The kit list
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Everything we point readers to, in one place and sorted by type. Most of it is small and light and lives in a drawer: a mat, a band or two, a ring, a soft ball. The bigger things come last.
We chose each pick from the maker's specifications, published reviews and how well it suits the exercises in our stories. We have not tested every item ourselves, and no maker pays to be listed. Where a guide covers a type in depth, the link under its heading takes you there.
Mats
A Pilates mat is thicker and a little firmer than a yoga mat, so the spine stays comfortable in rolling work. Around 10 to 15 mm (2/5 to 3/5 inch) suits most floors.
- Amazon Basics half-inch exercise matSoft cushioning for rolling and kneeling work on hard floors.See it on Amazon (Amazon Basics half-inch exercise mat)
- Gaiam 10 mm thick matA slightly firmer thick mat that still spares the spine in roll-ups.See it on Amazon (Gaiam 10 mm thick mat)
- Retrospec Solana 1-inch matVery thick and firm, for sore knees and wooden floors; less steady for standing balance work.See it on Amazon (Retrospec Solana 1-inch mat)
- AIREX yoga and Pilates mat from Power SystemsA Swiss-made closed-cell mat that wipes clean, the kind many studios keep in a stack.See it at Power Systems (AIREX yoga and Pilates mat from Power Systems)
Pilates rings
The ring adds a light, springy resistance to inner-thigh, arm and chest work. A medium ring with padded handles is the safe first choice.
- ProBody 14-inch Pilates ringA medium-resistance magic circle with padded handles; a sound first ring.See it on Amazon (ProBody 14-inch Pilates ring)
- Balanced Body Ultra-Fit circleFrom an established Pilates equipment maker; lighter resistance that suits beginners.See it on Amazon (Balanced Body Ultra-Fit circle)
- Power Systems Pilates resistance ringA studio supplier's ring: fibreglass under a soft foam cover, 15 inches across, in two resistances.See it at Power Systems (Power Systems Pilates resistance ring)
Small soft balls
A 9-inch soft ball squeezed between the knees or slipped under the low back makes familiar exercises more precise.
- Trideer 9-inch soft ballSqueeze it between the knees in bridges or slip it under the low back for support.See it on Amazon (Trideer 9-inch soft ball)
- ProBody 9-inch small ballA latex-free alternative in the same small-ball size.See it on Amazon (ProBody 9-inch small ball)
- Power Systems Poz-A-BallAn 8-inch air-filled ball for holding positions, not throwing: between the knees or under the low back.See it at Power Systems (Power Systems Poz-A-Ball)
Loop bands
Mini loops and wider fabric loops sit above the knees or ankles for bridges, clams and side steps.
Our guide: How to choose a resistance band set for home Pilates
- Fit Simplify mini loop bands, set of fiveThe cheap way to start: five strengths for bridges, clams and side walks.See it on Amazon (Fit Simplify mini loop bands, set of five)
- Fabric hip bands, set of threeFor glute work where thin latex loops roll up or pinch the skin.See it on Amazon (Fabric hip bands, set of three)
Long flat bands
The band that comes closest to a reformer spring: footwork, rowing, arm work and help with the roll up.
Our guide: How to choose a resistance band set for home Pilates
- THERABAND long flat bandsPhysio-style flat bands for footwork, rows, stretches and assisted roll-ups.See it on Amazon (THERABAND long flat bands)
- Power Systems flat resistance bandsClinic-style latex bands in three strengths, sold as single pieces or as a roll you cut to length.See it at Power Systems (Power Systems flat resistance bands)
Tube bands with handles
Stackable tubes with handles and a door anchor, for standing presses, rows and curls on strength days.
