Pilates is not about perfection. It's about being present in your body today. That's the heart of the method, the practice, and everything I learned from Jay Grimes and other incredible Pilates teachers. Here are a few of my favorite finds to make your or a Pilates lover in your life practice even better.
Books & Training Aids
Contrology Handbook
This was written for the Pilates client, but it's a must-read for any Pilates teacher. When you understand the information shared here, it changes how you work in every Pilates exercise. Sandy does a great job taking decades of Jay Grimes' knowledge and putting it in a book every Pilates lover can understand.
Contrology Workbook
This is for the teacher who wants their students to see their current workout and also all that is to come. Clients can use these to work out independently, see the benefits of their consistency, and see how far they have come.
Pilates Flashcards
Ok, a little biased, but these are perfect for the teacher-in-training and the client who wants to do more Pilates at home or on the road. And great for the teacher wanting to have some fun in the studio class or session planning. Not sure which one to get? Grab the deck of the equipment you avoid, or snag the Mat deck to take anywhere you go!
Reformer Lovers
Contoured Leather Handles
I love the way these feel in your hand. And if you struggle to keep the pinky side of your hand on the handle, this is for you! Improve your connection to the handle, and your Reformer practice will change too.
80" Contrology Reformer
Ok, I know not everyone has room for a Reformer, but mine does look good in the living room! If you love Pilates and attend regularly, having access to it at home means you have time on those busy days when driving to a studio, taking class, and getting home just isn't an option. I prefer the 80" for most people, but if you're over 6' you may prefer the 86" (and you can add Jumpboard and Tower to 86"!)
Cadillac Lovers
Neck Stretcher
While only a few exercises use the Neck Stretcher, it's key for understanding how the head and neck work in both tall and flexion exercises. After a long trip, I love to use mine to realign my head and neck movements with my center.
Cadillac Airplane Board
This is for the Cadillac/Tower lover who is ready to advance their leg springs but didn't indulge themselves when they ordered their Cadillac/Tower. While only one exercise requires it, for the Pilates nerd, it's essential for finding the strength and connection to truly fly their Airplane exercise.
Chairs
Wunda Chair
For the Pilates lover who doesn't have a ton of space. The Contrology Wunda chair allows you to get a full-body workout in a small space. And it looks beautiful when not in use. Get a color that suits your space, and let it transform your room and your practice.
Arm Chair
Often an overlooked piece of Pilates equipment, but key for understanding the arm-back connection and building up the connections for rowing exercises on the Reformer. Also, it's a great-looking chair in any room! Be sure to snag the wedge as well! It won't fit in a stocking, but it's fun to get the Pilates lover in your life guessing about what could be in the bigger box.
Electric High Chair
I am obsessed with my Electric High Chair. It's a teacher, provides friendly feedback, has a strong base, and offers full-body support that allows me, as a teacher, to see more about what my client can do.
Barrels
Spine Corrector
I truly am obsessed with the Spine Corrector! Every Pilates lover needs one. And it's one of the more affordable pieces of Pilates apparatus. So, if you are taking classes multiple times a week on other Pilates equipment, having the Contrology Spine Corrector at home is essential for advancing your practice, opening your shoulders, and improving your posture. Everyone needs the arm series in their life!
Mats
Folding Mat with Moon Boxes and Handles
When you use the Contrology Folding Mat, you feel like you are taken back in time to working out with Joe Pilates. The strap and handles turn the mat work that often feels "easy" into a challenge you enjoy experiencing! Inversion exercises become possible and feel strong at the same time. The strap changes your frustration with Roll Up and Neck Pull instantly and allows you to feel what Joe Pilates intended.
Props
Joe's Toe Gizmo®
Your feet are more powerful than you think! Give them some love with Joe's Toe Gizmo, and not only will you strengthen your feet, but you will also feel more connected to your seat. Use it during exercises like the Roll Up, Neck Pull, and more, and you'll find muscles you didn't know were possible. Or, take on your holiday travels to get some Pilates in on even the busiest or longest travel days.
Balanced Body® Foot Corrector
I remember my teacher, Jay Grimes, telling me that Joe would have sent stressed-out clients to the Foot Corrector or the Spine Corrector first. The Foot Corrector exercises challenge your balance and help you work your feet evenly. If you tend to roll in or out, the Foot Corrector will let you know! Perfect for Pilates lovers of all levels.
Spring Circle
Pick the resistance (2, 3, or 4 bands) you want to challenge yourself with and go back in time with this prop! Joe's Magic Circles used metal rings. The more rings, the more resistance. I personally love to have two of the same resistance to use for some of the seated arm exercises. However, starting out with one is just as great. Use this to turn on your seat connection or challenge how your arms connect to your back. Perfect as a warm-up or a cool-down.
Lesley Logan, NCPT, MA
Owner - Profitable Pilates
Lesley, a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher, has taught the Classical Method since 2008. With years of experience in retail and studio management, she studied “The Work” under Elder Jay Grimes. Lesley created a new classical Pilates Teacher Training Program upLift to share the work with the next generation of teachers. Lesley appears on PilatesAnytime.com and is the author of Profitable Pilates: Everything but the Exercises, which launched her coaching business. Find courses, blogs, and webinars to grow your Pilates business. Learn more at profitablepilates.com.
