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Seeing the Pilates girlies on TikTok or Instagram might make you think you need to fit a certain aesthetic to try the exercise, but I’m here to tell you that while it might look intimidating, it has many benefits for all body shapes and sizes. Even better, you can make many modifications to accommodate flexibility or physical limitations.
Despite seeing new, more modern takes on Pilates (think Megaformer or Solidcore), the original practice, known as Contrology, has been around since Joseph Pilates created it during the latter half of the 1920s. Interestingly enough, the practice wasn’t called Pilates until the 1960s.
This classical form of Pilates revolves around mat work and equipment in many studios – the Reformer, Stability Chair, and Tower (also called the Cadillac).
Before starting your Pilates practice, it’s good to see what method suits your lifestyle or fitness needs. Of course, there are challenging aspects to any style, but can vary dramatically depending on whether you visit a classic or contemporary studio (or want to try one of those Megaformers).
Pilates is low-impact, making it a great choice for someone who wants to strengthen the body through intentional movement and work on improving flexibility, core strength, balance and coordination, and keep joints limber.
I started my own Pilates practice in 2018. From the first session with a private instructor, I was hooked! There’s something about turning your brain off and working your muscles. In addition to building muscle and improving my overall structure, Pilates has been a wonderful tool to manage stress and anxiety.
Whether it’s mat or reformer, I always come away feeling great (and pretty sweaty, too). If you’ve been on the fence about trying it, take this as your sign to leap. I promise you won’t regret it!
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Essentials for Mat Pilates
Whether you’re planning to go in-studio for a class or you want to create a setup at home, mat Pilates is a great place to start. Certified Pilates instructor Brook Lyn Burnett recommends keeping it simple to start for a home practice.
“The best thing about Pilates is you need absolutely nothing for a home practice,” Burnett shares. “[You need] just your body and the mat. It’s often overcomplicated, and it doesn’t need to be.”
There are a few options for a good quality mat, depending on the investment level you want to make.
Blogilates’ PopFlex Active CloudCushion Vegan Suede Yoga Mat ($79) is good for those who want a thick (0.5”) quality mat that goes above the traditional Gaiam mats you’ll find in almost any fitness aisle and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
On the higher end, The Mat ($129) from Melissa Wood Health is 6mm thick and comes with a slip-resistant top layer, which is helpful when going between moves like a pike and plank or standing leg work because it keeps you anchored to the mat.
As for me, I am a Bala girl. The Play Mat ($129) is fairly heavy, so I keep it in my office daily and wipe it down between uses. At 5mm thick, the mat is waterproof, non-slip, and antimicrobial – the simple design, durable quality, price point, and color options (I love charcoal) are a win in my book.
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Once you’re ready to take your mat Pilates practice to the next level, Melissa Wood Health and Bala have an assortment of props to incorporate into your workouts.
If you want to add extra resistance to your workout as you strengthen and build stamina, a traditional Balanced Body Pilates Ring is one of the best props you can have (plus, it’s great for stretching!).
Essentials for Reformer Pilates
Don’t be intimidated to step into a Pilates studio! Members of all sizes and experience levels are welcome.
Many Pilates studios require an initial private session to get familiar with props and the reformer machine. This is a great way to have a no-pressure experience, and it allows you to share your goals and highlight any issues you may have with previous injuries or limitations.
If you’re new to Pilates, going to a studio for classes or private instruction on using the reformer is a good idea. Here’s a tip: look at the studio’s schedule ahead of time! There’s usually a beginning or reformer basics class you can start with to get acquainted with the springs and other essential elements until you feel more comfortable.
So, the big question: what do you wear to a Pilates class?
Because proper form and intentional movements are so important in a Pilates practice, allowing instructors to make corrections or modifications based on your needs gives you the best experience in a studio. To see how your body is moving, they need to see…your body!
Certified Pilates instructor Brook Lyn Burnett recommends wearing more form-fitting clothing – leggings and a fitted top, for example, “so we can see what the body is doing and make corrections appropriately.”
Full bodysuits are an option – Athleta and Lululemon have various colors. If you prefer a classic look, you can’t go wrong with a buttery pair of leggings, a sports bra, and a tank or tee. Lorna Jane is a great source of tanks and tees, or you can always go with an Alo Yoga Long-Sleeve for those cooler mornings.
So, are you ready to get started? Whether you’re interested in joining a studio or want to try an at-home practice, you don’t need a lot to get a fantastic workout in (but of course, shopping for cute outfits is always part of the fun).
