The Pilates Spine Corrector

In this series introducing you to the Pilates apparatuses, we have made our way through most of the big ones: the reformer, tower, chairs, and mat. But did you know there are smaller apparatuses, too? The Pilates spine corrector is one of them, and one most of my clients love. 

This apparatus is a half-barrel shape with a wedge attached to one side. Whenever I look at it, I giggle a bit because if you were to hold it in front of you with the barrel facing out, it would give you the profile of a pregnant woman. Unlike most of the other apparatuses (except the mat), the spine corrector has no moving parts. It’s a stationary piece usually made out of wood which is upholstered with foam and vinyl, though there are other lighter weight moulded foam versions.  That comes at a much lower cost so is great for home or outfitting a studio with enough for each client.  

Everyone Loves This Apparatus

The smaller apparatuses like the Pilates spine corrector aren’t usually used for a full workout, but rather to address an individual’s needs. The reason most people love it is because you can mould your spine over the barrel and go into a supported back extension. It feels amazing! All but one of my clients agree. He will do the exercises without complaint, but I can tell it’s not his favourite. 

Those with tight hip flexors or chest (pecs) will get a lot of benefit from using the spine corrector. I’m definitely one of those people! Lots of us are; those long hours of sitting for work, commuting, and using computers and phones contributes to this tightness. Laying over the spine corrector gives immediate relief, and helps to open those tight areas. Using it regularly will improve your postural imbalances (which is what we are going for in Pilates!), and will also help you achieve other exercises.

How to Use the Pilates Spine Corrector

The main use of the spine corrector is to do that oh-so-good back extension. You can lay over it from either side, using the wedge or not. There are specific exercises to do on the apparatus, and they will be a bit different depending on which side of it you’re working from. Then there are others designed for one side of the barrel or the other. Then there are options to do exercises that put you in an inverted position: your head and shoulders are on the mat while your hips and legs are in the air, supported by the barrel. Again, the apparatus is helping get you into a position that may be more difficult on the mat. Another fun thing to try is to adapt the mat work to be done on the Pilates spine corrector. 

Pilates is for Everyone 

I love the diversity of Pilates. It was designed to be adaptable to every body, so no matter where they are starting from, they can improve their flexibility, mobility, and strength. Each apparatus has its own role to play, helping you with progressions and regressions, getting your body into proper positions, and challenging you in surprising ways. They all will have you paying closer attention to how your body moves, giving you better body awareness, too. 

If you see the Pilates spine corrector in the corner of your Pilates studio, ask if you can give it a try! I bet you’ll love it, too.