Many of my classes only require a mat and yourself, which is awesome since it allows for you to do Pilates anywhere. We also may not have the money or the space for ALL the things. When I do incorporate equipment, I always strive to identify things that you can use in place of these items. So, please note that NONE of the following are required to participate.
But, if you're like me, always struggling to find things to add to my holiday/birthday wish list, that people might actually like to give as a gift, you may find this to be useful. I suggest this since my family makes fun of me for my "boring" list. Currently, my Amazon wish list consists of a microwave splatter cover replacement (Dave melted mine, so why is it even on my list?), a compost sifter (yes, this is an actual thing), and a clear quart size travel bag for toiletries. Several of these items have been on my list since 2018, lol. So, if you want a few not so "boring" things to add to you list, below are my favorite at home work out items that I incorporate into Pilates and Barre classes most often.
1. Core Ball - The core ball is my most favorite piece of equipment and I probably add this to classes most often. The Bender Ball is by far my favorite. It is the perfect size and has a slightly sticky texture, so when you put it behind your sweaty leg or back it doesn't come rocketing out from under you. I got my ball for free during my Barre Above training, but you can buy it on Amazon (HERE) for $12.99. It comes with a DVD of core exercises you can do with it. There are other cheaper balls available for a few dollars less, but this one works best in my opinion.
2. Resistance Band - This is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can buy. I used to get a large roll of this and cut it to 6' lengths to hand out bands in class. These are great because you can adjust the tension to suit whatever you are doing. They take up almost zero space. There are a ton of other resistance band brands that I'm sure work just as well, it's just that Thera-Band is the "original" and what physical therapists use. They come in a variety of weights, but I think the Blue one is the best for Pilates. You can get them in latex and latex free versions. The blue latex version can be purchased for $9.11 HERE.
3. Hand Weights - It took me 6 months to get my hands on a set of 5lb and 8lb weights in 2020!! Apparently, everyone needed these for their new home gym during the pandemic. I have no preference for hand weight brands, but I do prefer the neoprene coated and hexagonal shaped ones since they are easier to grip and don't roll away. Weights that are between 3 and 5 lbs are great for the large amount of reps that we do in most Pilates and barre classes. You can buy hand weights at any big box store or the internet. Again I have no preference other than the neoprene coating and shape, so these HERE are a good option. You can also buy some nice sets of these if you wanted more than option to work with.
4. Loop/Mini Band - Most everyone has a love-hate relationship with this evil thing, including me. It 100% adds some additional challenge to any leg series which is great when your trying to squeeze a good glute workout into a short class. Like the Thera Band they are tiny so take up little space if you don't have a dedicated workout spot. I don't have any brand preference so if you search Loop Resistance Band on the internet you will get a TON of options for a variety of prices and Latex or Latex free options. Choose what works best for you. Most come in a set of a variety of tensions which is nice to have. You should also note that you can achieve the same thing as this item by tying your Thera Band into a loop. The Thera Band version of these is HERE for about $15.00.
5. Gliding Disks - You all know I'm a big fan of the a gliding disk class. Thankfully paper paper plates are an awesome alternative to these. So why have they made my list? These glide a lot better. Paper plates tend to stick, which makes using them little more challenging. You can buy these for hard surface floors ($15.00) or carpet ($10.00). The ones for hard surface floors are HERE and carpeting are HERE. Note, you can't use them interchangeably on carpet/hard surface.
6. Booty Kicker - This is a game changer if you love Barre. I received this after putting it on my wish list from my amazing In-Laws. What makes this so great? It is sturdy and the barre is at the perfect height. You can pull on it and get into a deeper squat or lunge or put vertical force (push on it) with out it falling over. It has places to store your weights, that counter balances it, which is what allows for you to pull on it. It folds up so you can store it under or behind furniture. It is $115.00, but I am a Booty Kicker Affiliate. So if you purchase using my link HERE you will get $35 off and a FREE Bender Ball!
In the future I'll write another list of things I would love to add to special classes such as foam rollers, magic circles, etc. But, for now this list encompasses ALL the things I use on the regular.
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I do not sell or get any kind of benefit for endorsing items 1-5.
I do get a commission for the sale of the Booty Kicker.
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