My Most Loved Pilates Props for At Home Workouts
One of the (many) great things about Pilates is that you can do so many exercises on the mat and with little or no equipment. Below I’m outlining my most loved Pilates props for at home workouts. These Pilates tools can help activate specific muscles, provide more variety and challenges, as well as give modifications to enhance your at-home workout.
Movement is something that makes my mind and body feel normal, less anxious and less stressed. I’m beginning to incorporate at-home workouts and teach virtually through Zoom. We all know that exercise decreases stress and anxiety, which is something most of us for sure have right now (hello self-distancing!).
My Most Loved Pilates Props for At Home Workouts
Foam Roller
The foam roller is one of my favorite props in Pilates! This versatile tool isn’t only for self massage- it can be used to add variety, apply modifications, challenge balance (try doing the roll up on a foam roller!) and to stretch.
Magic Circle
The Magic Circle can add more variety to your Pilates workouts by deepening the work in your arms, core and legs. It can also train you to use certain muscles. The Magic Circle can be incorporated in one exercise more than one way (for Teaser, the back circle can be held with either your hands or ankles).
Tip: When holding the Magic Circle, do not lock your elbows or knees. Watch that you aren't hyperextending.
Light Hand Weights or Bala Bangles
In my Pilates classes, we use light weights. I’m stressing LIGHT hand weights, like 1-5lbs because the goal here is not focused on how much you can lift. We want to focus on mind-body awareness, precise exercises and alignment. Light hand weights or Bala Bangles can provide an added toning and strengthening challenge, while lengthening the muscles. Bala Bangles are wrist/ankle weights (I find them to be super comfy, compared to most wrist/ankle weights).
Theraband / Resistance Band
A Theraband or resistance band is the most portable Pilates prop. They’re super lightweight and easy to store. It’s important to note that all bands have different weight tension and they vary by brand. I like the Therabands in red (medium tension) and blue (extra heavy) and with the yard rolls, it’s easy to cut your preferred length.
Mini Stability Ball
A mini stability ball can help you figure out which muscles to activate during a certain exercise, challenge your stability and of course, add more variety to your Pilates mat exercises. Like all of the other Pilates props mentioned above, it can even be used to modify exercises to help exercises become more accessible (for the Roll Up, a small ball between the ankles can help keep alignment and keep the heel connection to the mat).
I love Pilates because it can effectively tone strengthen, improve postural alignment and flexibility. With these Pilates props, you can enhance your Pilates mat experience. It's also okay if you have no props because the Pilates mat exercises can definitely be done without them. It’s you vs. gravity!
As with all exercise programs, you should with proceed caution and awareness. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your physician before beginning any movement/fitness programs. By performing any exercises, you are performing them at your own risk.