Home pilates equipment
It’s no secret that pilates sessions aren’t the most wallet-friendly form of exercising in Singapore, and we all have those days when we’re too tired to drag ourselves to the studio.
Here’s an idea: bring the studio to you. With these home pilates equipment essentials, you won’t have any more excuses to skip workout day.
What are the different types of pilates you can do at home?
Before we dive into our recommendations, here’s a crash course on the 4 different types of pilates you can do at home.
We’ll also include a rating for each type of pilates according to how affordable it is, how accessible it is for beginners, and how easy it is to set up at home.
Mat pilates
Firstly, we have mat pilates. In terms of at-home suitability, this is probably the highest ranked. All you really need is a mat to get started, and you can add additional apparatus to incrementally up the challenge of exercises.
Image credit: ClassPass
Since it only requires a mat, it’s relatively affordable compared to other types of pilates. It’s also beginner-friendly since mat pilates is considered low-impact and relies mostly on body weight for resistance, as opposed to reformer pilates that includes the added resistance of the machine.
We recommend starting off with mat pilates to nail down basic movements and form before venturing into more advanced pilates.
Mat pilates often includes optional add-on equipment like resistance bands, resistance rings, exercise balls, and foam rollers. Experts recommend choosing a mat of non-slip material and with at least a 0.5in thickness to avoid injury.
Overall rating: 5/5
Reformer pilates
Secondly, we have reformer pilates, the poster child of pilates you normally see plastered on Instagram feeds.
Image credit: @prettypotpourri via Instagram
This type requires a reformer machine, making it less accessible and convenient to set up at home. However, there’s a good range of reformers to invest in on retail platforms like Amazon, from more studio-grade ones to smaller, foldable models.
Although the reformer takes up more space than a mat, it’s one of the most versatile pieces of equipment and can adapt to a large variety of exercises. If you’re looking to install one in your home, wheels and foldability should be key features.
Similar to mat pilates, the reformer can also be complemented with apparatus like rings and resistance bands.
Just note that the reformer isn’t the most beginner-friendly since it focuses more on strength training with the added resistance of the reformer. And it isn’t the most wallet-friendly since studio-grade reformers can be close to a thousand dollars.
Overall rating: 3/5
Chair pilates
Thirdly, we have chair pilates. Bear in mind that “chair” doesn’t mean your dining chair. The pilates chair, or “wunda” chair, typically includes a padded seat, a pedal attached by resistance springs, and 2 detachable handles.
Image credit: @sgpilates.sg via Instagram
Its compact design makes it a little easier to set up than the reformer. But don’t let its size fool you, chair pilates can be a little more intense than the reformer since there’s a higher focus on balance and coordination.
Exercises can be conducted in a seated, standing, or lying position. Thus, the challenge of the movements may not be the most accessible for beginners. But if you’re looking for something to accommodate a smaller space, chair pilates could be a more appealing option for you.
Overall rating: 4/5
Cadillac pilates
Lastly, we have cadillac pilates, which has the most challenging equipment to make room for. Not only is a cadillac long with a raised trapeze table, but it’s also tall due to the attached tower.
Image credit: @espacioimagine, @smartfitpilates via Instagram
Wall units are an option to save space by attaching the tower to the wall. However, users would have to forgo the raised trapeze bench, which eliminates several exercises and movements.
Due to the versatility of the equipment, the cadillac can be used for full-body conditioning and targets various muscle groups like arms, legs, the core, and back.
Since the apparatus is pretty bulky, cadillac pilates isn’t the most home-friendly for a pilates workout if you’re working with a smaller home gym space.
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Does at-home pilates work?
Most people seem to have the misconception that home pilates isn’t as effective as studio pilates and would much rather take the commute to pilates studios. It’s no secret that studio pilates fees are relatively high as well.
Although studio pilates definitely has its benefits, that’s not to say that home pilates isn’t effective in its own way.
For one, it offers greater convenience and ensures that your workouts accommodate your work schedule since your studio and home are effectively in one place.
Since you’ll be doing your exercises alone, you’ll gain greater control of your routine by going at your own pace without pressure to keep up with the class or feel like it’s going too slow. Workouts can also be modified to suit your personal fitness goals.
Lastly, and probably the most appealing one of all, you get to avoid breaking the bank for studio classes, which usually cost a pretty penny, and switch to free online workout tutorials.
Tips for setting up a pilates home gym
Take a few pilates studio classes before solo-levelling home workouts. An important factor in pilates is proper form, which may be difficult to master without the supervision of a professional. Classes should help you use the equipment safely with the right form, ensuring your future workouts are done properly.
