Best Pilates Small Equipment for Home Practice

Pilates is a highly effective form of exercise that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness.  Practicing Pilates at home can be highly effective with proper guidance from a certified instructor and minimal equipment. A few of my favourite tried and tested products are highlighted below and are often featured in my Core Strength Pilates YouTube and Instagram content.

Pilates Mat

A Pilates mat is the foundation of your practice. It provides cushioning and support for your body during exercises and helps define your personal workout space. Look for a mat that is thick enough, about 15mm, to cushion your spine and joints.

Pilates mats price range varies from £15 to £70. More expensive mats offer better support, prevent slipping, and don't stretch during challenging exercises. If you plan to stick with Pilates long term, it's wise to invest in a quality mat that will last for years. Closed-cell mats are antibacterial, requiring only occasional wiping to keep them hygienic and odor-free.

For beginners in Pilates, consider investing in one of the following mats:

• Mad Fitness Pilates Mat (price £35 on Amazon): This mat offers a denser foam for extra support, especially if you have back pain or find lying on a harder surface uncomfortable. It's less likely to move around during exercises like side planks, where stability is crucial. Amazon Link

• Affordable Starter Mat with Carry Strap: If you're not ready to invest as much, this mat comes with a handy carry strap and is a great choice to get you started. Amazon Link

   

  Pilates Stability Ball

  A stability ball, typically around 7-9 inches in diameter, is a versatile prop used to add challenge and variety to Pilates exercises. It can be placed in just below the shoulders for extra core challenges, between the knees to engage inner thighs, the ankles, or hands to provide stability or other challenges. The soft ball adds resistance and instability, helping to enhance muscle engagement and improve balance.

  I have always used the Fitness Mad Exer-soft Stability Ball found here on Amazon priced about £9.50, and they have never let me down.  The blue one is 7 inches in diameter and the red is 9 inches.  The longer your spine, the larger the ball.  If you are unsure, I would start with a red one and deflate it a little until if feel comfortable.

  Pilates Resistance Band

  A resistance band is a compact and affordable tool that adds resistance to Pilates movements, helping to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. It can be used to target specific muscle groups or to deepen stretches.

  For my classes, I have always used a medium strength band as I find it is great for all exercises and stretches that we enjoy.  If you are older or very tight and looking for some flexibility, this would be the best first purchase for you!  A Beenax medium strength resistance band can be found on Amazon here for price of £7.

  Pilates Head Cushions

  Head cushions help maintain proper alignment of the spine and reduce strain on the neck muscles, allowing for a more comfortable and effective workout.  Using a proper cushion is better than a towel or block for maintaining alignment. Finding the correct number of cushions is also essential.

  The more your head naturally hangs forward, the more cushions you may need.  To be sure your head in in the correct alignment, lie in relaxation positions (on your back with knees bent) and place on cushion behind your head.  Ask someone to take a photo to or to check that your spine is straight, and your head is not tipping back or forwards.

  Cushions with a washable cover that are 2.5cm thick are best like this one on Amazon for a price of £10.

  Pilates Socks

  Unlike yoga, where going barefoot helps prevent slipping in poses, Pilates rarely puts you in slippery situations. Since your feet may touch equipment and come close to others during certain exercises and stretches, Pilates socks are a smart addition. Some studios even require them. The Amazon Pilates socks I recommend stay on well, wash easily, and from my experience can last you 1-2 years at least. Amazon Link

  Pilates Block

  A Pilates block, or sometimes called a brick, is a useful prop for modifying exercises and providing support for various body parts. It can be used to elevate the hips, support the spine, or assist with alignment in seated or lying exercises. Choose a block made of dense foam that provides stability and won't compress under pressure.

  Some yoga blocks may be too thick and narrow to sit on comfortably, but I love these blocks found here on Amazon which are versatile and comfy priced at £9.50.

  Release Ball

  A release ball, also known as a massage or trigger point ball, is used to release tension and tightness in muscles, particularly in areas like the back, shoulders, glutes and feet. By applying pressure to specific points, you can relieve muscle knots and improve circulation, enhancing the effectiveness of your Pilates practice.  This is a great option by Result Sport priced at £6 found on Amazon here.

  Pilates Foam Roller

  A foam roller is great for shoulder release, core challenges as well as being a versatile tool for self-myofascial release and stretching.  In my studio, we love using very long rollers measuring 122cm where we can lie on the rollers with our head on and our ankles supporting us.  Garuda rollers which can be purchased from the London studio for £60 plus shipping here. On Amazon, this Maximo roller is 90cm long, the longest one I can find, and will will be great for release and strengthen work found here priced at £28.