The Cadillac, or Rehabilitation Table as it was called by J.H. Pilates, is an original bed-type structure, where you can perform intense static work on all muscle groups, segment by segment. The later name of Cadillac came about because of the use of springs which give you the gentle suspension of a fine car.

The Cadillac, specifically used for resistance exercises mainly to lengthen, articulate and stabilize the spine, consists of a small bed with a metallic structure into which springs can be introduced at different heights and angles. Just like the Universal Reformer, springs can be used to provide a variety of resistance exercises to suit the needs of the individual. In the Cadillac the springs can have various resistances to modify the intensity of the muscle work and the features of the exercise.

It was first created to develop self-conception of neuromuscular work in physiotherapy, but its application and exercises can be included in a general program. Standing at about 70 cm from the ground, it is easily accessible by the elderly and individuals doing rehabilitation.

In addition, the Cadillac can be integrated with three specific pieces of apparatus: the Trapeze, the Rolling Back Bar and the Tower.

The Trapeze is inserted into the upper part of the Cadillac bed for muscle contraction work in the rear thigh.

The wooden Rolling Back Bar is hung sideways on springs on the upper part of the bed for spine movement.

The Tower, an oscillating bar fitted with springs, encourages well-controlled upper and lower limb movement, greatly beneficial for spine recompensation due to incorrect posture.

The Universal Reformer (U.R.) is a special bed type structure on a mobile carriage which encourages intense dynamic work on all muscle groups.

Its long support frame is positioned on a mobile carriage and the individual can work against the resistance provided by the springs placed between the sliding carriage and the head of the support frame. A transversal support, which can be inclined at various levels, allows the lower limbs to bend at different degrees.

The UR exercises can be performed standing upright, lying supine or prone, sitting or kneeling, to include all articulation and muscular functions. They have proved to be especially useful for individuals with spine problems.

What is particularly characteristic of the UR is that this simple and versatile unit can be easily combined with other elements, such as the padded box which has its own exercise program and the jump board which envisages jumping and correct foot support.

J. H. Pilates created this device as a small home chair which, once opened, turned into a small piece of equipment with spring resistances.

The Chair gradually strengthens all the body muscles. Its program includes a series of exercises, which can be performed lying supine or prone, sitting, standing in the upright position or kneeling.

The Swing Barrel, created by Anna Maria Cova, is an adaptation of an original piece of Pilates apparatus and forms part of the Barrel family.

The Barrel, originally built in the same way as the traditional barrels after which it is named, is a piece of apparatus made of wood with external padding, used for mobilizing the spine. Barrel is a general definition given to the apparatus, which can vary in both size and diameter.

Although the Barrel family seemed complete, the Swing Barrel has been created to perform proprioception exercises while standing, using a new instrument with properties already familiar to teachers.

And so the Swing Barrel helps to complete the original technique, being a propaeduetic workout to the exercises in a standing position generally performed on the Cadillac, Chair or with the Magic Circle. With the Swing Barrel you can also carry out free-body MatWork exercises and Step Barrel exercises. By using bands you can perform Cadillac exercises and, on the wooden support, balance exercises can be carried out to strengthen ankles and legs in general.

The Magic Circle is a metallic circle (40 cm diameter) with handles.

It is usually used for isometric exercises, but it can also be used during mat work (free exercises) or sessions with the Universal Reformer (mobile frame apparatus) to enable a better understanding of the dynamic functions of all muscle groups and to make exercises more difficult. It can be used for both arm and leg work with internal and external movements for toning the various muscle groups.

The Barrel is a piece of apparatus made of wood with external padding, used in the Pilates method for mobilizing the spine.

Originally built in the same way as traditional barrels, today new construction techniques have been applied.

The Barrel is a general definition given to the apparatus, which can vary in both size and diameter. The various dimensions in the barrel family are: Small Barrel, Step Barrel known also as Spine Corrector and Half Barrel, Big or Large Barrel.

The Small Barrel has the smallest radius curve.
The Step Barrel is the intermediate size, with an S-shaped floor support.
The Big Barrel, the largest in the series, is placed on a wooden L-shaped support and has a ladder-type construction, which hands and feet can hold to give the body correct stability.

Exercises mainly involve the work of all the spine segments. However, the global aspect is never disregarded and all muscle chains are taken into consideration.

