Props and Toys for Your Home Pilates Practice

I’m often asked what kind of equipment I recommend for a home-based Pilates practice to supplement studio time, and where to purchase. Here are some of my favorites. With the exception of the Stability Ball or BOSU, none take up much space.

Flex Band

This is hard to beat as a travel prop. It can be used to imitate much of the shoulder/arm work we do in classes by tying it to something sturdy. It can also be used to simulate some of the feet-in-straps exercises on the Reformer. Approximately $10-12.

Inflatable Balls

There are so many balls with so many uses in Pilates. Two of my favorites are the 8” or 12” mini-stability balls that can make a number of mat exercises more challenging. Approximately $8-12.

Foam Rollers – Rollers come in varying densities – firm, medium or soft – as well as a few different lengths. When in doubt, go for the medium density. The soft rollers tend to warp quickly and the firm rollers can be a little too hard for some people. Prices online range from $9 to $50. I use “magic rollers” from Balanced Body, which is firm with extra padding. They are 36” which works well for most heights and purposes.

Fitness Circle (aka “ring of fire”) – This is a nice way to add some resistance and challenge to many mat exercises. Many sellers include exercise DVDs to give you some ideas. $25-$35 online.

Stability Balls – Select a ball size based on height. 55cm is suited to 4’8” – 5’3”. 65cm is suited to 5’3” – 5’11”. 75cm is suited to 6’ or taller. When seated on the ball, thighs should be fairly parallel to the floor and never below the knees. They are many good brands. Prices are typically $25-$35. (Hint: they take a lot of effort to inflate! The last time I inflated one it took me a half-hour.)

BOSUs (the half-domes that are usually blue) – BOSUs are well made by many brands and generally come in one size. This is for the fitness enthusiast who needs a new challenge, and it may not be the first place to start for most people. Approximately $100.

Where to purchase

An internet search will yield lots or options. Two of the main suppliers for the Pilates industry are:

Merrithew Health & Fitness (the parent company of STOTT PILATES and maker of all the big sturdy equipment in many studios, and my exercise method). Pluses: The equipment is always top-of-the-line and indestructible. Minuses: Most other equipment and props come from Canada and can take a while or be expenseive. Their flex bands and the 12” Stability Ball are available through Amazon. It’s hard to beat their quality and prices on these two items.

Balanced Body makes great quality equipment. I use foam rollers and fitness circles from BB. This company is US-based and speedy. It’s possible to find cheaper products but the quality may be variable.

How much of this do you really need?

That all depends on you. Start with the smaller, less expensive props. A foam roller, a flex band and an inflatable ball or will take you a long way without spending too much money. Let me know if you’ve purchased a new prop and need a refresher on what to do with it.