Pilates Equipment and Apparel Large Pilates Equipment in Pictures By Marguerite Ogle MS, RYT Marguerite Ogle MS, RYT LinkedIn Marguerite Ogle is a freelance writer and experienced natural wellness and life coach, who has been teaching Pilates for more than 35 years. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 10, 2021 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Kristin McGee, CPT Reviewed by Kristin McGee, CPT Kristin McGee is a certified personal trainer and currently teaches yoga and meditation for Peloton. She is also certified in Pilates and by the National Association of Sports Medicine. Learn about our Review Board Print These pictures of Pilates equipment will introduce you to the main Pilates machines, also known as apparatus. This is the equipment that you are likely to first meet at a Pilates studio. Some, like the Pilates reformer and the Pilates chair, are working their way into mainstream use. Others are a little more specialized. 1 The Pilates Ladder Barrel razyph / Getty Images One of the best ways to strengthen the back muscles through back extension exercises, the ladder barrel has many uses. More likely to be found in a studio than as part of mainstream fitness, the ladder barrel is a unique piece of equipment that allows for relatively safe experimentation with a range of flexion and extension exercises for the back. It is also a good overall strengthener. It is used for beginner through advanced exercises. 2 The Pilates Chair razyph / Getty Images The Pilates Chair is a traditional piece of Pilates equipment that is gaining ground in mainstream fitness. The more traditional Pilates chairs have been undergoing a metamorphosis lately as Pilates chairs become popular for home and gym use. Contemporary designs, like the MVe from Peak Pilates, are lighter and reflect innovations like stack-ability and easier spring changes. 3 The Pilates Reformer Wavebreakmedia / Getty Images The Pilates reformer is traditional Pilates equipment and a beloved standard in Pilates studios. New, portable designs for the Pilates reformer are making them popular for home use. Reputable Companies That Sell Pilates Equipment 4 The Pilates Tower LUNAMARINA / Getty Images The Pilates tower apparatus is often attached to Pilates reformers in studios. Towers can be made to attach to a wall. They are also commonly attached to Pilates reformers. The tower has inspired some new designs for home use, many of which attach to a door. The Tower on the Go from Balanced Body and the Pilates Stick are examples. 5 The Pilates Cadillac or Trapeze Table razyph / Getty Images The cadillac is often the jaw dropper when someone new walks into a Pilates studio. It is the ultimate in adding a gravity challenge to your workout. Some people have the cadillac, otherwise known as trap (trapeze) table, at home. But because it requires a lot of client-specific instruction, the cadillac is most commonly used in private sessions in Pilates studios. Sometimes the cadillac is part of a reformer that converts to a mat. Correct Terms for Pilates Equipment Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit