April Apparatus

April Apparatus 

by Kerry De Vivo

In March, Benjamin Degenhardt of 360° Pilates rallied the Pilates community to focus on mat work all month long with the cleverly connected March MATness movement.  All of us at Excel Pilates Annapolis had so much fun with this that we became inspired to transition that focus to Pilates’ complement to mat work- the apparatus.  So, we came up with the idea for April Apparatus month, because it flows naturally and we love alliteration.

Today, Pilates is often presented as a mat exercise only, but the traditional system requires both mat and apparatus movement as an integrated discipline to mental and physical conditioning. I had the opportunity to write about the inventor aspect of Joseph Pilates in “Voices of Classical Pilates,” a collection of essays from 28 second generation classical Pilates teachers edited by Peter Fiasca, Amy Baria Bergesen and Suzanne Michele Diffine.

Most of Joseph Pilates’ apparatus utilizes springs.  We are challenged to control the springs both on the opening and closing actions.  In fact our efforts are to be what open and close the springs.  We therefore develop our bodies like springs, strong, flexible, articulate and controlled.  

The Wunda Chair and Universal Reformer

At my studio, we enjoy our apparatus that comes from Gratz, the original manufacturer of Pilates equipment. Over a half century ago, Frank Gratz applied his engineering and metalwork expertise while working with Joseph Pilates. That commitment to original Pilates apparatus continues today. 

Beginning April 1, I will spotlight various Pilates apparatus and demonstrate usage via video and photos on our Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Explore Pilates apparatus and learn more as we move through April Apparatus month. If you have questions or would like to set up an introductory session, call us as 410.897.0550