Pilates equipment for your home: 15 tools to get you in shape in 2024

In Pilates, every movement comes from your core. “You’re engaging your core 100 percent, and you’re engaging deep muscles that aren’t typically engaged in other types of exercise,” Pilates instructor Liana Levy previously told Well+Good. “Engaging your core improves your alignment, posture, and makes your muscles longer and stronger.” One of the defining features of Pilates is that it develops long, lean muscles and increases flexibility and mobility. In fact, German bodybuilder Joseph Pilates, who created the exercise method that bears his name, was inspired by the aerodynamic way cats move (we’re not making this up).

As more and more people discover the multifaceted benefits of Pilates, searches for it on Google have exploded, up 75% since 2021. So, we’re answering your curiosity with our guide to the best home Pilates equipment so you can reap the full benefits of Pilates from the comfort of your own home.

Here’s a quick look at the best equipment for doing Pilates at home.

• Best Pilates Mats: RetroSpec, 1-Inch Pilates Mat, $37
• Best Pilates Rings: Gaiam, Pilates Ring, $15
• Best Home Smart Reformer: Frame Reformer, $3,999
• Best Reformer Alternatives: Lululemon Workout Sliders, $28
• Best Simple Home Reformers: Lagree, Micro Deluxe Microformer, $1,890
• Best Box and Pole Add-ons: Aeropilates, Box & Pole, $200
• Best Ankle Weights: Roses, Rose Bangle, $55
• Best Pilates Balls: Rose, Pilates Ball, $29
• Optimal hand weight: B Yoga, Helix Weights, $60
• Best Grip Socks: Bombas, Gripper Socks (4-Pack), $57
• Best Resistance Bands: Sporty & Rich, Resistance Bands, $35
• Best Starter Kit: BetterMe, Pilates Essentials Kit, $200
• Best Pilates Leggings: BeyondYoga, Space Dye Catch in the Midi High Waist Leggings, $97
• The best place to store your Pilates equipment: Crate & Kids, Outline Large Metal Floor Bin, $99.
• Best Reformer Towels: Salt & Honey, Non-Slip Pilates Reformer Towel, $40

What equipment do I need to do Pilates at home?

Before we dive in, here are some differences: Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates are the two most common forms of Pilates, but there are many variants. For example, the Megaformer workout, which we’re calling a trend for 2021, is based on Pilates principles and raises the difficulty level to about 1,000.

Related article

So the equipment you need will depend on what type of Pilates you want to do. Let’s break it down and give a quick rundown.

Reformer Pilates

Remember Joseph Pilates? He built an early prototype of the first Reformer in a hospital bed in a prison camp during World War II. This is completely true. After the war, he moved to New York and built a full-scale machine consisting of a weighted dolly that moved back and forth from a base, a headrest to move the dolly in certain poses, foot and arm straps, and a foot bar that you press against to perform different movements.

Plus, you can add accessories to perform different movements. For example, a Pilates box can help you elevate yourself and achieve a greater range of motion; a jump board can help you incorporate cardio into your workout; and small balls can help you improve your alignment in certain poses. So while a home reformer comes with everything you need for basic exercises, Pilates enthusiasts can add to their collection over time to expand the range of exercises available to them.

Mat Pilates

Floor Pilates, or mat Pilates, is another form of Pilates that can be done (arguably more easily) at home. It may be tempting to roll out any old workout mat you have, but investing in a proper Pilates mat, which is often thicker to support your back and knees during Pilates poses, can make all the difference.

With floor pilates, having a variety of equipment in addition to your mat can help you sneak in more challenging poses. For example, a pilates ring, pilates ball, hand weights, and resistance bands can be used as a way to strengthen your arms, thighs, and abs through a variety of exercises. Additionally, many people who don’t have a reformer at home purchase sliders (we’ve got some great ones below!) that allow them to replicate the same movements as a reformer.

15 pieces of equipment to buy for Pilates at home

Best Pilates Mat: RetroSpec, 1-Inch Pilates Mat — $37.00

This cushioned, 1-inch thick Pilates mat has non-slip grips so you won’t accidentally fall face-first during your workout. It’s also free of phthalates, heavy metals and latex. Straps keep the mat from rolling out on your body and make it easy to store.

Best Pilates Ring: Gaiam, Pilates Ring — $15.00

This 5-star Pilates ring allows you to add resistance to any movement you do on the Pilates ring. It’s especially great for working your core and legs with movements like roll-ups and bridges. It has non-slip handles so you can easily control the ring no matter what movement you do.

