The 8 Best Pilates Equipment to Use at Home, So You Can Get The Muscle Shakes in Private

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One of the perks of at-home workouts is that you can try pretty much anything risk-free—and there’s no real financial barrier to entry, either. Perhaps you’ve discovered a previously latent knack for Pilates, in which case finding the best Pilates equipment for home is a meaningful and productive investment. And for the uninitiated who’ve heard a little bit about the workout method here and there and are ready to shell out a few bucks, we’ve got the details.

Pilates, founded by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, is a fitness method that utilizes bodyweight or light resistance and slow, intentional movements to build muscle, improve posture, and increase flexibility. It was originally used by Pilates (the person) to help dancers recovering from injuries. It places an emphasis on spinal health and core strength. You can do Pilates on a mat or your floor, or you can opt for reformer Pilates which uses a machine (called the reformer) to bring you deeper into postures.

Below, we’ve gathered the best Pilates equipment for your home gym to level up those workout videos you can’t get enough of. Each of these products have been rigorously (and independently) tested by our crew, so you can trust that we’re giving you the best of the best. You’ll find everything from full blown reformers to smaller gear like resistance bands, and recovery equipment like foam rollers.

• Best Pilates Reformer – Stamina Aeropilates Pro XP 556
• Best Pilates Resistance Bands – Gorilla Bow
• Best Pilates Mat – Gaiam Thick Yoga Mat
• Best Pilates Ring – ProBody Pilates Ring
• Best Pilates Foam Roller – LuxFit Foam Roller
• Best Pilates Chair – Stott Pilates Merrithew Split-Pedal Stability Chair with Handles
• Best Pilates Ball – ProBody Pilates Mini Exercise Ball
• Best Pilates Sliding Discs – Sklz Slides

If you’ve taken your fair share of reformer Pilates classes in-studio or you’ve been tiring of mat Pilates, investing in an at-home reformer is the ideal next step. The Stamina Aeropilates Pro XP 558 is the Cadillac of Pilates reformer machines—trust us. At first glance, it has a sleek oak wood frame that separates it from just another clunky piece of gym equipment. It has all of the features you’d use in the studio, including four resistance cords, a large rebounder, an adjustable foot bar, and a padded and adjustable headrest, plus shoulder pads and hand and foot straps.

This reformer supports weights up to 300 lbs and it sits 15 inches above the floor, which reviewers note feels better than other options that sit flush with the floor. If you have an extra room like a garage or basement, this reformer is an excellent choice to deepen your Pilates practice, but if you live in a small space, finding a reformer that folds and rolls is your best bet. This option comes with a chart of workouts and DVD workouts from Aeropilates, but we do wish it came with an app subscription or something a bit more modern, as many folks don’t own DVD players.

Resistance bands are great to have on-hand for just about any workout, from strength training to barre to, of course, Pilates. So if you’re someone who tends to tire of fitness methods quickly or you fear commitment (no shame), resistance bands probably won’t end up gathering dust. The Gorilla Bow is our pick because it’s made with layers of strong latex, you can choose out of four levels of resistance, and the added bow increases the versatility.

One downside to the Gorilla Bow is that it’s pretty pricey as far as resistance bands go. What’s more, if you want more levels of resistance to choose from, you have to purchase them separately (but honestly, the four you receive in the set are pretty standard when comparing them to other brands). If you’re not sure where to start when using resistance bands for Pilates, pop it under your feet and perform squats to overhead presses, bring it around your feet and hold it while in boat pose, or use it to deepen your stretches for more mobility work.

If you often find yourself re-adjusting, holding on to your mat for dear life during sweaty postures, or feeling pain in your knees and elbows, Gaiam’s 10mm thick yoga mat might just be the beginner Pilates equipment you need for your home. Not only is it space-savvy (and it comes with a carrying strap to store and tote), but compared to competitor’s thick mats, it’s a great deal.

The mat has non-slip ridges for postures like downward dog, and the thickness supports knees, elbows, and other sensitive spots in all-fours positions or while lying on your back. Plus, if Pilates ends up not being the workout for you, this mat is excellent to have around for yoga, strength training, stretching, cardio, and more. It comes with an exercise guide in case you need a dose of inspiration, and reviewers say it’s quite lightweight for how thick it is.

Pilates regulars will tell you that a ring (also known as a magic circle) will level up almost any Pilates workout. The ProBody Pilates Ring is strong and comes at an affordable price. For anyone curious about Pilates rings, they help target tiny muscles that don’t get as much attention as major muscle groups. You can grip it with your hands, knees, or feet to build serious strength in your chest, inner thighs, hip flexors, and more. You can also use it to add resistance to postures, to target your core, or to improve balance.

This one comes in six different colors and has foamy, sweat-resistant handles for superior comfort and a non-slip grip. It doesn’t collapse or pack smaller for traveling, but it’s generally small enough to slide in a carry-on or backpack if you want to do Pilates on the go. If you are just dipping your toes into the workout method, a Pilates ring will be helpful, but it’s not imperative, as most foundational Pilates exercises can be done without equipment.

Chances are, you know what a foam roller is. Whether you’ve used one to loosen up tight muscles or you’ve seen people use them at the gym, they’re a popular and effective way to stretch and relieve tension. LuxFit’s no-frills foam roller has a smooth surface, which is great for anyone just starting out with the foam roller. Some options that have spikes or ridges can feel very uncomfortable for some users. This one is made with high density foam to not only help you roll out muscles, but to use for elevated Pilates core exercises, balance building postures, and more.

