Shopping Guide

Mats, balls, rings, straps ... if you are interested in starting Pilates, you may become overwhelmed by the equipment available to you. Or if you need to replace several pieces of equipment, you might not want to find them separately at individual prices. Instead, consider the Pilates kit! A complete kit is a great way to start your experience or to round off the equipment you need to replace. And if you are ready to advance your routine, there's a kit out there just for you.

A starter kit will come with equipment for the most basic and standard of Pilates routines. As your routine will be dedicated to improving flexibility and strength, your equipment should be both supportive as well as add resistance to certain stretches and poses. A basic kit will include a non-slip, thick foam mat. (Note: yoga mats vary from Pilates mats in thickness). Standard mats are usually 72" to 86" in length and 21" to 39" in width and are perfect for most average sizes.

A starter kit will also come with an exercise ball. These non-slip items provide resistance between body parts or between the body and floor or wall. Practitioners use them between their legs and/or arms to strengthen muscle tone or balance themselves on them in various positions in order to increase balance and spinal alignment. With a ball in your kit, you'll be ensured the most basic routine requirements are met.

Resistance bands (also called body bands) are common in kits. These bands can be placed over the ankles or forearms, to create a resistance when extending one's legs or arms apart, but still managing to provide a clean, supportive movement rather than a sloppy or painful experience.

Intermediate and advanced kits usually include added items such as cords, which usually come with varying degrees of resistance for all levels of practice. Rings are also added features in some kits. Adjustable, non-slip and of varying resistance, these items are utilized for a variety of poses and muscle toning.

Kits are also great because they can include instructions and visual aids. Through books, photo cards, drawing and/or video, DVD, CD media, beginners will have the ability to learn the technique, in the comfort of their own homes. Kits can include visual materials to show the precision of poses and extensions as well as audio materials to provide a soothing and supportive atmosphere.

Additionally, instructional videos can provide a supplemental session of body conditioning in addition to class sessions. Kits are also available for intermediate and advanced practitioners, each with routines and equipment suited for the individual's particular goals.

Kits can also be geared towards certain aspects of Pilates. For example, some kits are focused on core work and will contain a variety of sized resistance bands. Various colors, various materials, and sometimes-adjustable sizing allows for an individual's certain core strength routine to be improved.

Dance Clothes

There are many categories of clothing dancing. Different styles of dance have different requirements for the wear. However, almost every form of dance requires comfortable clothing.

One of the most basic parts of the dance is Léotard clothes. These garments are usually a lightweight, elastic material such as Lycra or spandex. Are designed to be tightened so that they move with the body rather than around it. The Léotard usually comes in short sleeves and long varieties and is the standard for all exercises many forms of ballet and modern dance.

Dresses and skirts are common articles of clothing dancing. These items are made to be light and flow around the body as it moves. Dance skirts are usually made of Lycra, nylon, cotton, or any combination of the three. They come in a variety of styles from classical tutu to more contemporary designs, like the empire camisole dress. Most professional dancers have a wide selection of these teams in their locker.

Shoes vary slightly depending on the style of dance. Ballet shoes are designed to fit perfectly to the foot and are often made of soft leather. They are light and very flexible in design. Also known as ballet slippers, these shoes are usually inexpensive.

Ballroom dance shoes are designed to resemble those you would find a dress in formal settings. Once again, they are generally light and flexible, but are designed to offer more support than ballet shoes. Dancing shoes for women often have a higher heel, like the typical dress shoes.

Men dressed as dancing are typically much simpler than women in the design dancewear. In most cases this is nothing but a pair of stockings and a fitted shirt. Exceptions include specific costume for all the dancers are necessary to the choreography. Jazz pants are also available and these issues are often popular because they are more flexible installation, similar to sweat pants.