I first heard about pilates through Lori Harvey and I was impressed with the result and like many women it served as an inspiration for me to take up pilates. I decided to actively start doing pilates in June and the results for me have blown me away. Not only have I lost weight, toned up and leaned out. I have become stronger and my mobility has improved. I have a baby home gym so I have a lot of gym equipment (some get more use than others) however these following things I would recommend for anyone who wants to do pilates. The bare basics I would say.
Yoga Mat
If you get nothing else on this list when beginning pilates the one thing you need is a good quality yoga mat. A yoga mat provides a cushioned and stable surface, enhancing comfort and support during Pilates exercises. The grip and traction of a mat help prevent slipping, allows you to maintain proper alignment and form throughout the movements.
Pilates Socks
This goes hand in hand with the yoga mat. I found it difficult to maintain maintain grip and traction when performing horizontal movements like cat-cow, planks any thing that relied balancing on my toes holding the movement. Pilates can get sweaty so doing it barefoot wasn’t sustainable for me. So I highly recommend yoga socks with friction dots to support you through the movements.
Pilates Ball
A pilates ball, not to be confused with a large yoga ball, engages deeper muscle groups while performing exercises. It intensifies the workout and fostering better body awareness. It has been instrumental in shaping my core. Its versatility allows for a wide range of exercises that target various muscle groups, stability, and coordination. I love the fact it doesn’t take up much space.
Light Weights
Pilates uses body resistance similar to calisthenics. However pilates focuses more on mobility. If you want to push and challenge yourself further I highly recommend getting some light weights varying from 1kg-4kg. Integrating lightweights into Pilates sessions offers a multifaceted approach to enhancing the practice’s benefits. By adding resistance, even in the form of lightweights, Pilates exercises become more challenging, effectively targeting and toning specific muscle groups especially in the chest, arms and back. Lightweights encourage controlled and deliberate movements, promoting proper form and alignment, which is fundamental to Pilates principles.
Ankle Weights
Ankle weights, while not traditionally associated with Pilates, can still serve as a useful tool to enhance certain aspects of the practice. Though people say you can build a bigger booty with just pilates I have found that without enough weight and resistance its just not the case as it doesn’t offer progressive overload (Increasing your weights overtime). I don’t recommend those that are super heavy as the excessive added weight can compromise proper form or lead to strain or injury. This can help strengthen and tone muscles, improve balance, and intensify the workout.
Resistance Bands
Incorporating resistance bands into pilates practice offers a range of benefits that enhance the effectiveness and depth of the exercises. Resistance bands provide adaptable and controlled resistance, promoting targeted muscle engagement and enhancing strength training. I use them mostly for glute activation and the inner thighs the burn comes through quickly.
Here you have it, my bare essentials to complete 90% of workout routines from home and become stronger, more flexible and have more mobility and they don’t take up a lot of space yet you have a robust pilates studio at home.
Bye Now x