At-Home Pilates Gear: Mats, Weights, Reformers and Accessories
Build a home Pilates setup with a supportive mat, light resistance and comfortable clothing. Instructors explain what to prioritize and what’s optional.
A useful home Pilates setup can start with a mat, comfortable clothing and grip socks. Small accessories can add variety over time, while a reformer is a more substantial investment. The practical point from instructors Nicolle Lopez-Ellis and Jade Winter: equipment should support controlled movement and fit the space and budget available.
Pilates can work on core strength, stability, posture, body awareness and mobility. It’s also low impact, though people’s needs and abilities vary. The equipment below reflects the instructors’ advice and the article’s product picks; no single purchase is required to begin.
Start with a supportive mat
A Pilates mat generally needs more cushioning than a thin yoga mat, particularly for exercises that involve kneeling, lying on the side or moving the spine through different positions. Lopez-Ellis recommends enough padding to feel comfortable, while retaining a stable surface. The article suggests looking for a mat thicker than 4 millimeters.
For extra cushioning, the Stakt Mat is 12 millimeters thick and folds for storage or use as added support. The Lululemon Align Mat 5mm is a firmer option. The Gruper Exercise Mat with Carrying Strap is presented as a lower-cost, travel-friendly pick. Listed prices were $94 for Stakt, $28 for Gruper, while the Lululemon listing did not give a price.
Gruper Exercise Mat with Carrying Strap — $28
Use light weights for added resistance
For Pilates, Lopez-Ellis favors hand weights in the 3- to 5-pound range. Light weights, including wearable wrist or ankle weights, can add resistance while keeping the movement’s focus on control. A set with several weight options can make it easier to vary resistance.
Bala Bangles are wearable weights; the article lists a 2-pound set for $65. Stakt Adjustable Hand Weights switch between 2, 4 and 6 pounds using one base, with a soft silicone grip; the listed price is $108. The Amazon Basics Hexagon Dumbbell Set is a less expensive option at $36.
Stakt Adjustable Hand Weights — $108
Amazon Basics Hexagon Dumbbell Set — $36
Consider a reformer as a larger investment
A reformer uses a moving carriage and adjustable spring resistance to create different exercise challenges. Research cited in the source links reformer Pilates with greater shoulder and lower-back strength, and with a lower chance of falling among people over 65. Those findings don’t establish that a reformer prevents falls or will produce the same results for every person. A machine can also support low-impact exercise, but it requires room, setup and a substantially larger budget than a mat.
Lopez-Ellis recommends checking that the carriage moves smoothly and quietly, the frame feels stable, the springs provide consistent resistance, the padding is comfortable and the settings can accommodate different bodies. Her home pick, the foldable Your Reformer Original, was listed at $2,750. The Balanced Body Studio Pilates Reformer was $4,700, while the AeroPilates Pro Reformer was listed at $1,199.
Your Reformer Original — $2,750
Balanced Body Studio Pilates Reformer — $4,700
AeroPilates Pro Reformer — $1,199
Choose clothing that lets you move
Breathable, fitted clothing can make it easier to see alignment and move through different positions. Lopez-Ellis advises avoiding overly loose pieces and bulky fasteners that may catch or feel uncomfortable on equipment. Winter says clothes don’t need to be made for high-impact workouts; support and comfort matter more.
The article highlights Athleta’s Transcend Zero Legging at $89, Lululemon’s Like a Cloud Longline Bra and Alo Yoga’s Seamless Ribbed Tank at $88. These are examples, not requirements: clothing already in your closet may work if it stays comfortable and allows free movement.
Athleta Transcend Zero Legging — $89
Lululemon Like a Cloud Longline Bra
Alo Yoga Seamless Ribbed Tank — $88
Grip socks and optional accessories
Grip socks can improve traction on equipment and offer a hygienic layer in studio settings. Winter recommends a snug fit and grip across the sole. The article’s picks include Tavi Savvy Non-Slip Pilates Socks for $16, Barreletics Smarter Than Grip Socks for $74, and Bombas Gripper Ankle Socks for $19, described as padded with arch support.
Tavi Savvy Non-Slip Pilates Socks — $16
Barreletics Smarter Than Grip Socks — $74
Bombas Gripper Ankle Socks — $19
Resistance bands, a Pilates ball, a ring and yoga blocks can add exercise options without requiring a reformer. Lopez-Ellis says the focus should remain on control, alignment, breathing, stability, mobility and deliberate movement, whatever tools are used. The source lists a Theraband Resistance Band Set for $12, Gaiam Essentials Yoga Blocks (two) for $17 and an HGKZJSL Pilates Kit for $16.
Pilates movements can be adapted for different experience levels and abilities, Winter says, and may help people work on strength, balance and mobility as they age. A sensible setup can stay simple: begin with what makes practice comfortable, then consider additional equipment if it suits your routine and space.
Theraband Resistance Band Set — $12