It has a long body which makes it suitable for larger areas, but the downside is that it does take up space. Generally, though, foam rollers are lightweight and easy to throw in a closet when not in use. Though this one isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing foam roller the world has ever seen, it’s durable, extra firm, and versatile.

Beloved by Pilates instructors and home users alike, this Stott pilates chair works similarly to a reformer, with a smaller body and fewer pulleys and details. It’s made with high-quality materials (a double-steel frame with plush vinyl upholstery pads) and works to improve strength and mobility in both the upper and lower body. It features adjustable handles for lunges and dips, dual pedals for unilateral or bilateral movement, and different springs depending on your fitness level. It’s more portable than a reformer, and it comes with wheels for easy transport.

Pilates chairs are ideal for folks who are rehabilitating post-injury, have trouble with full-body Pilates moves that you would normally use a reformer for, or anyone else who needs to (or prefers to) stay in an upright or seated position for postures. Though it has a high price point, this is an extremely versatile piece of equipment that is more accessible for different bodies than other equipment. You can choose from a variety of different colors, too, and you can bundle it with a platform extender and reformer box should you want to level up your practice.

Similar to a Pilates ring, a small, inflatable Pilates ball helps to target tiny muscles, increase muscle activation, build stability, and support your lower back. Pilates balls are naturally more travel-friendly and easy to stash than their ring counterparts, and their squishy nature makes them easy to grip and squeeze.

The ProBody pilates ball is made with durable PVC and plastic. It has a slightly textured outer that keeps it from slipping, and it doesn’t pop under weight. It comes with inflation straws, but you can use a pump, too. This ball will take your Pilates routine to the next level, but it’s also excellent for fitness methods like barre, yoga, and stretching. A common way to use this is in a fire hydrant position, with the ball locked in behind your knee at a 90-degree angle. This engages the glutes as you pulse your heel to the ceiling.

Another highly versatile piece of equipment for Pilates, a set of sliding discs will give you the core challenge you didn’t know you needed. This sliding disc set from SKLZ is highly-rated thanks to their low friction bottom and top tread pattern that keeps your feet or arms secure while the bottom glides across any surface. In Pilates, you’ll often use these with your feet for low abs exercises, but they have hundreds of uses in different core exercises.

Adding a set of these discs can be used to add instability to exercises like lunges, planks, push-ups, and more. This set can be fastened together for bilateral exercises for even more of a challenge. The downside? They’re only suitable for hard surfaces like wood, tile, concrete, or gym flooring. So if you have a carpet-filled space, these aren’t going to give you the result they want.

What Are the Benefits of Pilates?

The slow, controlled movements that form the foundation of Pilates help to build strength, prevent injury and postural issues, increase the mind-body connection, and train the core. The workouts consist of low-impact movements that are easy on joints, making Pilates a beneficial method for all ages and skill levels. Given that it’s low-impact in nature, your heart rate might not have a huge spike, and you might not sweat as much as you would in a HIIT class, the shaky muscles and long holds will prove that Pilates is an equally effective full body workout.

After your first few classes, you’ll begin to notice more core strength (and that’s not just the “six pack” abs, it also includes your obliques and back), increased mobility and flexibility, and maybe even some mental benefits, too.

How Do You Find the Best Pilates Equipment for Your Home?

Well, by reading this article, you’re off to a great start! Keep reading for things to consider when buying a piece of equipment, like skill level, durability, and cost. Be sure to get recommendations from trusted reviewers (like us!), experts, and it never hurts to ask your favorite instructor for their recommendations. You can search through reviews and “best of” lists too.

Things to Consider When Building Your Home Pilates Studio

Space

Consider the size of your home gym before buying Pilates equipment. If you have a large space, you have more freedom to buy larger things like reformers or chairs, whereas if you’re in an apartment or studio, items like mats, balls, magic rings, and resistance bands would be better suited for you.

Cost

Some Pilates equipment for home use is very affordable for all kinds of income levels, like resistance bands and yoga mats, which cost between $10-20 at their lowest. These budget-friendly pieces are great for all kinds of workouts, too, so if you decide Pilates isn’t the workout for you, you didn’t really waste any money. If you want to make an investment, you can always buy more luxe, high-end equipment or opt for larger-ticket items like reformer machines.

Skill Level

Just starting out on your Pilates journey? The great news is that you don’t have to be a pro to start using equipment. Things like Pilates balls, resistance bands, magic circles, and more are there to help you find postures safely and comfortably, and to deepen their strengthening power. It’s always ideal to learn how to use the equipment from a professional, and know that you don’t have to use it at all if it feels too complex.

Other Factors to Consider in Pilates Equipment

Size

Pilates equipment can be anywhere from small (resistance bands, Pilates rings, and balls) to large (reformers and chairs). Depending on the size of your home gym, buy equipment accordingly. Some reformers and chairs fold up and are easy to store, but many don’t have that capability. Small items like resistance bands, foam rollers, and balls are easy to store and don’t require much space.

Durability

As with any product, you want it to stand the test of time. Your equipment should be durable and sturdy. To ensure that you’re getting high-quality Pilates equipment, find it through articles like this one, look through reviews, and ask your favorite instructors what they recommend.

Accessibility

Pilates equipment should come with thorough instructions or a link to tutorials. It should have a well-marked weight limit or requirement, and be suitable for a wide range of bodies. The equipment should be easy to get on (in the case of reformers or chairs) or slide onto your body (like resistance bands or magic circles).