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In Pilates there is a range of small equipment that you can use, that don't cost the earth to buy and can add to your practise. Either by making the exercises harder, or making it easier. This is a list of all the pieces I love, but this is not an exhaustive list and there are other pieces out there.
Since COVID all my students buy their own equipment, for two main reasons, it is more hygienic to not share, and in most of the terms of the halls I work with. it is part of their requirements. I highly advice clients to have their own mat, block, & head cushion (if required).
Remember all exercises can be done without equipment so even if you do not have them, you can still workout.
Please note any links in this blog are not affiliated and you should do your own research before buying any product.
Equipment: Mat
Notes: The type of mat you get is self preference, but I would advise if you are in a hall with wooden floors getting a slightly thicker mat, especially when doing rolling exercises, it's kinder to your body.
Alternative: You can use a body towel, but I would advise investing in a mat as soon as you can.
TUP favourite exercise: This changes with time but at the moment Rocker with open legs
Equipment: Head cushion
Notes: These are fantastic for use under the head to provide correct head and neck alignment. You might not need one, you might need more than one. Always speak to your instructor before buying one.
Alternative: You can use a hand towel rolled under head
TUP favourite exercise:
Equipment: Block
Notes: Just check the size before you buy a block as they do come in different thicknesses 30cm length x 20cm width x 5cm height
Alternative: You can use a cushion from your couch
TUP favourite exercise: Spine stretch forward in long frog
Equipment: Loops
Notes: I like the fabric loops too, but they are better for the legs only, where as the latex ones are good for arms and legs.
Alternative: You can use some old tights tied into a circle
TUP favourite exercise: One leg kick
Equipment: Weights
Notes: There are lots of different types of weights in lots of different sizes. To begin with I would go with some wrist weights 0.5kg where you can strap them on and get on with your work out but you can always use a tin of beans and if you need to up your weights you can always get heavier hand 1kg weights at a later stage.
Alternative: Use 2 filled water bottles, or 2 tin cans (beans work well)
TUP favourite exercise: Squats
Equipment: Bands
Notes: I love these band for a hamstring stretch also
Alternative: Pair of old tights
TUP favourite exercise: Curl ups
Equipment: Sliders
Notes: Sometimes talked of as gliders, or discs.
Alternative: On a carpeted floor you can use paper plates, and if on a wooden floor you can use fluffy socks
TUP favourite exercise: Pike
Equipment list below here is stuff that is used in Tuesday's classes only.
Equipment: Magic Circle
Notes: Sometimes talked of as the ring of death lol.
Alternative: using a pillow or a thick book and a scarf for any abduction
TUP favourite exercise: Roll down
Equipment: Over Ball
Alternative: You can use a kids soft football or a rolled up pillow
Notes: Sometimes spelt as one word others as two & sometimes just called a Pilates ball.
TUP favourite exercise: Back extension - yum yum!
Equipment list below here is stuff that most people have not bought for class but it's good to know they exist, cause they are such fun.
Equipment: Dining Chair
Notes: A regular chair can add such challenges to a workout. I have never had anyone do a chair workout with me, who wasn't shocked at the end, how much they worked out!
TUP favourite exercise: Press Up
URL: Round your dining table, and supplied at all the halls I teach at.
Equipment: Foam Roller
Notes: This is a beautiful balance challenge
TUP favourite exercise: single knee folds to double knee folds
Equipment: Gym Ball
Notes: Relax over this ball
TUP favourite exercise: back extension
Equipment: Wobble cushion
Notes: Challenges your balance and is fun to sit on at a desk.
TUP favourite exercise: Tennis ball rising - ankle strength and balance at its finest!
All these pieces of equipment bring lots of added fun. However the Pilates Matwork is fun in itself. One of the reasons I love Pilates is that you don't need any equipment, the floor and your brain is all that is required to get in a full workout. So get learning the repertoire and you can take it with you anywhere, and do it anytime.
Thank U for reading ♡
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