Stamina AeroPilates Arc

(TOP 10 REVIEWER)(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)The Arc is a simple, padded arch with handles that adds range of motion and new exercises and challenges to your Pilates workout.

It can be used on the floor for a back stretch, or incorporated into your Pilates routine.

Some of the beginner exercises are demonstrated by Marjolein Brug, who is the Pilates instructor on videos for some of the types of Pilates equipment available (there are many.) A 25 minute DVD is included with the Arc.

The exercises she uses with the Arc include:

warm-up with scapular mobilization (stretching and moving shoulder blades by lying back on the arc)

and warming up arm scissors and circles.

Then: side stretch (mermaid and towel-wringing), basic rollback and rollback with twist, leg scissors, circles, and windmills.

The workout continues with bicycles, bridges, various back extensions, the "child''s pose" (you can see the yoga influence in these--rather like the Plow and other yoga asanas.) Then the hips are worked, donkey kicks and leg extensions. Finally, there is a cool-down.

All these are done simply on the arc, which is the size of a footstool, and a yoga mat.

If you like Pilates and yoga, this may be a very space-effective way to get in a limbering workout that engages the whole body. The arc add extension by naturally curving the back and making the range of motion for arms and legs greater than 180 degrees (for example, the scissors legs are done with buttocks propped up on the arc, and so your legs are elevated but move down farther than if you were level on the floor.)

All in all, a handy device, and doubles as a back relaxer (check with physician before using, if you have any back concerns, of course.)

The "arc" looks exactly like the photo on the website. It has two handles and is black and the arc (or degree of curve) is not that deep. It took me about 15 minutes to assemble with the ten screws (plus the washers and bolts). (Other people may take less than 10 minutes). The stated weight limit is 300 pounds. The price for this product is less than other similar products.

Here is a review for the DVD which comes with the package.

At about 21 minutes, the DVD is a very short and fast beginner''s introduction to the arc. These are familiar exercises if you have done Pilates for a little while. Many of the exercises are easy and there is one section which is challenging. In general, each exercise is performed for 10 reps, and occasionally, for 5 reps. Don''t expect this to be a full workout as this is fairly basic and short.

The arc is used to strengthen or stretch the core which includes the abdominals, the lower back and the obliques.

Marjolein Brugman instructs and demonstrates. This is a calm and quiet workout with classical instrumental music.

Total workout time (20:58)

Here is the breakdown.

[Warm up]

Scapular mobilization

Arm scissors

Arm circles

[Side stretches]

Wringing out the towel

Mermaid

[Rollback (more commonly known as a roll up)]

Basic rollback

Rollback with twist

[Legs]: This is the only section in which the exercises are challenging.

Scissors

Circles

Windmill

Bicycle

[Bridge]

Bridge

Hip lift

[Extension]

Upper back lift

Arms extended back

Arms extended back with legs

Child''s pose

[Hip extension]

Donkey kick

Straight leg raise

External rotation

[Cool down stretches]

Child''s pose

Hip release

Piriformis

Spinal rotation

~~~

As a separate note, the arc is excellent for roll ups and sit ups. The arc makes doing these two exercise much easier and will help you achieve a higher number of reps.

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