a Fuse Pilates class
Combination Approach: A fun and challenging way to use Tower would be to incorporate its attachments of loops, springs, and bars into a classic reformer workout. For example, a great way to up the ante for crowd favorite Legs In Straps would be to use the longer foot straps from the tower, and a light spring on the reformer. That way the student has resistance pulling from both directions and must utilize a significant amount of control to manipulate both at the same time.
Solo Approach: The classic way to exercise on Tower is to convert the reformer into its stable mat surface. This way it appears as a long mat with just the two vertical rails and its attachments on one end. Students can use hands or feet to manipulate the bars and loops for creative versions of classic Pilates moves or expand into the plethora of exercises possible.
Is Pilates Tower right for me?
As with any Pilates apparatus, there are considerations to take into account when trying something new. Tower is actually ideal for beginning students as there is very little pressure on the joints and the ideal range of motion is moderate so as not to over-stretch the joints. The tower can be less intimidating than other apparatus because the majority of exercises are performed in a seated position or lying down face up, making most students feel safe and supported.
Can I Use Pilates Tower If I Have an Injury?
Short answer, yes! One of the top benefits of Tower is that the elevated surface means students do not have to get down on the floor which might be difficult for some with injuries. Additionally, all exercises performed on Tower still follow all principles of Pilates which we know has been proven to assist in quicker and more effective injury recovery.
When utilizing Pilates for injury recovery it is important to speak with a Certified Instructor first to ensure you’re utilizing the apparatus that will work for you. If Tower does make it into your rehabilitation program you will feel safe and supported on the stable surface and enjoy movement that doesn’t over-stretch the joints!
Tower is Your Next Pilates Endeavor
What is most exciting about using Pilates apparatus with spring and strap attachments is the body knowledge you’ll gain as you’re discovering different elements of classic exercises. If you’ve ever used the leg straps before, you know they have a unique way of letting the body know which muscles to engage! Once you’ve experienced Pilates with an apparatus, your next mat class will become even more rich and challenging.
So, what are you waiting for? The next time you’re in Fuse Total Body Tone or your private session with one of our incredible instructors, ask to use the tower!