The Barrel is a piece of apparatus made of wood with external padding, used in the Pilates method for mobilizing the spine.

Originally built in the same way as traditional barrels, today new construction techniques have been applied.

The Barrel is a general definition given to the apparatus, which can vary in both size and diameter. There are different dimensions in the barrel family, including the Step Barrel, also known as the Spine Corrector and Half Barrel, which is the intermediate size with an S-shaped floor support.

The Step Barrel helps improve spine mobility when in a flat or bent position. The exercise program is aimed at spine reinforcement, whilst also toning leg, arm and buttock muscles.

The Air Pad is a proprioceptive cushion absorbing air. It is made of foam rubber, fitted with a side valve which allows you to regulate the air intake. It enables training on all surfaces in utmost safety. In the CovaTech Pilates method it is mostly used under the sacrum for proprioception exercises and articular mobilization.

Physio Ball

The Physio Ball is made of hard synthetic rubber and has an inflating valve. As the air pressure changes, its mobility and stability vary making the execution of different exercises possible. In the CovaTech Pilates method it is used within a specific program called Pilates with the Physio Ball that includes toning-up and proprioception exercises. Dimensions: 53 cm and 65 cm-diameter.

Semisphere

The semisphere is part of the apparatus which has been devised by Anna Maria Cova, who has developed and integrated the work of J.H. Pilates into the CovaTech Pilates technique which is taught in her studios. It is used to carry out proprioception exercises and to correct foot support which is at the basis of knee functionality and posture in general. It features an inflation valve that allows users to change its dimension according to the different exercises and weight to bear. Thanks to a smooth support, which acts like a sucker, it sticks to any kind of surface. Its uneven surface creates a sort of reflexology action on feet and stimulates proprioception.

Sensory Ball

By "Sensory Ball" we mean two kind of "knobbled" balls which are ideal for mobilizing the lumbar spine. The first is a 21-cm-dia ball, while the so-called Sensory Ball "soft", which has a more even surface, has a 12-cm diameter, The inflatable Sensory Ball is used for massage during rehab and therapeutical exercises. It helps enhance deftness, manuality and tactile perception.

Tender Ball

The Tender Ball is a 20-cm dia soft ball, pleasant to the touch, which is used in the Pilates with the Tender Ball program created by Anna Maria Cova. This workout, which is part of the Pilates evolution known as the CovaTech Pilates method, features Mat Work exercises (the free-body workout developed by J.H. Pilates) in which the Tender Ball is placed beneath the pelvis or between the hands or knees for overall toning up of muscles. The new version has been made to a new formula which makes it even softer and more delicate to the touch. It also has a pleasant triangular pattern which, apart from being its characteristic feature, improves your grip as it prevents the ball slipping during exercises.

Twin Balls

As their name suggests, Twin Balls are identical balls, 8 cm in diameter, made from transparent elastic polyethylene. They are rather like tennis balls, which have been used in the CovaTech Pilates method over the years, but they are a more suitable size for the exercises and are cleaner and softer to the touch. Twin balls are used because exercising with two balls gives more stability than with just one. This apparatus can be used under your pelvis for good alignment, while you are standing to strengthen your leg muscles and while lying on your side between your heels and knees to correctly position your pelvis.

Heavy Ball

The Heavy Ball is a power building device made from double-layered light-weight rubber and is extremely soft to the touch. It is used with mat work to increase physical force, in particular in arm and trunk exercises.

Light & Thick Blocks

Light & Thick Blocks are super light-weight, toxic-free rubber bricks, with specially rounded corners, used in CovaTech Pilates exercises. The idea was developed out of necessity to offer a comfortable spacer between your feet in exercises like the 'neutral position' (the basic position to hold during exercises, keeping the pelvic position constant, contracting the lower abdominals and the perineum and pushing the umbilicus towards your spine). You can also use the blocks under your feet for Bottom Lift and balancing exercises or under your hands for isometric push exercises. Use them as a cushion under your neck if you suffer from cervical pain or put them under your back. The blocks provide you with a more stable base than the balls that are normally used, and offer you the same softness and comfort. Light and Thick Blocks can be used for proprioception and a wide variety of other exercises. Just use the valve to inflate or deflate, depending on the type of exercises you want to do. Their floatability also means they are ideal for water exercises.