CORE Pilates, Richmond Virginia Pilates, Karen Roodman

About Pilates > Pilates Props

Pilates Props

At Core Pilates, we frequently use props in our matwork which add diversity, variety, opportunity for increased complexity, range of motion and creativity. We interchange the use of foam rollers, flex bands, magic circles, stability balls and weighted balls in our mat classes.

This ethafoam roller is 6" x 36" (weighs only one pound) and useful in matwork supine (lying on the back), as well as prone (lying on the stomach). Because the roller is an unstable surface it is very effective in helping participants achieve core muscle stability and improving balance. Since it "rolls", it helps to increase range of motion in many pilates movements.

The magic circle is a versatile and marvelous prop that can be used with the upper body (arms) and lower body (legs). The arms can be placed inside or outside the circle to help strengthen the back, chest and arms. When placed inside or outside the legs, the magic circle helps to strengthen the inner and outer thigh muscles.

Bands add resistance to exercises which makes them more challenging for core muscles, legs, and arms. They are also very effective for increasing flexibility. We use bands with handles for some exercises (spri bands), as well as bands with different resistances.

Since the ball is a large unstable surface, it is a terrific to help increase balance which demands the recruitment of very deep stabilizing muscles. At the same time, the ball heightens proprioception which is the awareness of how our bodies move in space. The ball is a "forgiving" surface and feels comfortable to sit on, lean against, or lay on. Its' spherical shape offers opportunities to stretch and work in diverse positions.

Go Back