Pilates at Home for Beginners

How much space will you need?

When setting up your space, be sure to have enough room to stretch your entire body out on the ground and reach arms and legs out from your center in all directions. A quiet space is ideal. If you plan to stream Pilates videos, you'll want to choose a room where that is possible. Because you are primarily using your own body to practice beginner Mat Pilates, you can bring your exercise anywhere that is convenient. You may choose to dedicate a corner of your home or a room to your Pilates practice to gain a further meditative quality.

What Equipment do you need?

Practicing Pilates at home requires no more than a flat surface and a mat or even just a rug. Small props including balls, magic rings, head support, and TheraBands may be added to the mix but are not necessary to begin. If you have the space and would like to explore Reformer Pilates, it is possible to purchase Pilates Apparatus. The AeroPilates Reformer is a popular option given it is less cost prohibitive than the Reformers used by Pilates teachers in studios. The AeroPilates is safe and effective but we recommend instruction from a Pilates teacher before beginning your home AeroPilates practice. It is a nice addition to a Mat Pilates practice but not necessary.

Good resources for Pilates at home

There are so many great books and videos available to assist you in your home Pilates practice. Choose teachers and visuals that feel easy for you to follow. Streaming services are a great way to find a variety of classes and well-trained teachers. Pilates Anytime offers thousands of classes at all levels. We bring the best Pilates teachers from all over the world to our studios to film classes. In fact, many well-known Pilates teachers are Pilates Anytime members – streaming classes for their own practice and watching to learn new teaching skills. One great trick is to watch a class at least once before taking it, allowing you to get a handle on the pace, some of the exercises, and language. You can also try some exercises to begin to get your form down before taking the entire class. One of the great things about Pilates Anytime is that with a low monthly fee, you have unlimited views of any class you choose. So you don't have to worry about using up your membership. It's always there for you!

Make the most of your home practice

Practicing Pilates from home offers some huge benefits including cost, availability, and time management. You can fit your Pilates workout in around your schedule and need only 45-60 minutes instead of time to and from class in a gym or studio plus the hour-long class. You can go at your own pace and repeat exercises that you want to get better at, or that merely feel like what your body needs that day. Try to block out some time at least three times a week. Making an appointment with yourself will ensure other things in life don't keep you from Pilates. Don't get distracted with other noise in the room. If you can close the door to the rest of your household, do it. This is your time. Allow yourself to focus on just that one hour. Take a private session from a Pilates teacher to get started or on occasion to check your form and advance your practice. Stream videos, take notes if you like and create your own routine. And don't get frustrated. Enjoy the time and notice every bit of progress.

Advice for Beginners

One of the great things about Pilates is that it can be practiced every single day. Even a beginner can jump into a daily practice. You may want to mix up your workouts and take an easier class one day and a more challenging the next day, or chose a class that focuses more on the abdominal series one day and glutes and prone work the next. The beauty of Pilates is that in using your entire body, you have many directions and options with over 500 exercises in the repertoire to choose from.

Keep in mind some modifications

Pilates shouldn't be painful for beginners. Don't be afraid to use modifications offered for the exercises. Bent knees versus straight legs, head and neck support, not lifting your head initially, and even going slower than instructed if following a video are all fine. A Pilates teacher will tell you that the number one thing is not to get hurt. Listen to your body and if something feels wrong to you or too much for you on any given day, modify or skip that exercise.

Do you need a Reformer to practice Pilates?

It is absolutely possible to practice Pilates using just your own body. In fact, that is how Joseph Pilates created the exercises to begin with. Mat Pilates includes over 500 different exercises, most of which only require you. It is the perfect, no excuses way to train your body.

Is Pilates only for the core?

Although Pilates is known to be "core" work, it is a whole body workout. You may be focusing on your core, but your arms and legs are also being trained with the Pilates exercises. It is incredibly dynamic and incorporates your breath, balance, and focus with strength and flexibility training.

Is it better to do Pilates in the morning or afternoon?

Many people like to schedule their Pilates practice for first thing in the morning. This allows them to make sure nothing gets in the way, and it sets them up to be ready to use their body all day long. Others like to end their day with Pilates. This is a great way to wind down from the outside world and undo all the stresses of your day. The bottom line is that the right time to do Pilates is the right time for you. Listen to your body.