Pilates exercises align the spine and strengthen the core leading to several health benefits; better posture, stronger core and abs, and a leaner body. To perform Pilates, you don’t need any equipment to get started. But to provide more resistance that challenges muscles, there are numerous types of equipment available on the market, and choosing the right one may be challenging. This article discusses how to select the ideal at-home Pilates equipment to achieve your ultimate fitness goals.
Pilates Mats
Mats are standard to any ground workouts, but a Pilate mat is tailored explicitly for Pilates workouts. Pilate mats were first developed in 1920 by Joseph Pilates to maintain bedridden patients’ strength. The primary purpose of Pilate mats was to tone muscles, build strength, and align the spine. Mats can also heal injuries and restore strength. A good Pilate mat is denser and thicker (at least half an inch thick) than a traditional yoga mat. The thickness and high-density support and cushion the spine and joints throughout the exercise from floor injuries.
Pilates Reformer
Pilates reformers can be an excellent buy for Pilates enthusiasts and fanatics who want to step up their home workout. This classic equipment consists of a sliding carriage that moves the body forth and back as one works against the straps and foot bar resistance.
The reformer’s base is outfitted with a three-position headrest and adjustable shoulder pads, providing comfort and cushion during workouts. Pilates reformers also have an adjustable (vertically and horizontally) extra-wide foot bar, ensuring they fit regardless of a person’s height.
Besides the great feature, people can perform exercises while standing, sitting, or kneeling on the reformers. Pilates reformers increase flexibility, improve spinal alignment, and maximize strength. Reformers are a great way of increasing core stability, strength, endurance, proper body alignment, and de-stressing. Therefore buying the best Pilates reformer is an excellent investment for people looking to improve their home workouts. It also helps to purchase high-quality reformers with the most significant resistance designed to suit the buyer’s needs in terms of space and intensity. So when looking to buy a Pilates reformer, be sure to consider all these factors to ensure you make the best investment for your home workouts!
Pilates Ring
A Pilate ring, also called a magic circle/ring, consists of padded handles that the user can grip with their palms, ankles, thighs, etc. The ring can be used when stretching, strength training, and balance training. So, it’s a must-have for a quality Pilate workout.
To buy a good Pilate ring, choose a light one to carry while on the go. The ring should also be covered with padded handles to avoid accidental scratches. A magic circle made of durable material is great in ensuring it maintains its springy strength and lasts for long.
Wearable Weights
Wearable weights offer more resistance when doing Pilates moves, making easily mastered exercises challenging again. Users can wear the weights on the ankles or wrists. The weights come in different sizes, so one can choose as heavy or light as they like. And since they are wearable, one doesn’t have to worry about holding anything while working out. It’s recommended, though, to take time and master a move well before incorporating weights. This way, it’s easy to prevent injuries. Good wearable weights are crafted of durable material, are comfortable, and stay firmly in place during a workout.
Pilates Toe Socks
Although socks aren’t equipment (technically), they are worth mentioning. Pilates grippy toe socks are not only hygienic but also offer a sticky contact point, preventing one from sliding on the floor when exercising.
Pilates socks need to be toeless, such that one can slide their toes to expose them—the exposure assists in maintaining control and balance during Pilates workout. Pilates toeless socks are also made to hug the toe base, enabling them to stay firmly in place as users exercise. Pilates socks should be lined with grippy dots for friction and made of durable materials. A mixture of cotton for breathability and spandex for stretchability is good for keeping users comfortable during Pilates practice.
Pilates Balls
Pilates balls are another great way to level up from beginner’s Pilate practice to advanced at home. They are so versatile, space-efficient, and relatively affordable. The balls’ diameter range from 2 to 30 inches and can be inflated at different pressures depending on the user’s preference. Pilates balls offer several benefits, aligning pelvic and activating pelvic floor when the user squeezes the balls between their thighs. They also provide stability and balance challenge and support spine extensions. When buying Pilates balls, pick the inflatable ones made of anti-burst PVC.
There are different Pilates equipment out there. But the queen of all is the Pilate reformer. This classic, feature-rich equipment can make Pilates workouts diverse and dynamic. But the reformer isn’t the only available option. Other equipment like wearable weights, Pilates balls, rings, and toe socks are also great in taking Pilates workouts a notch higher.