The Ultimate At-Home Pilates Starter Kit
Woman doing pilates at home on yoga mat in natural light.
When I first dipped my toes into the world of low-impact workouts, I started with Lagree. I loved the intensity, the slow burn, and the challenge. Later, I tried reformer Pilates and was hooked — but there was a catch: I couldn’t always make it to the studio.
That’s when I discovered mat Pilates, and honestly? It was the game-changer I didn’t know I needed.
Mat Pilates ended up being more difficult than reformer Pilates or Lagree because there’s no machine to guide you or give you extra support — it’s just you, your body, and gravity. But here’s the beauty of it: in just four weeks, I noticed a visible difference in my strength, posture, and muscle tone.
And the best part?
No commuting. No worrying about how I look before class. No awkward public showers. Just me, in my space, moving my body at my own pace.
If you’ve been wanting to try Pilates without the studio price tag, here’s exactly what you need to set yourself up for success — my personal at-home Pilates starter kit.
1. A High-Quality Pilates Mat
A good mat is non-negotiable. You’ll want one that’s thick enough to cushion your joints but grippy enough to keep you stable through planks and teasers. Trust me — your wrists and knees will thank you.
Shop my go-to mat here
2. Pilates Grip Socks
Yes, you can go barefoot, but grip socks keep you stable, especially during standing sequences or planks. Plus, they add a little luxe, studio-like feel to your workout — right from your living room.
3. Resistance Bands
These are a small but mighty addition to your home kit. I use them for extra resistance in leg lifts, side steps, and arm workouts. They’re affordable, easy to store, and make a huge difference in muscle activation.
Shop resistance bands
4. A Pilates Ring (Magic Circle)
When I first used a Pilates ring, I underestimated it — until I tried an inner-thigh series and could barely walk the next day. It’s lightweight, portable, and perfect for adding intensity to your workouts.
Find my favourite Pilates ring set here
5. Foam Roller
Recovery is just as important as the workout itself. A foam roller helps with muscle soreness, increases mobility, and keeps you ready for your next session. I use mine right after Pilates while I’m still in the zone.
Shop my recovery foam roller
How to Get Started
Once you have your kit, here’s my beginner-friendly approach:
Start with 2 sessions per week for the first 2 weeks.
Follow along with free YouTube mat Pilates videos (I love workouts in the 20–30 minute range).
Gradually increase to 3–4 sessions as your strength builds.
You don’t need a reformer, a studio membership, or fancy equipment to see results. All you need is a little space, the right tools, and commitment.
And if you’re like me, you might just fall in love with the convenience, privacy, and strength that at-home Pilates brings.