Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » pilates

Joseph Pilates Spine Corrector Barrel | Strengthen Core and Develop Healthy Back

Steve — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:44:04 +0000

Used in Pilates studios around the world, the Spine Corrector “Barrel” is intended to correct and restore the spine to its natural curve.

Designed by Joseph Pilates himself, the barrel opens the chest, strengthens the abdominal, back and shoulder muscles and helps maintain a supple, flexible and healthy spine.

With aging comes the loss of the natural curvature of the spine. A misshapen spine can lead to a variety of health issues. Consistent use of this barrel or other corrective device can reverse humpback and allow for deeper, more natural breathing.

The package includes a 20-minute video, unfortunately on VHS tape rather than DVD, featuring Pilates Instructor Romana Kryzanowska and Elite Pilates Trainer Marjolein Brugman demonstrating proper form for 14 different exercises.

The Spine Corrector Barrel workouts also tone and trim thighs and strengthen the body’s core. The barrel weighs 18 pounds, is sturdy, comfortably padded and includes side handles for portability and use with specific exercises.

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The Spine Corrector Barrel workout also tones and trims thighs and strengthens the body’s core. The barrel weighs 18 pounds, is sturdy, comfortably padded and includes handles on the side used for specific exercises and portability.

Hugger Mugger Tapas 1/4″ Thick Yoga/Pilates Mat | With Non-Slip Nature Designs

Steve — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:20:17 +0000

An aesthetically pleasing, cushioned mat can really enhance the Yoga experience. These extra thick tapas mats from Hugger Mugger provide both an insulated workout surface and a soothing visual.

Hugger Mugger mats can be used for Yoga, Pilates or general exercise. The 1/4 inch thickness provides good support and the surface is durable and relatively non-slip.

The mat may emit a noticeable odor at first but can be hand washed with liquid laundry detergent and aired-out for up to 48 hours to remove the odor. The mats are antimicrobial and free of hthalate, latex and heavy metal.

For more than 20 years, Hugger-Mugger has been known as an innovator of technically excellent yoga products serving yoga teachers and students throughout the world.

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SPRI Pilates Portable Kit | Resistance Tubes, Door Attachment and Exercise Mat

Steve — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:24:29 +0000

This “anywhere, anytime” Pilates kit from SPRI combines the tools and method to create a solid conditioning program without the need for an expensive home gym. The system is effective for toning and light sculpting, but won’t get you ripped.

The package includes three Xertubes, a door attachment and an exercise mat to create a complete program of Pilates reformer-based resistance.

The workout focuses on the abdominals, lower back, hips and buttocks but also works the chest, biceps, triceps, shoulders and lats.

The video is easy to follow but unfortunately comes on a VHS tape rather than DVD. SPRI is a pioneer in rubberized resistance training and on the “cutting edge of today’s exercise trends.” Upgrading the video in this package to DVD format would help add credibility to that claim.

SPRI Pilates Portable Kit Product Details

Lightweight, versatile and comprehensive Pilates package
3 SPRI Xertubes (yellow, red, green)
Secure Door Attachment
Exercise Mat
Pilates Instructional Video (VHS)
Develop strong, stable core and tone upper body
Improve flexibility, posture, balance and strength

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Yogamatic Yoga/Workout Mat | Eco-friendly Custom Printed Mats with Inspirational Designs

Steve — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:02:40 +0000

Tired of your dull and uninspiring yoga mat? Here’s a unique fitness accessory that will add some creativity and personality to your workouts.

Yogamatic uses global artists young and old to design an array of expressive mats intended to reflect your individual spirit, taste and personal interests.

Each high quality image is printed edge-to-edge in vibrant color. The resilient high resolution Dri-Touch ink is solvent free, eco-friendly and will hold up to pressure and moisture. The bottom of the mat is lined with slip resistant tread to keep it securely in place during a workout.

Yogamatic is truly an environmentally conscious company. The sustainable natural rubber in these mats uses partially recycled materials and can be disposed of without harm to the environment. They will even pay shipping charges to recycle a worn mat for you with purchase of a new one. This may also be a financially motivated, cost-saving program for the company but either way it’s a win-win.

The mat measures 73″ x 24″ and is 3/8″ thick. It comes with a yoga bag for easy transport.

