“When you start drinking [the practice] “With consistent Reformer Pilates practice, you’ll begin to feel a deeper connection to your body both on and off the mat,” says Jackie Kingswell, founder of the online platform The Pilates Class. Essentially, no matter which Pilates method you practice (mat and reformer Pilates are the most popular), Levy points out that you’ll see the same improvements in core activation, flexibility, strength, posture, and overall body awareness. “The movements on the Reformer require more stability, and the machine itself offers more resistance than doing a mat workout,” Levy says. “That being said, you can use resistance bands and light weights to mimic the exercises and movement patterns of the Reformer on your mat.”
Are you ready to try Pilates for the first time or get back into it after a while? You’ll need a few style essentials. “Pilates fashion can be fun because the workout isn’t as high-impact as a high-intensity class, so you have the flexibility to wear fun styles,” explains Levi. Here, we’ll break down what to wear and what fitness accessories might help you.
What to wear to Pilates
Sports bras, tops, t-shirts
Lightweight sports bras are perfect for low-impact workouts like Pilates. If you like camisole styles, try one from Free People. If not, Beyond Yoga has an ultra-soft style. Your favorite workout tops also make great Pilates clothes, but avoid anything that’s too loose or that may restrict your movement. Ideally, choose a top that blends form and function to suit your body type and comfort level. You can choose a sports bra, of course, but you can also opt for something more comfortable like a t-shirt or crop top.
Bottoms
“Avoid anything too tight or low-waisted,” Kingswell advises. “Comfort is key.” High-waisted leggings in soft, stretchy fabrics are ideal for medium- to high-intensity workouts. (Phillips cites Alo leggings as a staple for Pilates.) Don’t like pant leggings? Shorter styles are also great for Pilates. Look for lightweight styles with compression that won’t ride up during your workout.
Jumpsuits and Unitards
Instead of activewear separates, you can also choose a onesie to avoid feeling lost in your workout attire. With the rise of fitness and loungewear in recent years, we’ve seen different versions of workout unitards that emphasize efficient movement and comfort. If you often work out in leggings, you might opt for an ankle-length jumpsuit. (Phillips cites Year of Ours as a classic for beautiful jumpsuits.) There are also romper styles designed with biker-length silhouettes, often with buttery-soft fabrics and built-in bras.
socks
If you’re heading to a Pilates studio or don’t want to work out barefoot, Carruthers recommends packing a pair of non-slip socks. Socks from brands like Alo Yoga, Pointe Studios, and Bombas have comfortable, breathable fabric with high-performance grip on the bottom to keep you from slipping while you work out.
What you need for your home routine
Can’t make it to a studio? Experts say you can easily practice at home using just your own body weight, or by enhancing your workout with a variety of fitness accessories. “First, you need to invest in a good mat,” Carruthers says. “It should be non-slip and thicker than a traditional yoga mat.” Phillips also recommends using equipment like magic circles, light weights, and resistance bands to enhance your movements. “These accessories give you the same feeling as being on equipment and are very effective at building strength and increasing mobility around major joints,” she says. But don’t feel pressured. In many cases, your own body weight is all you need, especially if you’re a beginner.
How often should I do Pilates?
All experts agree that Pilates seamlessly complements other exercises for those who don’t want to give up their beloved cardio, weightlifting, or yoga. For an intensive workout, Kingswell recommends doing Pilates four to five times a week. Otherwise, two to three times is effective for beginners. As for how long it takes to see results, Kingswell explains, “Within a week, people start to feel muscles they didn’t feel before, and then they start to feel deeper from there.” According to Carruthers, after 30 sessions, you can expect to literally feel more mobile, or as she puts it, “a different body.”
