Find Affordable Pilates Equipment

Pilates Equipment

If you practice Pilates regularly, you should know there are some essential items that can help you make the most of your workouts. Having accessories to support your practice is essential if you work out on your own and don’t have access to gym equipment or a trainer. Whether you’re a beginner or have been practicing Pilates for a while, here are some must-haves:

Exercise Mats
Many if not most, of the Pilates exercises you can do at home are done on the floor. Even when standing up you’re still supposed to reach out or bend into positions that will require some kind of support under your feet. Pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats and usually firmer to help retain balance and protect the back during certain positions. Pilates mats are also longer and wider than other exercise mats. At a minimum, look for a mat that’s at least 72x21 inches.

DVDs and Videos
If you have little to no experience doing Pilates, you will need a DVD to guide you through the exercises. Ideally you should choose one where the instructor does the repetitions with you, rather than one where you’re shown a single repetition of the exercise and left to workout on your own. Because there are many varieties and schools of style when it comes to Pilates training, it may be a good idea to take a class at a local gym and then ask the instructor to recommend a DVD (as long as you liked her style in the first place, of course). Another way to do it is to stick to the classics, such as Windsor Pilates or the Pilates Workout for Dummies, both of which have sold millions of copies and are appropriate for all ages and fitness levels.

Accessories
While you don’t actually need any type of equipment to do Pilates at home, you’ll find that some videos encourage the use of certain items to speed up results or push your muscles harder, especially if you’re at an advanced level. Examples of good accessories to have include small dumbbells (1-2 pounds), exercise bands and an exercise ring. Rubber tubing can also be helpful, especially if you lack flexibility and need something to help you reach your toes or high up your back.

Pilates Machines
The Reformer, a rather simple piece of equipment that consists of a frame and a moving padded bench and foot rest, used to be exclusive to Pilates studios. Up until recently, the Reformer was too expensive for private individuals, so your only chance of using it was to join a specialized gym or to hire a one-on-one trainer. Over the past couple of years, a few companies have come up with a home version of the Reformer that, while certainly not cheap, it’s definitively affordable. Still, this is not a piece of equipment for beginners, so stick to mat exercises if you’re just getting into the sport.

Pilates Clothing
As with yoga, you want clothes that allow for free movement and stretching. Avoid pants that are too long and can get caught in your toes (causing slips) or shirts that are too loose and can get interfere with the use of equipment.

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