Step aside, stair master sessions – pilates is now the hot-girl preferred workout of choice. It’s not exactly a new kid on the block, but since Lori Harvey revealed the German-born fitness practice is to thank for her goal-worthy abs, it comes as no surprise pilates has gained new fans eager to see what the hype is about. Whether you’ve recently taken the plunge and signed up for classes at a nearby studio, or you’ll be embarking on the pilates journey from the comfort of your own home, there are a few tools to have on your pick-up list either way.
If you’ve tried yoga, then you’re already halfway there when it comes to pilates – especially mat pilates, which doesn’t come with the learning curve of using a reformer machine (and, thus, can better be performed at home). Pilates adopts similar moves, but where much of yoga is holding poses, pilates then goes a step further and challenges you to move your arms and legs while holding each pose. The result is more intense workouts that, if sculpting and toning are among your goals, you’re likely to see quicker results with than with yoga. Naturally, it requires a bit more as far as prep and equipment, and there are a few tools you can get your hands on solely to further challenge yourself throughout your workout as well.
Keep scrolling ahead for the eight most important tools to get set up with.
Many pilates poses require having your knees, elbows or back to the floor, all of which are bound to be painful without the right mat. Because pilates can be a bit more intense than yoga, you’ll want to find a thicker (and thus more durable), non-slip mat such as this one that can withstand daily use.
Available at Amazon
Resistance bands aren’t a required pilates tool, nor are they pilates-specific, but they do allow you to get more out of your workout. There are a variety of resistance band styles, but flat ribbon bands such as what you’ll get with this TheraBand set are the most common choice for pilates.
Available at Amazon
