top of page
Writer's pictureGemma Pearce

Pilates Essentials

Updated: Aug 4, 2023


The only thing you need for a Pilates class is a mat. But I’m often asked about where to buy them and if there’s any other equipment you might need to do Pilates at home. Here are a few basics that I would recommend:

Mat

To be honest, a thick carpet is perfectly adequate if you’re exercising at home but on a hard floor, a non-slip mat is useful. I’ve tried out lots of mats, from thin to thick and I prefer a chunky mat (8mm or thicker). Yoga mats can be bit thin for Pilates where softer padding is needed especially when lying on your tummy. I really like this mat and it comes in lots of pretty colours!



Socks

Bare feet are generally perfect for Pilates but sometimes you can’t get the right grip or you can’t slide your feet along the floor so a pair of the right type of socks can boost your experience. Toesox look weird and feel weird, but spreading your toes can help with your alignment and balance. If you just can’t get on with separated toe socks, there are other Pilates/slipper socks that help with grip, but normal socks are really too slippery to be of use. Toesox and Pilates socks.

Mini Ball

If you’ve been to one of my Pilates classes, you’ll be familiar with my love of the mini ball! We squeeze it between our ankles, thighs and hands, we lean against them for abs work, and I particularly like lying on them to really test core stability. A mini ball is great for making some exercises easier and some harder. We’ll be using these in Pilates classes in a couple of weeks time - I provide all the balls for my face-to-face classes but if you’d like one for your home workout, we recommend these.



Spikey Ball

Using a spikey ball can help to release tension in the lower or upper back and shoulders – issues associated with a sedentary, desk-based lifestyle. This spikey ball is also a wonderful massage tool for the feet and bum!

Resistance Band

I love to use resistance bands in my classes to add resistance to certain exercises, stretching hamstrings for instance. Going on holiday? These are so easy to pack and take away with you for a cheeky workout in your hotel room! You can get hold of resistance bands at Decathlon or here (turquoise/medium).



Leggings

Feeling comfortable with freedom of movement in your Pilates outfit is a must. There’s so much choice out there in wonderful colours and breathable fabrics. Every supermarket has a fitness range, not to mention H&M, Matalan, TKMaxx, Decathlon and Primark, and I also like Lucy Locket Loves and Tikiboo



TIKIBOOK - 10% off if you buy via this link - https://prz.io/NzA3ZOHv

Find out more about our Pilates classes at www.gemmapearcefitness.co.uk



 

Find out more about our online exercise classes and face to face fitness classes in Didcot & Abingdon at www.gemmapearcefitness.co.uk


Stay updated and receive our weekly newsletter - https://www.gemmapearcefitness.co.uk/newsletter


Find out more about us by following us on social media -


Interested in our Retired & Fitter classes for over 65s? Find out more here - https://www.gemmapearcefitness.co.uk/product-page/retired-fitter-class-bundle and find us on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/retiredandfitter/


By participating in this exercise or exercise programme, you are declaring yourself to be physically sound and suffering from no impairment, disease or infirmity or other illness that would prevent your participation in live streamed fitness classes or activities. You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you are unsure about your suitability for this exercise, please refer to your GP. You hereby assume all responsibility for your participation and activities.



287 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page