Muscle Use During Exercise: A Comparison of Conventional Weight Equipment to Pilates With and Without a Resistive Exercise Device

Six subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 years old were examined to compare use of the quadriceps, hamstring, gluteus maximus, hip abductor, hip adductor, abdominal, gastrocnemius and paraspinal muscles as assessed by electromyogram (EMG). Muscle use was measured during all forms of exercise and exercise using conventional weight lifting equipment was compared to exercise during Pilates with and without a resistive device called the “Zone Pilates Sculpter” (Savvier LP, Santa Fe Springs, Calif). The ability of the Pilates device to restrict movement in adverse directions and thereby, reduce potential injuries during exercise was also assessed. The results of the experiments showed that Pilates, while good for Petrofsky3-vol5no1 3/19/05 11:43 AM Page 160