What do I really need for an AT HOME Pilates work out?
You’ve decided to begin at home Pilates. That’s so exciting! Whether you’re with me at Pilax or another great provider, congratulations! I know you’ll be feeling all confident or, apprehensive if this is where you’re first launching your journey from. Do you know what to purchase to get started? The temptation to spend as a motivator can be big, especially when you’ve seen your studio teacher or online fitness gurus looking all sharp with their matching clothes and accessories. If you’re on a budget, here is what you can start with. to get all you need out of your sessions at home.
1. Mat
This is probably the most important thing. Working out at home, is not the same as a studio where the floors are often geared to suit a workout. If you’re going to buy a mat online to save money, make sure to look at the measurements of thickness and length. Make sure you get something thicker rather than thinner, as these thinner mats tend to not roll out as well. Make sure the length is at least as long as your body height.
I have purchased these mats in the past and found them to be pretty great:
2. Theraband.
If you’re on a budget, I normally advocate for using a stocking or long sock you no longer love but, they don’t always provide the resistance of a theraband.
There are two main types of therabands, in terms of material:
a. The original: a latex one made from natural rubber which is stretchy (good for stretching and resistance work). These come in different colours and different resistance strengths.
b. The newly popular fabric bands (good for static stretching and some resistance depending on the type of stretch in the material).
Both come in different forms- some with loops on the end, with graduated loops in the middle or just a flat band. I personally prefer the latex ones as a starting point.
Hack: Sometimes a fabric band actually comes with your mat- they’re made to hold the mat together when rolled up, but you can also double them up as bands. Check to see if the mat you plan to purchase comes with one of these. The only downside is, these tend to not have some stretch in them.
Therabands from your physio or Pilates studio are often more expensive than what you can purchase online and of course, it’s always possible for a TheraBand to snap. Do yourself a favour and buy a roll online.
Make sure to wash your roll after purchase and hand to dry. Some TheraBand material requires talcum powdering after washing. You’ll know if it sticks to itself and wont dry after separation.
3. Small lacrosse or decent tennis ball
These are great for massaging out tight spots after a workout and are cheaper than a roller. If you can afford both, get both. There are now popular cork balls sold such as this one here.
4. Medium inflatable ball
This prop has so many great uses. If you’re really into the big ones, go for it, but I recommend the small ones, such as above, as they can be used as a resistance, stabilising challengers and more.
5. Pilates Clothes
The last thing I recommend is getting just one outfit that makes you feel great. While you can do Pilates in any slightly loose to tight stretchy clothing (I started learning Pilates in my ballet leotard covered with hip hop pants and a hoodie or old tshirt), having fancy gear can be pretty motivating. I didn’t receive my first proper Pilates pants until after I started teaching, receiving them from a promotion through the first studio I taught at. Before that, I was teaching in runners or ¾ lose dance pants and a friends old Yoga top. I recently upgraded to purchase the following from Zen Warrior:
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