Recommended gear for home Pilates workout

You don't need a lot to build out a highly effective home workout set up.

As we shift our focus from studio workouts to home workouts, I've compiled a list of simple, small apparatus you can buy to enhance and challenge your home mat work.

Don't want to spend any moula? There's lots of common items found in the household that can do the trick. 

BASICS

Mat 
People often ask me if a Yoga mat is okay for Pilates. The answer is yes... but conditionally. 

• If you're working out on a thick rug or padded surface, a regular yoga mat is fine.
• If you're working out on a hard surface such as hardwood or tile, you'll want a Pilates mat. Why? A Pilate mat is much thicker (6mm) than standard yoga mats ( and protects the spine and sacrum when we are rolling, doing teaser, etc. 

• If you don't want to purchase a specialized Pilates mat you can double up two yoga mats or use a thick beach towel or some kind of blanket or padding under your yoga mat. 

Here's an example of an inexpensive mat on Amazon with the right thickness:
https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Essentials-Fitness-Exercise-Easy-Cinch/dp/B07H9KV2YN/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=pilates+mat&qid=1584659529&sr=8-5 ​

Magic Circle 
Oh, how I love the magic circle! It's one of my favorite tools in my kit and I use it a lot in my workouts both at home and in the studio. This is the kind I use in the studio - they run $30. More affordable options are available but I can't attest to quality beyond the ones I use.  
https://www.amazon.com/Stamina-AeroPilates-Circle-Reformer-Workouts/dp/B000W09NYM/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=pilates+magic+circle&qid=1584659726&sr=8-5

​There really isn't a substitute for the magic circle. You can get to similar work with a resistance band or loop... or use your mind to enhance the challenge of the movement by working slowly and imagining that you are moving through a thick viscous substance like honey. 

Small Hand Weights 
We often use light weights in Pilates workouts. I use 1 and 2 lb weighted balls in the studio. I love how they fall into the hand and are so easy to work with. For your home practice, any small hand weights will do the trick.

​If you don't have access to small weights you can use a couple of small water bottles or cans of food to give you some weight and resistance to work with. Just make sure they are the same size. 

These weighted balls are my personal favorites and the once I use in the studio -- head's up they're on the higher end of pricing but again, there is a myriad of others choices. 
https://www.amazon.com/STOTT-PILATES-Toning-Two-Pack-Lemon/dp/B004P42YVK/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=weighted%2Bballs%2B1%2Blb&qid=1584659880&sr=8-13&th=1&psc=1
​

Medium Density Full-sized Foam Roller 
A long foam roller is great and I use them often for balancing core work and arm/shoulder work.

​I really love the medium density LoRox roller from OPTP. These are what I use in the studio and are available to buy on Amazon but they're on the higher end. If you're budget is tighter, any full length foam roller will do. 

LoRox roller on Amazon. 
https://www.amazon.com/OPTP-Aligned-Roller-Lauren-Roxburgh/dp/B01B6KNJ64/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=lorox+roller&qid=1584660192&sr=8-2&swrs=BFFF9F1EDF67AE25960D9089FBDE2FC0

Toe Corrector 
This little gadget is brilliant for fixing the alignment of the toes and feet, countering bunion development and connecting the feet to the seat and powerhouse. Amazon offers this version from Prag Movement at quite a savings from the ones offered at classical manufacturers. I find it to be just as effective as the fancy ones.

​If you don't want to invest, a thick rubber band can be substituted (like ones you get when you buy broccoli). 

https://www.amazon.com/Corrector-strengthen-functional-movement-connects/dp/B00LFWBY0C/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=toe+corrector&qid=1585079506&sr=8-10

BODY ROLLING 

In Sunday's body rolling class we use a small set of various shaped balls... not foam rollers.  Everyone knows I am completed OBSESSED with Yamuna balls and I use them everyday. I also love the Yoga Tune Up balls and I use those several times a week. 

Yoga Tune Up Balls 
I have these at the studio... if you're in Ventura, you can buy directly from me and I can drop them off on your doorstep - or you can buy them online. 
https://www.amazon.com/Tune-Up-Fitness-Therapy-Balls/dp/B00CWAAL00/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=yoga+tune+up&qid=1585698655&sr=8-7 

Yamuna Body Rolling Balls 
You can buy Yamuna balls from the studio, directly from yamunausa.com or as a kit with an instructional DVD on Amazon. I recommend starting with a black and a pearl or silver. Yamuna is on the higher end of cost spectrum -- and while I think it's worth it for the quality if it doesn't fit within your budget I can recommend a more affordable option. 

Other options
Here are some alternative options for balls you can buy to use in the body rolling class.

Franklin Smooth Ball Set: 
https://www.optp.com/Franklin-Smooth-Ball-Set?kw=franklin 

Balls for Body Work 
https://www.optp.com/Balls-for-Body-Work?kw=balls 

​Not sure? Get in touch and I can help you sort out which option is best for you. ​

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STAY HEALTHY AND KEEP MOVING! 

It's so important to keep mentally and physically fit during this challenging time. There are many ways to stay healthy and keep moving despite the current restrictions! Temple Pilates is now online and offering private remote sessions via Zoom (video conferencing) as well as streaming mat classes several times a week. All mat attendees receive a recording of the weekly class they can use workout as much as they'd like throughout the week.  

How to get started? 
​Sign up online or get in touch with me directly. I'd be happy to speak with you about a customized program.