There are four main Pilates pieces of equipment developed by Joseph Pilates himself. The most commonly known now a days is the Reformer. In a complete Pilates studio you will also find the Trapeze Table, the Ladder Barrel and the Wunda Chair amongst others. Pilates developed the apparatus to help his students to prepare for the mat work exercises which are very challenging and demanding. The Pilates on the apparatus is similar and yet very different to the mat work. The Reformer is generally more intense and dynamic then the mat based exercises as it adds resistance to the Pilates exercises. It looks like a bed with springs and a slide carriage. The Trapeze Table looks like a four poster bed with springs attached to it at both ends. The exercises are more lengthening and at the same time strengthen the body. The Chair can be one of the most challenging of the pieces of equipment. The Ladder Barrel has an incredible variety or exercises and it is great for flexibility work. The apparatus uses different spring levels to add resistance (progressive resistance). You learn to use the resistance with the equipment controlling the movements and not allowing the springs to perform the exercises for you. Often a larger range of motion can be worked on the equipment, the are ideal to create strength, build and tone muscles, increase stability around the joints, working the entire body and at the same time creating more flexibility. Many people are scared and feel intimidated by the equipment specially in a big studio. At Totum to Tatiana Novaes Pilates we are a small boutique studio offering very small classes (maximum 3 people per class) or private sessions with the apparatus. The sessions are tailor made to the individual and you will find that progression and goal achievement comes much quicker then in a big class or studio space.