Be intentional when purchasing equipment. Not every piece of equipment touted by experienced learners will suit your body. Look out for apparatus that supports and suits your body form, and know when to invest in important things like mats, which are a must for most exercises.
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, here are our recommendations for your home pilates studio.
Home pilates equipment at a glance
1. Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat
0.5in thick mat with non-slip texture
Image credit: Kshitiz Bansal via Amazon
The Retrospec Solana yoga mat is a popular recommendation among seasoned at-home pilates enthusiasts. Its ribbed non-slip surface prevents the mat from sliding out from under you while you’re holding poses.
The mat comes in 0.5in or 1in thickness, which provides more than adequate cushioning to alleviate pressure on joints.
The mat also comes in a wide selection of 9 colours, like Violet Haze, Sage, and Blue Mist. Each mat includes a carrying strap to make it easy to carry around and store.
Price: $54.31
Purchase the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat.
2. URBNFit Small Exercise Ball
Workout ball to enhance exercises
Image credit: Amazon
URBNFit exercise balls are relatively affordable and easy to store equipment for your workout. Usually used as an added challenge for workouts, it can be put between knees or thighs to activate muscles.
Known for their versatility, exercise balls can be used to complement most exercises and are good for core-building workouts since the ball functions as a stability challenge.
A good thing to keep in mind when choosing a ball is its diameter since the smaller the ball, the greater the stability challenge. This exercise ball comes with a 9in diameter, but it’s recommended to check the corresponding height-to-ball size for more effective workouts.
The ball is also coated with anti-burst material and is able to withstand 272kg of weight, ensuring you are well-supported when doing your exercises.
Price: $20.47
Purchase the URBNFit Exercise Ball.
3. Yes4All High Density Foam Roller
High-density foam roller for stretching & intensity increase
Image credit: Amazon
Another commonly used prop, the foam roller is normally used for stretching the upper body and hips. It also recreates the instability of a reformer when placed under the body, which engages the core muscles.
Something to consider when getting a foam roller is its length to accommodate fuller back support.
The Yes4All foam roller comes in a range of lengths, but it is recommended to get the 36in one for full back support. This increases the kinds of exercises you can do with the roller. It’s also high-density to support deeper stretches and designed to hold up to 136kg.
Price: $23.72
Purchase the Yes4All Foam Roller.
4. TheraBand Resistance Bands Set
Set of 3 resistance bands of varying tensions
Image credit: THERABAND
Resistance bands are a staple for most workouts due to its versatility and accessibility. It’s an easy way to up the challenge of a workout if things are getting too easy. It’s also an affordable way to recreate the intensity of pilates machine classes during mat pilates since the bands can act as pulleys and resistance springs normally found on machines.
The TheraBand resistance bands set is a beginner set that includes 3 bands of varying resistance levels from around 1kg to 3kg. Since the bands are thin, it’s easier for exercises that require the band to be wrapped around the foot, giving you more support.
Price: $43.74
Purchase the TheraBand Resistance Bands Set.
5. Scotamalone Stretching Strap
Looped stretching strap for deeper stretches
Image credit: Amazon
The Scotamalone stretching strap helps you go deeper into your stretches without compromising your body alignment, ensuring you’re in proper form as you work your muscles.
This strap includes 10 loops which can be used for gradual stretching of major muscle groups. It essentially recreates partner-assisted stretching by helping you reach into poses you would not typically be able to do alone.
The loops also make it easier for users to grip onto the strap, ideal for those with wrist issues. Made with durable polypropylene, the strap ensures comfort for users and allows a steady grip.
Price: $11.44
Purchase the Scotamalone Stretching Strap.
6. Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights
Customisable ankle weights to vary intensity
Image credit: Montserrat Maldonado via Amazon
If resistance bands and exercise balls aren’t enough for you to break a sweat, up the ante with Sportneer’s adjustable ankle weights.
Each single weight comes with 5 removable sandbags weighing 0.45kg each, and each weight is fitted with velcro straps of about 31.75cm for a secure fit.
Made with soft, breathable neoprene material, the ankle weights are lined with moisture-absorbing material so you feel comfortable even during the most strenuous workouts.
Price: $27.99
Purchase the Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights.
7. ProsourceFit Pilates Resistance Ring
Resistance ring to complement exercises
Image credit: FrauMutter via Amazon
A resistance ring, also known as a magic circle, is used to intensify or assist movements. It also makes sure you activate the right muscles when doing exercises since it acts as additional resistance.
