May 2024

Home Pilates equipment has many options, but making the right choice for your practice is essential. This blog post will cover simple at-home Pilates equipment like the mat through home studio-grade apparatus like the reformer.

Mat

The Pilates mat is the most essential piece of home Pilates equipment. It adds cushioned support during mat work. Mats are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. When purchasing a mat, find one longer than your height, as you’ll be lying down for several exercises. If you need extra cushion, look for a thicker mat.

Magic Circle

The Magic Circle is a popular piece of home Pilates equipment. This simple, malleable circle bends when pressed or squeezed. It provides resistance and builds lean muscle mass. The Magic Circle is great at home and while traveling. It works with a tight budget and limited space. Adding the Magic Circle mat exercises will spice up your routine and add challenge.

Foam Roller

The Foam Roller is a popular piece of home Pilates equipment. Well known for rolling out sore muscles, it has more to offer. Like the Magic Circle, the Foam Roller can work into several mat exercises. Try lying supine on the Foam Roller while you do the ab series, marching, and Pilates curl. Staying connected to your core and not rolling off offers a fun challenge!

Using the foam roller, you can also mimic several Reformer exercises. For example, place your hands on the mat and feet on the roller while you pike your hips up. You’re now doing Elephant on the mat!

Band

The Band is an affordable piece of home Pilates equipment that doesn’t need ample space. This lightweight elastic band comes in a variety of tension strengths. It fits into a suitcase for a travel-friendly exercise prop. The Band adds tension and support stretching during mat and apparatus exercises.

Reformer

The Pilates Reformer used to only be available for in-studio Pilates training. Today, there are numerous at-home Pilates Reformers available. You can buy small, lightweight, space-friendly

Reformers and studio-grade Reformers. Before buying a Pilates Reformer, do your research. Studio Reformers cost several thousands of dollars. You’ll get a very high-quality piece of equipment that will last several years. If you want a more budget-friendly Reformer, the quality will not be the same as a studio Reformer. However, they can still provide an enjoyable Pilates workout at home.

Once you’ve purchased your Reformer, online Reformer classes can keep you moving forward. ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates offers online classes you can join for live feedback and instruction.

Reformer / Tower Combo

The home Reformer / Tower Combo gives you two pieces of equipment in one. This Pilates apparatus is often seen in studios as well. The Tower is attached to the back of the Reformer. To use the Tower, the Reformer carriage is secured to the back of the Reformer, and a Mat is added to the front. This home Pilates equipment gives you access to a wide range of Pilates exercises.

Chair

Like the Reformer and Reformer/ Tower Combo, the Chair is used in Pilates studios. There are many home Pilates Chair options. The Chair is a smaller piece of Pilates apparatus, making it accessible for those who want a Pilates studio experience at home but have limited space.

Practicing Pilates at home has never been more accessible. A wide range of props and apparatus are available to all budgets and space options. When using at-home Pilates equipment, it’s great to have teachers’ input on how to use it correctly and safely. ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates can help you get started with classes in the studio and keep you going with online classes. Book yours today!