5 Types of Pilates Equipment to Make Your Workout More Fun

Should you invest in Pilates equipment if you’re new or want to make it more challenging? 

While you can leverage the benefits of Pilates at home (or even in a hotel room while traveling) without equipment—it can be fun to bring in some additional sources of resistance or difficulty. But, before you grab a set of weights and go, let’s talk about the kinds of Pilates equipment that’s safest that can also make the workout more enjoyable and perhaps more challenging.

Thick Pilates Mat

A Pilates mat is the foundation of your workout, providing both a soft cushion and firm support during floor exercises. While technically we have quite a few standing-only workouts in the Lindywell app, a mat isn’t optional if you’re doing mat pilates (as opposed to Pilates with a reformer only).

But, not all Pilates mats are created equal, as I discovered for myself a few years into teaching Pilates and doing it myself. That’s why we designed Lindywell’s 10-millimeter Powerhouse Mat. It’s thicker than most traditional yoga mats to support your spine and joints during exercises, and yet still stable enough to provide a solid base for balancing exercises and standing movements.

Most importantly, unlike most mats on the market, the Lindywell Powerhouse Pilates Mat is made without hormone-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, PVC or lead. It’s non-toxic, eco-friendly and easy to wipe clean.

Learn more about choosing a Pilates mat in our guide, How to Spot the Best Pilates Mat for Your Practice.

Fabric Resistance Band

Resistance bands are one of my favorite Pilates equipment choices because they’re lightweight and portable. I take our set of three Lindywell Resistance Bands, one for each resistance level, with me on every trip I take. 

Unlike most resistance bands you’ll find, however, ours are made with an elastic core and an outer fabric covering to maximize your comfort. Plus, the thick construction and inner grip traction will prevent them from sliding loose as you flow through each movement. 

Thanks to three resistance levels, you can pick and choose which one you want to use for each workout or even for each exercise—your upper body may need a different resistance than your lower body. We even have a 10-minute mini-series in the Lindywell app that uses the bands for quick workouts that are perfect to sneak in on the go!

Small Exercise Ball

This small exercise ball you may have seen before is used to enhance core strength and balance during the workout. This Pilates prop creates an element of instability, which activates more muscle groups to restore your overall balance. 

In Pilates, we use this equipment in several different ways, from between the knees to beneath the chest and behind the lower back. Here’s a fun and creative 15-minute Pilates session that will show you how to incorporate an exercise ball.   

Light Hand Weights

These hand weights are both small and light (usually about 1–5 pounds). What I love about light weights, and especially our Lindywell Hand Weights, is that they offer just the right amount of resistance without impacting form. 

I’ve seen so many people lifting heavy weights because that’s what they see other people doing—or it’s what their workout program says to do. Unfortunately, without the muscle strength to support that movement, you risk injury. (Learn more about weight training and Pilates in my recent blog post to better understand how these two things can work together when done correctly.)

We created our hand weights with durable stainless steel and silicone outer construction. Thanks to their sleek capsule design, they’re also comfortable (and ergonomically sound!), providing you with the ability to lift and move easily. 

From full-body movements to micro pulses and isometric holds, this type of weight is extremely versatile—and weight training workouts are some of our most popular in the Lindywell app!

Magic Circle (Pilates Ring)

This flexible device—known as both a Magic Circle and a Pilates Ring—is made of either pliable metal or rubber with a handle on each side. It creates gentle to moderate resistance during your practice to tone the arms, chest, thighs, pelvic floor, arms, chest, and other muscles. 

A Magic Circle can also support postural alignment to ease tension or discomfort in the spine, making it a great addition to your workout if you’re dealing with chronic pain. If you’re new to this equipment, Lindywell has a 10-minute workout that will introduce you to the Magic Circle and teach you to use it in numerous full-body Pilates exercises. 

Honorable Mention: Foam Roller 

Often used before or after a Pilates session, foam rollers can help relieve muscle tightness to improve flexibility and functional mobility. Foam rollers are cylindrical and come in various sizes, but I recommend 36 inches—you’ll need ample length to maximize your stretches. 

Choose a degree of firmness that’s supportive, but not too soft as well. The most common way to use this device is to roll it under your feet, calves, glutes, shoulders, back, quads, or hamstrings. That rhythmic motion will stimulate circulation and massage out any tension. 

If you’re new to foam rolling, start your 14-day free trial of Lindywell and get access to our guided foam rolling sessions. We even have a Foam Roller Reformer-inspired workout in the app that is very popular with members.

Infuse this Equipment Into Your Pilates Routine

I love reaching for different Pilates equipment to switch up my normal workout routine. If you could use a new challenge or want to incorporate even more fun into your next Pilates session, consider these accessories. Remember: this is your practice, so be creative with it, give yourself the freedom to experiment, and listen to the needs of your own unique body. 

As a Lindywell member, you can access more than 350 online Pilates sessions—and you’ll score a discount on all the equipment we offer in our store. Start your 14-day free trial now!