There are trends that come and go (and should stay in the past, looking at you, sweater vests), then there are those that were so good they come full circle. And if we’re talking about the world of feel-good wellness, there’s an exercise that falls into the latter category. Go back in: Pilates. ICYMI has made a major comeback, and for good reason. Making his debut in the 1920s As a form of rehabilitation, Pilates is a low-impact exercise that emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and the mind-body connection. But don’t underestimate its effectiveness: it packs a punch.
Count celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Hailey Bieber as devotees, and there’s no denying they’re #fitspo. But Pilates isn’t just for top-tier people with unlimited funds. Although traditionally performed on a reformer machine at fitness venues, you can easily adapt the discipline with just a mat. The best part besides firing up your core and getting a full body experience? You can get your Pilates fix on a budget and in your own dedicated gym space (aka your living room), and we’re here to tell you how. Read on for five ways to do Pilates at home on the cheap.
1. Take Pilates classes online
Sure, you can work out your Pilates muscles in one of the many dedicated studios, but if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we can work up a sweat with the best of them from the comfort of our own homes (and save a bit of dough). . You’re not sure where to start? Look no further than the online fitness platform obe Fitness. Whether you have a few pieces of gear on hand or no hand weight in sight, they’ve got you covered. You can filter obe’s Pilates workouts based on no equipment or what you do have. Only have a few minutes to get your body moving? Don’t worry (although I can’t promise you won’t break one). obé has live and on-demand class offerings ranging from five minutes to 60.
Plus, you can do planks and leg raises anywhere, from your bedroom to your balcony in Italy, with your favorite instructors cheering you on. No kidding: you get top-notch instruction and the energy of a group exercise class from your digs. And if you want to go one step further, you have the option of combining Pilates with other types of exercises (think: HIIT, sculpting and yoga) to get the best of both worlds. While in-person Pilates memberships can set you back a couple hundred dollars each month, you can keep your hot girl summer reservation doing Pilates in your humble abode using code TEG50 for a 7 day free trial + 50% off your first month of obé!
2. Invest in affordable Pilates equipment or use the ones you already have
A solid Pilates workout doesn’t require props, but if you want to level it up and add variety to your sweat sessions, consider stocking up on some equipment or finding alternatives around the house.
Mat
The essential accessory to have within reach? A reliable rug. With so many options out there, you could have one for every day of the week, every mood, and every matching outfit (if you want to be extra). Opt for a thicker one with a good grip to give extra support when you’re doing your Teasers and Side Bends.
For an easy mat backup, grab a few towels or blankets from your linen closet and layer them depending on how much support you need.
pilates mini ball
Don’t be fooled by the size and weight of this plugin. After a few minutes with it, you’ll feel muscles you never knew you had. Use it between your thighs to activate your pelvic floor or under the tailbone to make core exercises more challenging.
Not ready to commit to the Pilates ball? Do not be afraid. Grab a pillow, place it between your thighs, and get to work!
Gliders (AKA gliders or discs)
I bet you will develop a love hate relationship with these guys. The closest thing to mimicking the movements performed on a reformer, sliders make it easy to slide your feet or knees out, in, and to the sides while engaging your core.
You know those old towels you keep on hand for “just in case” moments? Well, now is the time to put them to good use. Substitute them for the sliders and clean your floors while you’re at it (it’s a clear win-win). And if you have a carpet-only seat, swap paper plates.
Pesos
Whether you’re going the handheld or portable weights route, the burn this good will sneak up on you. Great for strengthening your balance, improving coordination, and working your upper or lower body, you’ll max out your sweat with 1, 2, or 3 pounds.
Don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on weights? Take some bottles of water or pitchers, canned goods, bags of rice or beans, and ready-problem solved.
resistance bands
Add some resistance to your favorite moves with different level bands, and you can easily change up your Pilates routine. Inexpensive, yet effective, they are great for building strength and flexibility. Place the band of your choice around your thighs, ankles, or wrists for more intensity.
If you want a no-expense option, pull out those old pairs of leggings buried in your dresser drawer and make some resistance bands. Tie the two legs of a pair together (this requires some trial and error) and wrap it around your knees, ankles, or wrists.
pilates ring
Simple in theory, this tool does a lot. Flanked by padded grips, you can squeeze or push to target your inner and outer thighs, chest and shoulders, and pelvic floor. Bonus Points: It can also give you an edge on your posture and balance.
Put your foam roller on double duty and use it instead of a Pilates ring. Lightweight and compact enough to hold or squeeze, it will do the job just fine.
3. Pick up a book on Pilates
Do your Pilates workout yourself with the guidance of a good old book. No matter your level of experience, there’s a pocket book for you. From restorative stretches to a series of compound movements (read: activating more than one muscle group at once), you can customize your Pilates practice. Look for titles that include clear illustrations and detailed exercise descriptions to guide you every step (or effort) of the way.
If you are a newbie, no problem! Choosing a book on the basics will give you an introduction to technique and form, teach you the difference between “Hundred” and “Swan Dive,” and give you a solid foundation for building your Pilates routine. Bottom line: You do it yourself and go at your own pace (no intimidation or judgment here).
4. Get the Pilates look
I think we can all agree that there’s nothing like a new set of exercises to motivate you to work up a sweat. So make room in your “sexy summer girl” budget and treat yourself to a fit that will complete your Pilates girl look. A quick Amazon search for “women’s workout sets” will give you endless rolls of matching two-piece sets that won’t break the bank. Pro Tip: Look for those with a “Prime Try Before You Buy” option (a seven-day free trial where you’re only charged for what you keep). And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Duplicates of Amazon Lululemon our very own fashion editor, Maddie, put it to the test (and gave it her stamp of approval).
When you’re on your third Target run of the week (anyone feel me?), peruse your JoyLab in the sportswear section and you’ll find luxurious, easy-to-wear pieces to fill your cart. Then there’s Old Navy with an insanely good and extensive training collection that includes deals on various fabrics and sizes XS-4X. So go ahead and put on your new training set Like going to the gym, lighting a candle, and pressing “play” on your Pilates playlist for your next heart-pounding session at home.
5. Follow Pilates influencers
Thanks to IG and TikTok, you can make connections and immerse yourself in the world of Pilates with a few scrolls and clicks and nothing. It may take a bit of exploring to find your new favorite Pilates guru and a community you feel most comfortable with, but the good news? There is no shortage of inspo, tips and tricks to fill your #fitspo. Find instructional videos, workouts targeting a specific body part, and tips for beginners and professionals alike. So on your next commute, be on the lookout for the Pilates It girl to inspire your next workout.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion orf obe Fitness, buAll opinions contained are those of The Everygirl editorial board.