A number of you have attended our exercise classes and asked us about where to get the equipment from. Some of you will also have experienced using the equipment in your 1:1 sessions as well. We thought we would give you a bit more information about them as well as some links to examples of the equipment we use which can be found on the Amazon website. If you click on the links you will be taken to Amazon where you can purchase the equipment if you wish. We do get a small amount from these purchases as an Amazon associate but we are not in any way linked to the individual companies. All recommendations are based on our everyday clinical experience.
Balance pads
There are a number of different balance pads available but we find these the most useful. The oval ones are made of a slightly denser foam than the single pads and they allow you to experiment with each foot position. They can be used to challenge your balance as a progression for a number of the standing exercises you may be given in clinic. They have been a firm favourite in our Pilates classes. Just make sure you are near a sturdy surface or wall for safety! Alternatively, we also use the square large balance pads to add more security and for more dynamic balance challenges.
https://amzn.to/4dOsjuW Oval Balance Pads
https://amzn.to/4evQJtt Square single balance pads
Pilates Balls
These useful little balls get used so often at the clinic. Of course, they are used during the Pilates classes, but we also find them useful to help maintain a better sitting posture while working those trunk muscles a little bit harder when doing seated exercises. Place them between your knees when doing sit to stands and you can help improve your adductor muscle activity. Useful tip: They are designed to be slightly under inflated. Ask us for some exercises with them or how to use them at home.
Yoga blocks
Much like the pilates balls, the yoga blocks are used frequently in our classes and sessions at the clinic. The blocks can help adapt exercises to help you manage them easier and progress safely. For example, a block between the knees can help you perform a sit to stand while maintaining your knees hip distance apart. A block under your hands can help bring the floor up towards you while your muscle length is restricting your movement. The blocks come in different sizes and materials and you can vary the side you use to give different heights. We also commonly use a block behind the head to help you with the wall posture exercise- the use of a reference point for the body from the block aids your proprioception and helps you progress quicker.
Extra thick Yoga mats
Exercise mats are widely available and can be found in most supermarkets as well as many places online. A commons issue for people using mats in our classes is they are too thin and don’t give enough protection for painful joints, especially when kneeling. You can choose to use two mats instead of one to solve this or you can look into getting an extra thick one. These extra thick mats can make getting on and off the floor less of an ordeal – and you all know how important I think getting on and off the floor is! Just beware if doing standing exercises on it, as the extra thickness will add an additional balance challenge.
If there is any other equipment you find useful in our classes or sessions that you would like to recommendations for, just let us know!
