The Tower: Nothing To Be Afraid Of
Why do we love the Tower? The Pilates Tower functions like the Cadillac, but it’s attached to the wall on one side, and the base affixed to the ground instead of a raised Mat. The Tower is a versatile piece of equipment that easily translates to a group class, so it’s ideal in a studio setting. You can easily add challenges, or add support to Pilates exercises so it’s an accessible piece of equipment to use for all types of bodies and experience levels. Simply put: there’s not much you can’t do with the Tower.
The Tower
has two vertical poles, attached to the wall and each other. There are various eye bolts at different levels that attach to springs. The springs then offer a variety of handle and strap options at different heights to be used with your feet or arms. There’s also a mat on the floor with a foot strap on one end and wooden dowels at the other that can provide an extra layer of assistance.
If you want a flowing session with a wide variety of resistance, the Tower is a great choice. You can get a blend of mat and spring resistance and keep the flow going by presetting your springs. This helps you move through your session with minimal equipment transitions and less disruption in the flow of movement. More flow can sometimes result in getting your heart rate up, easily translating to those who like a little more cardio in their workout. You can flow through all the appropriate mat exercises for your level and top your workout off with Leg Springs, Arm Springs, the Push Through Bar and the Roll Down Bar. Or you can pick one or two spring choices to get your workout done without even stepping off your mat!
The Tower is a good place to learn new exercises that you want to eventually take to the Reformer. Because the Tower Mat is stationary and close to the ground (as opposed to a moving carriage on the Reformer), it can be easier to find your confidence in the exercise you are practicing.
Did you know you can do a full Reformer workout using the Tower? And this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easier! When your body is more stationary, without the distraction of a moving carriage, you might notice your body more and find new ways to understand the Reformer exercises / challenge yourself to be focused on the fundamentals.
The Tower is great if you’re new to Pilates and want to try equipment in a group setting. It’s a good place to learn the many safe and effective ways Pilates can support and challenge your workout based on what your unique situation and body needs. You’ll learn how to exercise using gravity and your own body’s resistance, and how to work with springs to achieve the right amount of tension. You can lie down, sit, or stand on this piece of equipment to get a full and balanced Pilates workout.
The TOWER.
It really does sound intimidating…but with it’s help you’ll be amazed by what your body can do. If you want to feel taller, be more flexible, and discover a new level of confidence in the way you use Pilates equipment, the Tower will help you achieve your goals.
We’d love to see you in a Tower class soon! Check out our current class schedule and sign up to get in on the action.