Pilates is not as easy as it may appear at first glance. While it may not require heavy weights or numerous reps, Pilates demands full engagement from all of your muscles for balance, stability, and strength. Celebrities such as LeBron James, Jennifer Aniston, and Gabrielle Union swear by the unrivaled benefits of Pilates. Whether you choose to visit a nearby studio or practice at home, Pilates is no joke. According to Pilates instructor Liana Levi, every movement in Pilates stems from your core, working it 100% of the time and engaging deep inner muscles not typically targeted in other exercises. It improves alignment, posture, and promotes longer, stronger muscles.
One of the key aspects of Pilates is its ability to build long, lean muscles while increasing flexibility and mobility. Inspired by the graceful movements of cats, Pilates creator Joseph Pilates developed this modality to promote aerodynamic movement. As more people discover the multifaceted benefits of Pilates, Google searches for the workout have increased by 75% since 2021. How can you access these benefits from the comfort of your home? The answer lies in the best at-home Pilates equipment.
To give you the full benefits of Pilates, here’s a guide to the best at-home Pilates equipment, in HTML:
Best at-home Pilates equipment, at a glance:
- Best Pilates mat: RetroSpec, 1″ Pilates Mat, $37
- Best Pilates ring: Gaiam, Pilates Ring, $15
- Best home smart reformer: Frame Reformer, $3,999
- Best reformer replacement: Lululemon, Workout Sliders, $28
- Best simple home reformer: Lagree, Micro Deluxe Microformer, $1,890
- Best box-and-pole add-on: AeroPilates, Box & Pole, $200
- Best ankle weights: Bala, Bala Bangles, $55
- Best Pilates ball: Bala, Pilates Ball, $29
- Best hand weights: B Yoga, Helix Weights, $60
- Best grip socks: Bombas, Gripper Socks (4-Pack), $57
- Best resistance bands: Sporty & Rich, Resistance Bands, $35
- Best starter kit: BetterMe, Pilates Essential Kit, $200
- Best Pilates leggings: BeyondYoga, Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging, $97
- Best storage for Pilates equipment: Crate & Kids, Outline Large Metal Floor Bin, $99
- Best reformer towel: Salt & Honey, Non-Slip Pilates Reformer Towel, $40
What equipment do you need for Pilates at home?
Before we get into it, some distinctions: Reformer Pilates and mat Pilates are the two most common formats of the modality that you’ll see, but there are offshoots—plenty of them. For example, megaformer workouts, which we called as a trend for 2021, are based on Pilates principles—and then dialed up to about 1,000 on the difficulty scale.
Reformer Pilates
If you are interested in Reformer Pilates, you will need a machine consisting of a weight-loaded carriage that moves backwards and forwards from a base, with a headrest, foot and arm straps to drive the carriage in certain poses, and a foot bar. You can add on accessories to perform a variety of different movements such as a Pilates box, a jump board, and a small ball to better your alignment in certain poses. An at-home reformer likely comes with all you need to do basic exercises, but you may continue adding to your collection to widen the exercises available to you over time.
Mat Pilates
While it might be tempting to roll out whatever old workout mat you have, investing in a proper Pilates mat, which tends to be thicker to help support your back and knees in Pilates poses, will be a game-changer for you. In addition to your mat, in floor Pilates, having a variety of props can help you to try poses that challenge your body in sneaky ways. The Pilates ring, Pilates ball, hand weights, and resistance bands for example can be used as a way to strengthen your arms, thighs, and abs through a variety of exercises.
Shop 15 helpful pieces of at-home Pilates equipment
Best Pilates mat: RetroSpec, 1″ Pilates Mat — $37.00
This cushy one-inch-thick Pilates mat has a non-slip grip so that when you’re planning you won’t accidentally face plant. It’s also made free of phthalate, heavy metals and latex. It comes with a strap that ensures it doesn’t unfold on you—helping with storage.
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