The ProsourceFit resistance ring is a space-saving way to recreate incremental reformer resistance. The ring is made of steel covered by durable rubber, which helps it withstand immense pressure, guaranteeing you long-term use. Its padded soft foam handles ensure a comfortable grip during exercises while creating gentle resistance.
It offers both resistance and support for a variety of workouts like hip extensions, dead bugs, and press-ups.
Price: $37.56
Purchase the ProsourceFit Pilates Resistance Ring.
8. JANUA Pilates Board
Storage-friendly reformer board with timer
The pilates board has been making waves on TikTok, mostly due to its affordable price point and easy storage. It’s used to mimic reformer movement with resistance springs attached to sliding pads.
The JANUA pilates board is a top choice for those seeking out a reformer without the nightmarish prices. It can be easily folded and stored away after a workout and is ideal for beginners.
The board is equipped with non-slip points for safety, thick kneeling pads for additional cushioning, and even a timer for convenience. Although it isn’t the most Instagrammable thing in the world and has a lower resistance capacity, the pilates board is still a solid addition to your home studio.
It mimics reformer exercises through the use of the gliding pads as a stability challenge which can be incorporated into lunges with leg extensions. Its $307.95 price tag makes it one of the more affordable reformer options for those looking for a more wallet-friendly choice.
Price: $266.26
Purchase the JANUA Pilates Board.
9. AeroPilates Reformer
Foldable reformer with rebounder
Image credit: Amanda via Amazon
The AeroPilates reformer is a popular choice among home-pilates practitioners. A significant step-up from the pilates board, the reformer has an actual carriage and pulley system and even a cardio rebounder to accommodate more types of exercises.
The machine uses cords instead of springs, which are usually used in contemporary machines, but still provides a similar resistance experience with 3 resistance levels. Resistance is still relatively light and dependent on body weight, which results in leaner muscle while losing fat instead of bulking up.
However, the reformer’s foot bar is not adjustable, which may limit exercise movements and comfort. The carriage also isn’t as smooth as professional reformers, but it’s usually purchased for its other similar features like tension and adaptability to exercises.
Another great benefit is that it’s easy to store since it’s foldable and comes with built-in wheels for easier transport.
Price: $935.63
Purchase the AeroPilates Reformer.
Elevated reformer with jump board
Image credit: LC via Amazon
For a slightly cheaper alternative to the AeroPilates reformer, the Sendian foldable reformer is a good option. The foldable pilates reformer comes 95% pre-assembled, making it easy to set up, and its in-built wheels make it easy to store.
The Sendian reformer mimics a studio-grade reformer by including an elevated sliding carriage, a jump board, and pulleys with 3 different height adjustments. And unlike the AeroPilates reformer, the Sendian reformer features a foot bar with 4 adjustable angles to suit different body types and exercises.
However, the resistance springs only come with 3 different strength tensions, so it may not be as customisable to intensity levels.
Price: $980.18
Purchase the SENDIAN Foldable Pilates Reformer Machine.
11. Life’s a Beach Pilates PRO Chair
Pilates chair with split-pedal system & adjustable resistance
Image credit: Jillian Luxton via Facebook
A variation of Joseph Pilates’ Wunda Chair, the Life’s a Beach Pilates PRO Chair is made to be more home-friendly. Unlike the traditional Wunda Chair that has a step pedal, this pilates chair features a split-pedal system which makes it more versatile and great for rotational movements.
It also includes sculpting handles which help support you like resistance bands but may not be as high a stability challenge. Its spring system is adjustable to vary resistance levels, extending its usage.
Although it isn’t as versatile as the reformer and there’s a learning curve for beginners, it’s still great for older users or those with an injury since it caters to low-impact exercises. The apparatus is generally used for deeper workouts since poses are off the floor and require more balance and is used to tone abs and legs.
Price: $974.75
Purchase the Life’s a Beach Pilates PRO Chair.
Pilates home workouts
Although pilates home workouts may not seem the most effective at first glance, with the right equipment and training resources, they can be a game changer if you have a busy schedule or a tight budget.
It’s important to know which apparatus and props to invest in. It all depends on your training goals and which muscle groups you plan to focus on. Even if budget is a huge factor, it’s still worth stretching the wallet a little if it means more long-term benefits.
For more ways to spice up your home gym:
Cover image adapted from: Jillian Luxton via Facebook, Amanda & FrauMutter via Amazon
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