Create Your Home Studio
Do you ever find yourself motivated to workout but the class schedule doesn’t line up? Or you have 30 minutes, but not 50 minutes, and you can’t waste a single moment of that time driving to the studio? Yeah, us too. Cue: the home studio.
Setting up a home Pilates space is a great way to make your practice a part of your daily routine, and can be an amazing complement to your in-studio class work helping you see more consistent results, faster!
Now, of course, we’d all love to have reformer in our homes, but who has room for that?! Your home studio doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a versatile home Pilates & fitness studio offering you amazingly effective home workouts using just a few key pieces of equipment.
1. The Pilates Arc
We recommend the arc to everyone! It is a fantastic piece of Pilates equipment that enhances core work, deepens stretches, and has some fun, functional fitness uses. Unlike the some of the other items on this list, the Arc is a true piece of equipment and not just a prop. That means it comes with specific set of exercises you can perform with it, so you don’t feel like you’re just propping up your mat work.
Plus, for being an actual piece of Pilates equipment, it is extremely affordable. Here’s a link to our favorite arc. Mention Momentum Movement Studios with a sales rep and get 5% off your purchase.
2. One Medium and One Heavy Kettlebell
Kettlebells are an incredibly versatile tool that can build both strength and endurance. A medium kettlebell is perfect for dynamic exercises that target endurance and cardio, while a heavier one challenges you in slow, controlled movements that build strength. Kettlebell exercises can complement your Pilates practice to create a well rounded routine tackling strength, endurance, mobility, balance and coordination.
3. Small Inflatable Ball
This small but mighty tool is often used in Pilates to challenge stability and engage your core muscles. It can be placed behind your lower back, between your knees, or under your feet to add an extra layer of resistance and balance. The inflatable ball is an easy way to add variety to a bodyweight exercise and to increase the challenge of an exercise you’ve mastered already.
4. Mini Resistance Band
A mini resistance band is ideal for activating and strengthening your glutes, thighs, and hips. It can add intensity to Pilates-based movements like leg lifts or bridges and it’s great for building strength in more traditional moves like squats and deadlifts, too. They’re also the easiest to travel with and can help keep you consistent even when you’re away from home!
5. A Good Yoga Mat
A high-quality yoga mat is a staple for home practice workouts. Whether you’re performing Pilates or strength exercises, a mat provides cushioning and support, prevents slipping, and gives you a designated space to get your work done. We love Manduka’s GRP mat, and Lululemon’s 5mm Yoga Mat.
BONUS: The EXO Chair
This one is for the serious home practitioner. This compact, incredibly versatile piece of equipment can take your home practice to a completely new level in a quarter of the space compared to the reformer. It was designed for compact spaces but the repertoire of exercises you can do on the Chair is miles long!
Fun fact: this was the first piece of Pilates equipment Michelle ever bought and squeezed into her and her husband’s teeny tiny apartment downtown. She couldn’t even stretch her arms out without hitting the walls, but she was still able to use the chair to get an incredibly effective Pilates practice in daily!
Here is a link to Balanced Body's Split Pedal EXO Chair. Mention Momentum Movement Studios for 5% off of your purchase!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Curating your home studio doesn’t require a ton of equipment or space. Pick 1-2 pieces you definitely have room for and think about what you’re most likely to do on your own. You can always add as you go if you find yourself really taking advantage of your home set up! Once you’ve got the set up, you’ll be amazed at how easily it can help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
Reach out to us for personalized help selecting the right elements of a home studio for you.