Classical Pilates is built around a complete, integrated system of specially designed equipment called apparatus. Joseph Pilates created each piece to work together, helping you build strength, flexibility, control, and smoother, more balanced movement.
At VIPilates, we are a fully comprehensive classical studio. This means we have the complete range of classical apparatus available in the studio, and our instructors are trained across the entire repertoire. In private lessons and mixed-apparatus group classes, we can choose whichever piece or combination of pieces best supports the body in front of us on that day.
No single piece of apparatus is more important than another. Each one has its own valuable role, and together they create a beautifully balanced system.
Exploring Some of the Classical Pilates Apparatus
Here’s some pieces you’ll meet in our classical studio:
The Reformer
The Reformer is one of the most recognised pieces in Pilates. It has a smooth-sliding carriage, adjustable springs, a footbar, and straps. The gentle resistance helps you develop deep abdominal strength, better alignment, and full-body coordination. Because the springs can be easily adjusted, it feels supportive and effective for many different levels and goals.
The Cadillac
This large, versatile piece offers both support and challenge. With its bars, springs, straps, and trapeze, it allows a wide variety of movements from gentle, assisted exercises to more advanced strength and mobility work. Many people find it especially helpful for spinal alignment, shoulder mobility, and developing a strong sense of body awareness.
The Wunda Chair
Don’t be fooled by its small size! The Wunda Chair is powerful and effective. It features a padded platform and spring-loaded pedals that you press with your feet or hands. It’s wonderful for building functional strength, balance, and stability that translates into better posture and easier everyday movement.
The Barrels (Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and others)
These beautifully curved pieces focus on spinal mobility, posture, and opening the front of the body. They’re excellent for improving flexibility, strengthening the back, and gently counteracting the effects of sitting. The Spine Corrector offers supportive extension, while the Ladder Barrel provides progressive challenge as you advance.
The Tower
The Tower is a space-efficient apparatus that brings many of the benefits of the Cadillac into a more compact format. Mounted on a wall, it has vertical poles with springs, bars and straps. It’s excellent for building strength, improving spinal mobility and enjoying supported stretching and strengthening work.
We also use other classical tools such as the Pedipole, Magic Circle, and mat work as part of the complete system.
What “Fully Comprehensive” Really Means
Being a fully comprehensive studio allows us to respond to your individual needs. In a private session, we will select the most suitable apparatus (or mix of apparatus) based on how you are that day. One session might focus on the flowing movement of the Reformer, while another might use the supportive Cadillac or the Barrels for spinal mobility. All pieces are equally valuable, it simply depends on what serves you best.
We also offer mixed-apparatus classes. This format lets us work with the different bodies in the room, choosing appropriate equipment, adjusting springs, and giving personalised guidance. Our smaller class sizes make this level of attention possible in a focused, supportive group setting.
Why the Full System Makes a Difference
Working with the complete range of classical apparatus encourages balanced, whole-body development rather than isolating single areas. Together, the equipment supports:
• Improved posture and spinal health
• Balanced strength and flexibility
• Better coordination and body awareness
• Safe, progressive training suitable for many different abilities
The beauty of classical Pilates is how adaptable it is. You don’t need to be strong, flexible, or experienced to begin. Whether you’re completely new, returning after an injury or a break, or continuing your practice, the apparatus can be gently adjusted to meet you exactly where you are.
All levels are genuinely welcome in our studio. Our focus is always on quality movement, clear guidance, and listening to your body with care and respect.
If you’d like to experience the full classical Pilates system for yourself, we’d love to welcome you. Visit our studio timetable to book a class or private lesson. We use authentic Gratz apparatus in a calm, supportive studio designed for every ability.
Recent Comments