What is that wooden contraption drilled into the walls in the second classroom at my IM=X® Pilates and Fitness studio? And how can it benefit me? We’ve had many clients ask about the IM=X® Wall Tower so today’s blog post is designed to answer all of your burning questions – and hopefully inspire you to try it out for yourself!
First, let’s take a look at the history of the IM=X® Wall Tower design. IM=X® Founder and CEO, Elyse McNergney, originally developed the Tower as a space-saving alternative to the Cadillac (a bulky, cumbersome device) and to provide a complement to IM=X® Mat and Xercizer workouts. Fun fact: the Tower’s original design was a standalone structure (hence the name “Tower”) which could be folded up and wheeled away when not in use. The top of the structure featured a ballet barre for IM=X® Barre programming and stretching. The base was a low metal platform on which to lay a yoga mat, and two parallel bars rose up from the platform rigged with springs of various lengths and resistance. One of the coolest features of the original IM=X® Tower was that an indoor cycling bike could be rolled onto the metal platform for a hybrid Cycle/Tower workout which utilized the resistance of the springs while simultaneously achieving a heart-pumping cardio session on the bike
Clients loved the IM=X® Tower and the Cycle/Tower program. But as IM=X® developed more programming, studios needed more floor space available for additional workouts. Today’s IM=X® studios incorporate IM=X® Mat Pilates, IM=X® Yoga, IM=X® cardio workouts, and more – all which require adequate floor space in studios. Rather than wheeling away a Tower before and after each session, what if there was a way to make the IM=X® Tower design even more minimalistic?
Always chasing innovation, Elyse McNergney and the equipment design team set out to make a wall-mounted version of the Tower. Needing only a wall beam for mounting, the new streamlined IM=X® “Wall Tower“ was born. With all the functionality of the original Tower design, the Wall Tower takes up 100% less floor space, and can accommodate Cycle/Tower and Tower/Barre programs by simply adding a bike or a barre.
Let’s explore the features of the streamlined IM=X® Wall Tower. The first thing you will notice is three levels of hooks with springs attached. The springs can be clipped to each of the three levels depending on the exercise sequence and client’s height. There are two different lengths of springs: short (typically more resistance and used for upper body) and long (less resistance or used for lower body and particularly standing Tower/Barre exercises). At the end of each spring, you have the option to fasten either handles, foot loops or a wooden dowel, for a variety of movements and assorted target muscles. To add even more resistance, many IM=X® Wall Tower exercises also incorporate the IM=X® ring or light hand weights.
The IM=X® Wall Tower and its accessories can be used in four unique programs: IM=X® Tower, IM=X® Tower/Barre, IM=X® Barre and IM=X® Cycle/Tower. The IM=X® Tower workout uses the springs to work the core, legs and arms, and muscles you didn’t even know you had! The sequences follow the IM=X® philosophy of providing increased resistance and unique variations on traditional pilates choreography. IM=X® Barre is inspired by ballet training, fusing moves like plies, tendus, attitudes, leg extensions and arabesques with stabilization techniques and light upper body resistance to provide a powerful lengthening and toning experience, challenging flexibility and burning calories. IM=X® Barre can be taught as an excellent stand alone or mixed with IM=X® Tower for a powerful total body Tower/Barre workout. Lastly, IM=X® Cycle/Tower is a high-energy ride that combines indoor cycling with upper body strengthening and stabilization. Rather than a typical cycling class, this unique workout keeps participants focused on posture, balance, breathing and core muscle endurance while scorching calories to heart-pumping music to leave you feeling empowered and invigorated.
We’ll be diving into each of these programs in a future installation of the IM=X® Blog so stay tuned to learn more. Have you tried any IM=X® Tower formats at your local studio? Which workouts are your favorite?