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Click here to see all Yogamatic designs

Stamina Pilates Magic Circle | Exercise Resistance Ring with Workout DVD

Steve — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:41:03 +0000

This versatile device, originally conceived by Joseph Pilates himself, is adept at toning, building strength and developing balanced, controlled body movements.

The Magic Circle will add variety to your resistance training as an alternative to using weights or a strength training machine. It’s durable and somewhat rigid, but includes soft, high-quality foam molded handles for comfort and added functionality.

The Magic Circle can be used for hundreds of exercises and is particularly suited for strengthening inner and outer thighs, upper arms, chest and core muscles.

The included DVD appears to be dated but does provide varied, easy to follow instructional routines to help get the most out of this product.

While the Magic Circle addresses strength, posture and flexibility, it doesn’t provide much of a cardio workout. For optimal results it should be used in addition to a regular exercise regime.

Stamina Pilates Magic Circle Product Details

Pilates Magic Circle – 14 3/4″ in diameter
Soft rubber ring adds resistance for faster, more targeted toning
Fits comfortably against body during a wide range of exercises
Professional grade, non-porous molded padding
Easy to use instructional DVD
Small, lightweight and easy to transport

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Stott Pilates Exercise SPX Reformer | Home Studio Core Training Machine

Steve — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:54:14 +0000

The Stott SPX is a professional grade, gym quality pilates reformer designed specifically for home use. It’s the highest quality pilates machine we’ve reviewed.

The goal of this exerciser is to develop strength without building bulk. It provides finely tuned resistance allowing precise routines that develop good alignment, core strength, and flexibility.

Using proprietary floating wheel technology the SPX delivers an ultra smooth ride on a sturdy full-length 97″ frame. It includes four 100%-tension reformer springs and an extra fifth 50%-tension spring to help customize your workout.

An adjustable foot bar and carriage-stopping system control hip and knee joint flexion, making this machine appropriate for users of widely varying heights and abilities. If you have not already used a reformer we suggest taking a class or using one at a gym before purchasing.

The package includes the SPX Pilates Reformer, Padded Platform Extender, Professional Reformer Box with Foot Strap, and a set of Double Loop Straps. You also get the At Home Reformer Workout DVD with bonus safety segment and an Easy Start exercise poster.

The package is large and heavy but comes 90% assembled and takes about 15 minutes to setup following a simple six step process.

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Savasa For Women Yoga/Pilates Core Fitness Kit | Ball, Mat, Strap, Block & DVD

Steve — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:17:23 +0000

The Savasa For Women Yoga Fitness Kit includes all the basics to begin practicing at home and will appeal to yoga and pilates consumers of all levels. It packs together an extensive set of yoga tools at a much lower price than if purchased individually.

The kit includes a core strength exercise ball, a yoga mat, a yoga strap, a yoga block (or brick), and a DVD with body ball and yoga workouts.

The body ball workout is in-depth and addresses the entire body. The instructor is motivating and the workout is comprehensive. You’ll definitely feel the burn in your arms, legs and abs.

The Vinyasa Flow yoga workout is appropriate for beginners but includes enough advanced instruction to appeal to experienced yoga enthusiasts as well.

Savasa products feature color coordinated designs. All the components in this package are colored mauve, lending an attractive and soothing aesthetic.

The Savasa product line is designed specifically for women and endorsed by the Wellness Advisory Council, a proprietary panel of recognized yoga and pilates instructors. The products are manufactured using environmentally conscious alternatives to cancer causing plastics.

Savasa Yoga Fitness Kit Product Details

24″ x 68 ” Essential Yoga Mat
Core Strength Exercise Body Ball
Foot Pump
8-foot Yoga Strap
3″ x 5.5″ x 9″ Yoga Block
DVD: 45 minute Vinyasa Flow Yoga Workout and 30 minute Total Body Ball Workout

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Malibu Pilates Chair | Body Sculpting Fitness with 3 Workout DVDs, Makeover Manual & Eating Right Guide

Steve — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:23:20 +0000

This appears to be an alternate version of the Malibu Pilates chair sold through infomercials featuring Susan Lucci. This chair is similarly constructed but costs about 40% less.

