Question#1: Can you identify 3 large apparatus- name them and research them to give me the origin of the machines, and how they are used today. 

Give me one more observation from this video with Lebron James- anything at all. And why do you think someone of his high level of athleticism would do Pilates?

Question#2: the jumpboard- what is the jumpboard and how is it used?

What props are being used? Can they be used without the jumpboard?

Would this workout give you a cardio response?

 

Question#1: Can you identify 3 large apparatus- name them and research them to give me the origin of the machines, and how they are used today. 

Give me one more observation from this video with Lebron James- anything at all. And why do you think someone of his high level of athleticism would do Pilates?

ANS: In the first video, these are some of the large apparatus that were used:

1. Pilates Reformer:

Origin: For its origin, it is quite impossible to talk about the origins of Pilates without also talking about Joseph Pilates who overcame childhood ill health to dedicate his life to health and fitness. After being interned in England during World War I due to his German heritage, he began to develop a system of physical exercises which he named "Contrology". After the war ended, he immigrated to the United States where he and his wife opened a studio where Joseph taught his students his techniques. The first pilates reformer was built way before. The evolution of the Pilates reformer began when Joseph Pilates was in the internment camp during World War I, where many patients in the hospital were bed bound. To assist with movement, Joseph attached springs to a bed to help patients engage in resistance exercises without having to stand up. Once Joseph opened his own studio in the 1920s, he refined the design of the Pilates reformer and incorporated this into his exercise system. He understood that exercises could be made far more effective with the added resistance of the springs.

Use: In terms of its fucntions and use, the reformer has remained an essential piece of equipment and provides an effective (and fun!) way to lengthen and strengthen the muscles of the body. The reformer is able to facilitate a full range of motion which improves flexibility while also providing the necessary resistance to strengthen the muscles. Once your instructor introduces you the reformer, you'll find that you're able to work through each exercise with ease.When push comes to shove and we're choosing the best overall Pilates reformer, it has to be Balanced Body's IQ Reformer. With five springs, a four-positioned foot bar, comfortable headrest, and adjustable ropes, it meets all the requirements of a good reformer. The built-in, non-skid standing platform makes it easy to perform standing Pilates exercises without slipping or sliding.

2. The Cadillac

Origin: The name is said to originate from an 'off the cuff' remark one of Joseph Pilates students made. As the story goes, when Pilates unveiled his contraption to his students, it's said that one of them said 'Hey Joe, is that your new Cadillac?' and the name stuck.

Use: In terms of its use, exercises on the Cadillac are performed from a wide-range of body positions. Some of the most basic exercises resemble those used in Mat Pilates, where the participant lies in a prone, spine or side-lying position. Exercises can also be performed in a kneeling and standing body position. Many of the more advanced exercises resemble those of an acrobat in the circus. The various handles, straps, roll-up bar and push through bar are used to assist or resist the movement, as the exercise and participant requires. There really is an exercise for everyone with the Cadillac.

3. Pilates Toning Tower

Origin: The Tower is really a derivation of another apparatus invented by Joseph Pilates - the Cadillac or Trapeze Table. It is a great machine but way too bulky, and even most Pilates studios couldn't afford to buy it or reserve so much space for it. That's how the Pilates tower equipment was created. A tower will let you do everything you do on a Cadillac but take up much less space and you can even get an affordable one for your home gym.

Use: First, the tower has springs which can help you with certain exercises. When doing partial sit ups and rollups they aid you when you hold onto a spring loaded top bar during the pullup. If you normally find it difficult to get enough lift, they aid you there as well. Second, towers help you stretch. You can get extra stretch and release of tension with tower Pilates by bracing yourself against the tower stands or a bottom-loaded bar while working against the pull and then releasing. If you work all day at a desk or have been out dancing all night, try a round of Pilates tower exercises to stretch the muscles and spine out to relieve tension and instantly feel taller and more relaxed. lastly, the tower will help you with isolation. A tower is great at making you focus on one set of muscles at a time, whether they're in your arms, your core or your legs. For those looking to sculpt a particular part of your body, there's no better way.

Observation

One observation that I can give about Lebron James in this video is that he seemed to be very motivated in doing Pilates. As you see, not a lot of "big" athletes participate in it. Probably one reason is that Pilates helps Lebron become a better athlete. For instance, I know that Pilates is able to hone in on small muscle groups and movements that are often neglected and underdeveloped, targeting them through more precise movement and proper breathing techniques. This is probably one of the benefits of Pilates Lebron is enjoying.

Question#2: the jumpboard- what is the jumpboard and how is it used?

What props are being used? Can they be used without the jumpboard? 

Would this workout give you a cardio response?

ANS:

The Jumpboard is a contemporary accessory to the universal Pilates Reformer that provides a firm, but padded jumping surface that allows for biomechanically sound foot placement and can be used for both plyometric and aerobic exercise. 

The jumpboard is primarily used by allowing the Certified Pilates Teacher to adjust the tension for a patient/client's needs and can lead individuals through different movement combinations while on a spring-loaded reformer. The exercises will facilitate coordination of mind and body to optimally align the skeleton and balance muscle development. The pace will stimulate fast twitch muscle fibers to turn on and increase heart rate in a way that is different than authentic Pilates. Because the work is not directly against gravity, the abdominals and core learn to stabilize the spine during the quick movements, as well as control the landing and load through the hips, knees, ankles, and feet. The workout places little to no impact on joints of the lower body, making it an incredible option for cross training or those who need to avoid the impact of running on the road and treadmill.

The props that can be used with Jumpboards are various. Some of the most commonly used ones are thera-band (a wide, thin & flat plastic looking, latex band used in rehab, not the round tubing) and a medium, light-weight air ball. The thera-band stretched me out and was slightly difficult to do, while I enjoyed the ball workout. I liked the variety, especially the ball, that props bring to this cardio workout. Of course, these props can still be used for other exercises, even without the jumpboard.

Definitely, this workout gives out a cardio response. During training and exercises with a jumpboard, you breathe faster and more deeply, and your heart beats faster. Your organs become more efficient at circulating oxygenated blood and nutrients to the rest of the body. This is akin to doing cardio exercises in standing positions.