How to Build Your Home Pilates Studio (for everyone, not just teachers)

What do you need to have a Pilates space at home? How do you build your home Pilates studio? How much space do you need? What are the essentials? Let’s dive into what the best strategies are for creating your own personal Pilates space.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • June 7, 2021
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How to build your home Pilates Studio - Online Pilates Classes
How to build your home Pilates Studio - Online Pilates Classes

Ready to build your home pilates studio?

A year after the start of the pandemic and many of us have learned to eat, sleep, work and workout under one roof. Our own roof. And in this time most of our favorite trainers, teachers, and instructors have gone online. Even as things reopen the convenience of being able to ditch the commute to and from our favorite workouts is often the reason we can get more workout time in! But, what do you need to have a Pilates space at home? How do you build your home Pilates studio? How much space do you need? What are the essentials? Let’s dive into what the best strategies are for creating your own personal Pilates space.

The good news is you can create a Pilates space on almost any size. Truthfully if you can lay down on the floor, reach your arms overhead while pointing your toes and you don’t touch anything that’s enough space top to bottom. If you can open your arms and legs like a snow angel and you don’t hit anything you’ve just found your Mat Pilates space! If you can open them partway but now all the way you can still use the space. When I am in a hotel room often the only space is between the wall and the bed. I still use the space you just need to consider a couple of modifications.

Equipment For Your Home Pilates Studio

Here’s what should you buy to make this space the most useful and effective for your practice:

Props: Magic CircleThera-bandTriad Ball, and 1-2 lb weights. You don’t need all or any of these to get started. But they will be the most useful for most Pilates classes you’ll take.

Mat: Ideally you will someday have a mat like the Contrology Mat. The handles and straps really up-level your practice. However, an 8-10mm like the OPC mat is ideal. Your yoga mat is going to be too thin. A gymnastics mat is too thick.

In the same size space you can also invest in the following equipment: Spine Corrector or Small BarrelFoot Corrector, 2×4, Push Up Handles. Again, you don’t have to have all of these to practice Pilates. But, these items do not need more space than what you created for doing your Mat practice. You will need a place to store them. I use hooks on my wall and a bin.

Wunda Chair: While I find that Wunda Chair workouts are often the most challenging I’m talking about it now because the amount of extra space you need for this piece of equipment is not usually a problem. If you have room to lay down and do your Mat practice you can easily slide your Wunda Chair into the same spot. Then slide it to a corner when not in use. And depending on the type of Wunda Chair you get it can easily become a chair for people to sit in like this one.

Reformer: Depending on the brand and model these come in all different sizes. I personally have a room that is 10×12 and fits my Cadillac and Reformer + everything I’ve listed and will list in the room. So, if you have a spare room you’ve got more options. But, ideally, you want to have space on all 4 sides of the Reformer. My 80″ Reformer is perfect for a small room. I needed enough space behind it to place the Short Box. Enough space on either side to stretch my arms out to a ‘T.’ And about 6-8 inches in the front so that my legs can rest long on the footbar. This may sound like a space hog of a piece. But, it is something that can be pushed to the side of the room when not in use. Make sure if you’re not on carpet that you have some felt stickies on the bottom of the feet so it is easy to slide your Reformer around on your wood floor without scratching. Plus this makes it easier to move when you’re alone.

My favorite Reformer is the Contrology 80“. If it helps I’m 5’9” and I have put people 6t + on it. And if you’re looking for them, check out my Reformer tutorials.

Now let’s talk about the other pieces of equipment. Cadillacs are not always the easiest for a home workout space. You def need to measure the height of your ceilings. You want to at the very least be able to stand on your Cadillac without your head hitting the ceiling. Even better if you could stand on the Cadillac with your arms overhead without touching the ceiling. You also need space on all 4 sides. My old space and my current home studio I have felt on the bottom of my Cadillac making it easier for me to move around a room. So I can push or pull it to create the space I need on any of the sides. This way I don’t need to have a big room that always has space on all the sides. Many people use a Tower instead of a Cadillac for their home workout rooms. As of right now, I prefer this Tower. But soon a Contrology one should be coming out.


Side note: I am often asked about the Tower/Reformer combos. I personally prefer people get them separate whenever possible. It’s not always easy to switch them from one to the other. And, you lose the ability to do certain exercises because the dimensions and stability have been changed to help put the two pieces together. If you have a combo you love amazing! But, if you have the ability to keep them separate that’s going to be better for you in the long run. Plus you can always have more than one person working out with you then! And, the mat for the Tower can be lifted up and propped against the Tower giving you space to do other things. Or, you can use the Tower mat as your Pilates mat saving you space.


Pedi Pole: This is something if you’re tight on space but want the feel of the springs I want you to have! You do need a room with standard ceiling height. Every manufacturer is slightly different. This is my favorite Pedi Pole.

If space allows here are some extra goodies. Not necessary for you to have to enhance your Pilates room: High Chair aka Electric ChairLadder BarrelArm Chair.

