Equipment & Props Recommended by Ada Wells, PT for Be Well-Stay Well™
Dr. Ada Wells, DPT, NCPT, is a physical therapist who is an industry expert in the field of Pilates based exercise and rehab. Â
Inside our subscriber's area, there are classes that utilize no props but also those that can range from using small items you may already have at home to unique props & tools that are extremely useful in the Pilates environment.Â
Below are some recommendations (some links may be affiliate links where I may receive a small amount of compensation when you use that link).
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The Oov®
Hands down, this is the most transformative tool in my toolbox and there are nearly 200 classes in our Be Well-Stay Well™ library that utilize this unique tool.
It's curved shape, combined with the unique properties of the foam body challenge the body while optimizing feedback for a range of 3-Dimensional workouts and corrective work.
You can use it in a variety of positions, including standing, lying down in all directions, and sitting. Â
Size matters. Generally, if you're under 130 lbs and/or shorter than 5'4", I'd recommend small. Between about 130-170 Medium (height around 5'4-5'11) or Large for anything above that. There are exceptions to the rule, particularly if someone has a particularly long or short torso, is light or heavy for their height or if they have "hardware" in their spine. Feel free to ask any questions if you have them.
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Order an Oov from Balanced Body with a Discount
The Spinefitter by Sissel®
 This handy tool feels great on the spine, feet, ITBand or whereever you need a little mobilization.
We utilize it for balance work in both standing but also lying down. While it has different balance properties than the Oov®, it can provide an alternative environment where someone can lie on the floor and have their shoulder blades free from the floor.
For those who are taller, there is a handy extender that will extend the length for those who are over 6'1 or who have particularly long torsos.
Order a Spinefitter from Balanced Body with a Discount
Reformer
I often get asked what brand of reformer I have as I live in a small 1 bedroom/1 bath urban loft. I have an IQ reformer with "library wheels" by Balanced Body (Metro IQ is the current version), which is the most compact, yet hearty version of a personal reformer. The only disadvantage of this particular model is that I can't add my favorite Balanced Body Retrofit (a KONNECTOR) like I have on my studio reformers.
It easily folds up or stacks up against the wall. There is a version where you can get "wheelbarrel" wheels and slide it under a bed so long as you have 6" of clearance.Â
It takes me less than 30 seconds to pull my reformer out and have it ready for a workout.
If I were to give you my second favorite reformer (if you have the designated space for it, it would be the Allegro 1 Reformer as you can retrofit this with all sorts of cool add-ons, including a Konnector.
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Order a Reformer from Balanced Body with a Discount
Balansit®
Created by the inventor of the Oov®, this foam tool uniquely challenges the pelvic floor and deep core stabilizers in a natural way in a seated position.
 Size matters here also. For kids or very petite/short people under 125 lbs, a size small works best. Those who weight under 140-150 lbs lbs may perfer a medium, and taller or heavier individuals may prefer a large.
The Balansit also plays well with a no resistance Rotator disc to increase the degrees of freedom for the pelvis.
Order a Balansit® from Balanced Body with a Discount