Our guide: How to choose a resistance band set for home Pilates
- WHATAFIT tube bands with handlesStackable tubes for presses, rows and curls, with a door anchor for chest work.See it on Amazon (WHATAFIT tube bands with handles)
- Fit Simplify tube band kit, 12 piecesA second complete tube kit for a small home strength corner.See it on Amazon (Fit Simplify tube band kit, 12 pieces)
- Power Systems bands and tubesFlat bands, loops and tubes in graded strengths, from single bands to studio sets.See it at Power Systems (Power Systems bands and tubes)
Foam rollers
A long roller doubles as Pilates kit for chest openers and balance work; a short textured one travels.
- Amazon Basics 36-inch firm foam rollerLong enough to lie on lengthwise for chest openers and Pilates balance work.See it on Amazon (Amazon Basics 36-inch firm foam roller)
- TriggerPoint GRID 13-inch rollerA short, textured roller with a hollow core that fits in a gym bag.See it on Amazon (TriggerPoint GRID 13-inch roller)
- 321 STRONG textured rollerMedium density with ridged zones, for people who find firm rollers too much.See it on Amazon (321 STRONG textured roller)
- Power Systems high-density foam rollerFirm closed-cell foam in three lengths, with half-round versions for balance work.See it at Power Systems (Power Systems high-density foam roller)
- Power Systems foam rollersRollers by density and length, including half-rounds and studio racks.See it at Power Systems (Power Systems foam rollers)
Grip socks
Most studios ask for them on the reformer. Strappy or plain, the grip on the sole is what matters.
- Ozaiic grip socks with ballet-style strapsFor mat and reformer classes if you like a snug, strappy sock that stays put.See it on Amazon (Ozaiic grip socks with ballet-style straps)
- unenow unisex grip socksA plain unisex pair for anyone who wants grip without straps or frills.See it on Amazon (unenow unisex grip socks)
- Muezna men's grip socksFor larger feet and men's sizes, with a crew-style cuff.See it on Amazon (Muezna men's grip socks)
What to wear
Fitted layers let a teacher see your alignment; a longline bra stays put when you roll over.
- CRZ YOGA Butterluxe 25-inch leggingsVery soft, high-waisted leggings that stay put through roll-overs.See it on Amazon (CRZ YOGA Butterluxe 25-inch leggings)
- VALANDY high-waisted leggingsA budget pair in full and capri lengths.See it on Amazon (VALANDY high-waisted leggings)
- THE GYM PEOPLE longline sports braMedium support with a longer hem, so it stays down when you roll over.See it on Amazon (THE GYM PEOPLE longline sports bra)
Home reformers
Cord-resistance home machines and sliding boards are a step up from the mat, not a copy of a studio reformer. Measure the room first.
- AeroPilates 287 home reformerA folding home reformer with bungee-cord resistance; a budget step up from the mat.See it on Amazon (AeroPilates 287 home reformer)
- AeroPilates reformer with rebounderThe same idea with a rebounder for jumping work; check your floor and space first.See it on Amazon (AeroPilates reformer with rebounder)
- JANUA folding Pilates boardA sliding board with bands rather than a true reformer, for small flats and tight budgets.See it on Amazon (JANUA folding Pilates board)
Plant protein
For oats, smoothies and baking on training days. Label values vary by flavour and batch, so read the tub.
- Orgain organic plant protein, vanillaA sweet, mild blend for oats and smoothies.See it on Amazon (Orgain organic plant protein, vanilla)
- Sunwarrior Warrior Blend, vanillaA less sweet blend for people who drink it with water.See it on Amazon (Sunwarrior Warrior Blend, vanilla)
- NAKED Pea unflavoured pea proteinOne ingredient and no flavour, for cooks who add protein to savoury food too.See it on Amazon (NAKED Pea unflavoured pea protein)
For studios
Storage and stock for teachers equipping a room: racks that keep mats off the floor and a supplier that sells the small kit in quantity.
- Power Systems wall-mounted mat rackA steel bar that keeps a studio's thin mats off the floor, two side by side.See it at Power Systems (Power Systems wall-mounted mat rack)
- Power Systems yoga and Pilates rangeRings, mats, small balls, straps and storage from one studio supplier.See it at Power Systems (Power Systems yoga and Pilates range)