Balanced Body has an excellent resource that anyone can use. It allows you to design your space online before you buy. You can put the doors and windows where they are. And, another thing I liked to do because I am so visual is grabbing painter’s tape and put the outline of the equipment on the floor so I can see where each thing could live. How much space it takes up. Every piece of equipment online has its dimensions so you can measure it based on the equipment you want.

What Equipment Should You Get First?

I’m often asked, “what should I get first?” The truth is if all you can do is the Mat you’re doing Pilates and you will get its benefits. If you want more then go off the space you have. If all you have room for is what can move from a closet to the floor by your bed then a MatSpine Corrector, and C-shaper with some props are going to give you an epic home studio. Got a bit more room, add in that Wunda Chair and/or Pedi Pole. From there add in what you love.

My hope for you is that you do more Pilates. And remember we have tons of free tutorials on every single one of these pieces mentioned. So you do not need to become a teacher to use these. You can become your own teacher.

Which pieces are you going to start with?

I’ve created a free How to Build Your Home Pilates Studio Guide. Just fill out this form and I’ll email it to you (don’t forget to check your spam.)

xx~LL

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are “affiliate links”, a link with a special tracking code. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website, and we genuinely appreciate your support.

2 comments

  1. Hello!!! I am finding Lesley and her site SO helpful and welcoming 🙂

    Anyone know if there is a discount code or folding mats or reformers?

    1. Hey Lauren, yes! We have affiliate links for everything Balanced Body and Contrology offers. Feel free to contact my support team to get the links. xx~LL

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL

THE CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

What Storms you ask? Well, Thanksgiving (USA) just happened and we’re kicking off the big Holiday Season right away. Let’s use this week’s Mat & Reformer classes to connect to our breath, center from the powerhouse, and find a little calm.

On the Reformer, we’ll be working to make Running more than that exercise you do to stretch your calves. And on the Mat well alter some of our traditional breathing patterns for a calming challenge!

You won’t need any special props, just your fabulous, Deep-Breathing selves!

See you in class,

Tami

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

THE BOSS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In the states its the week of Thanksgiving which means a lot of things to do and little time for you. And whether you live in the states or not I wanted to give everyone an excuse to leave any room so they can "meet with the boss" aka take class!

And you are the boss! The meeting is with you, your practice and OPC! Tell people The Boss called. They'll let you go and they'll totally understand that 30 min is a legit time to talk to The Boss.

The prop needed on the Mat: Pillows or a bolster or ball. I'm thinking about things you might have in any bedroom to take a call.

Reformer: if you happen to have access to a Reformer this week YAY! The Reformer is going to be the boss. The sounds it makes, the way it feels, its got feedback for ya!

See ya in class,

xx~LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, pillows or a bolster or ball and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

TINSEL AND TEASERS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’ll focus on Teaser because we can! It’s hard! And when in need a pretty great party trick.

The end of the year brings lots of parties you want to go to, some you have to go to and some you wish you could get out of.

Let this workout be and excuse for not going to a party or as a prep for the party trick you might just need!

Props: On the Mat and Reformer a theraband for your Tinsel!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SLEIGH THE DAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Sleigh or Slay? This time of year we say both!

Reflecting on the year and recognizing all of the work we put into our practice hopefully feels like we slayed the year!! Now we are getting ready for the holidays and heading into a new year so we can sleigh and get it done!

This week I want you to feel like you can do your very best with each exercise! Meet your body where it is, have fun and dont judge how it goes! There are always those exercises you aren’t sure about, but today you just have to go into it saying, I WILL SLEIGH this one! Lets do this!!

No props needed for these classes!

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

There are some Rocking Moves in Pilates! This whole month we’ll be getting our Jingle On as we use each piece of equipment to prepare for and expand on those rolling & rocking postures. Bring that holiday spirit, let's rock!

Mat - no props needed
Reformer - Reformer Box and Pole
Cadillac - no props needed
Chair - no props needed

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

Super STAR

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Did you know that a Superstar has definitions surrounding it that call out words like “prime attraction”, “prominent”, and “public appeal”?

I’m laughing as I write this description because this month’s theme is about the exercise STAR and I think these words are usually disassociated with that exercise! LOL!!!

If you hate doing Star, never wanted to try Star, or have no idea what Star is - these workouts are for YOU!!
If you love Star - I’d love to know why, but also - these workouts are for YOU!!

Throughout the Pilates method there aren’t many exercises where the side body is the main attraction, which is interesting because we need to use our side body to do some of the first exercises we learn. Rolling exercises, Roll Up, and Push Up/Planking - all need to call on your side body muscles to help you do the exercises.

Our focus this month is side body work to help you not only be a SuperSTAR and try STAR, but to help you connect to these muscles to do all the other exercises.

Let’s have FUN this month and forget about the stigma STAR may or may not have :)

Equipment needed:

Reformer = the box

Cadillac = no props needed!

Chair = no props needed, but you might want a yoga block to prop up your pedal

Mat = no props needed!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