How to Set Up Your Home Pilates Studio?
Working out from home is not only convenient, it’s also one of the only ways many of us are getting our workouts in. Pilates is a great home workout regimen. I know you’re thinking you don’t have room for all the equipment. But Pilates was originally designed to do only on the Mat. So, space is not a limitation to creating a home Pilates sanctuary. Here are the “must have’s” for a home Pilates practice. And, a few ideas for some extras if you have the room.
The Importance of a Quality Mat
This is by far the most important. You don’t want to just use the yoga mat you have if you can afford it. A yoga mat is very thin. And, Pilates has a lot of rolling exercises and some that go overhead depending on your practice. So, getting a mat that is 8mm or more thick is key for a comfortable Pilates mat practice.
Props to Enhance Your Pilates Workouts
The most known Pilates prop is a Magic Circle. It was designed by Joseph Pilates. He took the metal rings off of beer kegs and had different tensions. There are a couple sizes to the Magic Circle now. I happen to love both. But if you are over 5’1″ I would get the regular size. Under 5’1″ get the mini.
MAGIC CIRCLE (REGULAR AND MINI)
I also love using a ball like this one. It’s great for challenging your inner thighs and also can be used in place of a Pilates barrel to do your Leg Series. You can see some exercise tutorials here for using the ball.
SQUISHY BALL —> Click for Tutorials
Thera-bands: I love using these for helping challenge your arm to back connection, giving your body the feeling the springs on the Cadillac or Reformer can offer as well as assisting your “smaller” muscles through out exercises.
Light Weights: You only need 1 lb. or 2 lb. weights to add to your Pilates practice. And, I love using them for helping you enjoy some of your favorite Reformer exercises on the Mat. In fact, check out my favorite Mat exercises with weights.
If you are looking for more than Mat exercises to do at home there are plenty of pieces of Pilates equipment you can fit in a home workout space that do not include the well known Reformer and Cadillac.
Committing to Your Pilates Journey
Finally, to round out your home Pilates studio you’ll want to make sure you have exercise support. In addition to our free tutorials here on OPC, we have online Mat classes and an epic members only community. If you do have a Reformer, there are Reformer classes as well.
Pilates was designed for people to do daily so a home Pilates practice space is essential! We would love to see your Pilates space. Tell us about it in the comments below or tag me on Instagram. If you’re wanting support on what larger pieces of equipment to purchase, feel free to reach out. There are so many options and it depends on your Pilates goals.
Enjoy your Pilates space as much as you can! Pilates will always meet you where you are. So, make sure you make time to meet up with your Pilates practice.
x~LL