Best Smart Home Reformer: Frame, Reformer — $3,999.00

If you’ve ever ridden a digital spin bike or run on a treadmill while an instructor tells you to speed up and incline, you know what it’s like: you follow along as the instructor leads a Classical, Contemporary, Megaformer, or Restorative Pilates class. It’s one of the best connected fitness classes I’ve tried so far, because it works your whole body and lets you perform some pretty complex exercises.

Best Reformer Alternative: Lululemon, Workout Slider — $28.00

The reformer works on a push-pull system, sending the carriage forward and then back. A good slider set will mimic the movement and make it even more difficult without an easy-slip operating system. We like this product from Lululemon, which can be used on hard surfaces like wooden floors or flipped over to the plastic side for use on carpet.

Best Box & Poles Add-on: AeroPilates, Box & Poles — $200.00

If you already own a Reformer, this box is a great option for you, as it allows you to perform a variety of poses at home. It can be placed in “long box” or “short box” position, allowing for more exercises to target your arms, legs and core. The pole is used for certain poses, such as twists, to work your arms and shoulders for maximum benefit.

Best Ankle Weights: Bala, Bala Bangles — $55.00

Bala has made fitness a fashionable event, and these good-looking ankle weights just reinforce that sentiment. Ranging from half a pound to two pounds, Bala bangles can be worn around your wrist or foot to increase the intensity of your workout.

Best Pilates Ball: Bala Pilates Ball — $29.00

This 8-inch ball helps you engage your deep core muscles and increase your range of motion when performing sit-up-like movements. It also has a chic, matte design that’s sure to impress.

What to look out for: These babies tend to go out of stock quickly on Bala’s website, but you may be able to find them at other outlets (we found them at FreePeople!).

Best Hand Weights: B Yoga, Helix Weights — $60.00

These ergonomic silicone encased hand weights are a reminder that you don’t have to do repetitive exercises or lift weights to get in shape. You can tone and strengthen your body with this beautiful ergonomic item, perfect for kickbacks and other moves you want to add a little extra power to.

Best Grip Socks: Bombas, Gripper Socks (4 Pack) — $57.00

For safety reasons, many instructors recommend wearing gripper socks when doing Pilates on the reformer. These socks provide extra friction with the carriage, helping to keep your feet from slipping out as you push the carriage in and out. Available in sizes S (Women’s 4-7.5), M (Women’s 8-10.5) and L (Women’s 11-13).

Best Starter Kit: Better Me, Pilates Essentials Kit — $200

This candy-colored training kit (available in a variety of pastel colors) includes hand weights, rings, socks, and balls, so you don’t have to worry about providing your own training equipment. Or, click on any of the links provided in this article to find out more.

Best Pilates Leggings: BeyondYoga, Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waist Leggings — $97.00

I’d been hearing fitness editors speak of these leggings in hushed, reverent tones, so I reached out to a few of them to see what all the fuss was about. These leggings are whisper-soft, yet somehow don’t slide down like so many unstructured leggings do. That means you’re taking off something that’s softer than your dreams, like a second skin. With reviews like these, don’t even question it, add them to your cart.

Best Reformer Towel: Salt & Honey, Non-Slip Pilates Reformer Towel — $40.00

If you’re one of those “sweaty” people who worry about your Pilates Reformer becoming slippery, fear not! This grippy towel soaks up sweat, keeping you safe on the machine so you can push yourself even harder. It comes in four different colors and is contoured to fit perfectly over your Reformer headrest.

FAQ:

Where to store your Pilates equipment at home

You ordered your equipment. Check it, check it, check it again. How and where you store your Pilates equipment will depend on whether you bought a machine the size of an old printing press or just some hand weights and small resistance balls. Here’s a breakdown:

Reformer: If you choose a reformer, you’ll probably need a lot of space. Most reformers are quite large, at least 6 feet by 2 feet. Also, don’t push it up against the wall, as you won’t be able to fully move both sides of your body. You’ll need at least 2 feet of space on each side. This means you’ll likely need a home gym or a large room to store this machine. Plus, if you buy any boxes, spring boards, etc., you’ll need extra space to put them.

mat: Your Pilates mat can easily be rolled up and stored under a bed, in a storage space, or on a stand. If you’ve purchased accessories, buy a sturdy box to keep them all in one place so you always know where they are. You can also place this box in a designated storage area in your home.