5 Pilates Props to Advance Your Practice

Looking for ways to step up your game? Discover all the essential Pilates equipment needed to enhance your performance.

One of the best things about Pilates is that it’s a highly accessible way to stay in shape. It’s a low-impact activity that welcomes all fitness levels and can be practiced just about anywhere. You can even benefit from a session without the need for special equipment — an attractive prospect for beginners wanting to get started in the comfort of their own home. When you’re ready to take things up a notch, however, make sure that bring the following Pilates equipment along with you to the mat:

Grip Socks

As your workouts intensify and things start getting a bit hotter and sweatier — the ground becomes more of a hazard, compromising your safety. Keep your feet firmly planted on the floor while wearing non-slip pilates socks. S-Vibe Grip Socks have a full-sole grip design so that not even your toes budge mid-pose! They’re also crafted from a super-breathable fabric to provide you with that all-important barefoot feeling.

Magic Circle

Let resistance rings work their magic on your arms, shoulders, and thighs. This tool can be used to add moderate resistance to your movements and therefore strengthen the upper or lower body. Legend has it that the first Magic Circle was fashioned by founder Joseph Pilates out of a steel ring encircling a beer barrel. Its modern upgrade is made from either flexible metal or rubber and is complete with padded grips on each side.

Foam Roller

If you’re chained to your desk, a foam roller is your back’s best friend! As you roll it along your spine, it melts away any built-up tension from the day. The same goes after an intense Pilates set; this device promotes muscle recovery when used as part of your cool down. You can also do foam roller exercises during practice to advance your skills — it challenges stability, increases range of movement, and improves posture.

Hand Weights

We’re not talking hefty dumbbells; it’s important to keep your weights light. The ideal weight for women is 1-3lbs to avoid leverage and momentum challenges that would pull you out of alignment and put stress on the body. You can use them on and off the mat and they can help you tone muscle, lose weight and gain core awareness.

Overball

You’ll find this soft, inflatable ball in every Pilates studio. Don’t be fooled by its squishy texture — this small but mighty apparatus will really intensify your workout. Target your core and glutes with overball exercises and feel the burn! A must-have for pregnant Pilates enthusiasts, it can also be used to support the spine during prenatal practice.