If you opt for the Susan Lucci version be sure to read the fine print! The $14.95 + $29.95 shipping and handling is a “trial offer.” If the product is not returned within 30 days they charge six additional $49.95 monthly payments. Yes, this is stated on the order page — and it’s the buyer’s responsibility to know what they’re signing up for — but the manner in which it’s presented is misleading. Without a doubt there’s a percentage of buyers being duped into paying over $300 for a product they believe costs about $55.

This version of the Malibu Pilates Chair will sculpt the entire body by easily incorporating multiple Pilates and cardio exercises into your workout routine. It’s built with real springs for adjustable resistance and accommodates fluid, natural exercise to tone legs, arms, buns, thighs and abs. The chair is sturdy, safe, versatile and portable. The open frame style expands the range of motion and encourages innovative movements.

The DVDs include a 30 minute Sequencing Workout, a 20 minute Malibu Pilates Makeover Workout and a Slim and Tone Workout. Each begins with a 10 minute introduction that covers the essential exercises available on the chair. It also ships with a Malibu Makeover Manual & Eating Right Guide and a wall reference chart.

This chair is serviceable and reasonably priced. For a more effective, full scale Pilates machine check out the Pilates Reformer.

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Fitness News: Paula Abdul, Natalie Gulbis endorse “World’s First Self-Guiding, Eco-Friendly Stretch Mats”

Steve — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:11:21 +0000

G2 Fitness has released a line of unique fitness mats with each essential stretch position for a given discipline displayed right on the mat. The diagrams are tastefully displayed for easy reference so you’ll never forget the next stretch or need to refer to other material during a routine.

File this in the “Why didn’t I think of this?” folder. Inspiration and motivation are key to maintaining any fitness program and these mats are an effective tool to help keep you on track.

The instructional mats are physician-certified, portable and 100% recyclable. They can be used at home or easily folded and taken to the gym. The thick, comfortable cushion design includes a bacteria-resistant, washable non-slip surface to increase the life of the product.

G2 Fitness Mats available now:

General Stretch Fitness Program
Golf Stretch Fitness Program
Back Stretch Fitness Program
Yoga Pose Fitness Program
Maternity Stretch Fitness Program
Pilates Personal Fitness Program
Ab-Fit Exercise Program

[Source: Business Wire]

Total Trainer Pilates System from Bayou Fitness | All Around Workout, Weight Resistance Gym

Steve — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:31:11 +0000

This system combines the popular Total Trainer/Total Gym body weight resistance training design with a number of accessories for incorporating Pilates routines. It offers a large variety of available workouts with the ability to switch between exercises and variations with ease. Also inherent in this type of gym is a space saving design and with no clanging of plates, weights or barbells.

The Bayou Total Trainer Pilates System is a relatively small and portable machine that can help build strength and musculature without overly stressing joints. This is not a machine for body builders but when used properly 3-5 times/week it can deliver measurable results. There are 19 available resistance levels and the performance is rhythmic and smooth with only minor bumps when rolling over the rail hinge.

This Bayou trainer includes more features and options (Pilates and standard weight resistance) than the Total Gym sold by Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley through TV infomercials. Here’s a partial list of features, attachments and accessories.

Bicep Power Flex
Quick Release Pulley System
Advanced Pro AB (Stomach) Crunch Strap
Bicep Curl Press Bar
Deluxe Chrome Plated Pull-up Push-up Bar
Deluxe 2″ Double Stitched Box Cushion
Twin Handles
Power Bar
Sit-up Foot Trays
Extra Large Heavy Duty Squat Board
Dual Leg Cuffs
Toe Bar
Shoulder Pads

The Bayou Total Trainer Pilates System ships fully assembled and includes a Pilates instructional video (unfortunately VHS not DVD) and a detailed manual.

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Click here for the Bayou Total Trainer Pilates System on Amazon

The Bayou Fitness Total Trainer Pilates on eBay

STAMINA STUDIO BARRE TOTAL BODY TRAINER PILATES YOGA w/Pilates Leg Pully PICKUP
US $39.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 17:57:30 PST
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Bayou Total Fitness Total Trainer Pilates tt2500-p New in box
US $75.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 9:39:28 PST
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NEW! TOTAL TRAINER PILATES Reformer Home Gym System
US $439.00
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 10:53:21 PST
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