Create your own Pilates studio - at home

Pilates enthusiasts around the world are enjoying Pilates workouts in a place that until recently seemed absurd – at home.
Today, most people focus on mat workouts. Invest in basic pilates equipment and you can start a Pilates program at home. Before starting on your own it is highly recommended that you take at least 1 or 2 classes at a studio. Good Pilates technique includes intricacies of both movement and breathing that are best explained and demonstrated by a qualified instructor.

Mat workouts at home:
Pilates exercises on a floor mat are popular for two big reasons:
• They’re inexpensive
• Space requirement is minimal

You’ll find lots of DVDs and videos to choose from. Many include variations that accommodate beginning to advanced levels. Some also include exercises with small, inexpensive accessories like Pilates ring, Pilates mini ball and rollers, which add variety and interest to your workout.

Please see our recommendations below.

Pilates Ring:
The Pilates ring was created by Joseph Pilates to be a versatile exercise aid you can use anywhere. The soft rubber ring provides resistance for faster, more targeted toning, improving muscle strength throughout the body...especially in problem areas like the inner and outer thighs, upper arms,and chest.
Tone, strengthen and streamline! The Pilates Ring provides total-body conditioning for men and women.

Weighted Mini Toning Balls:
Tone balls are a super innovation for muscle training since the wrist remains stable thanks to the weight concentrated in the hand.
Much easier to grip and hold than other weights, and comfortable too ! This unique design means that finger muscles can be strengthened at the same time.
Made of sturdy flexible plastic with a soft, rubberized shell.

Mats:
Invest in a good Pilates mat that is at least a half inch thick. A Pilates mat should also be firm. A mat that is too soft will not support balance and alignment properly.

Pilates Miniball:
The pilates miniball helps concentrate physical forces, and provides an important kinetic element for mind body mobilization exercises.
Just what you need for body awareness moments and to relieve pelvic floor stress.

Bosu Balance Trainer:
Flat on one side and domed on the other, the unstable nature of the BOSU®* makes it an ideal tool for establishing and reinforcing balance, stability and core strength. The BOSU (which stands for both sides up) facilitates a wide spectrum of static and dynamic exercises that require you to maintain your center of gravity in all planes of movement. Features a non-skid base

Pilates Board:
Improve your balance and co-ordination and increase your range of motion with the Pilates Board

Foam Rollers:
The Foam Roller's design enhances balance, body awareness, muscular flexibility and dynamic strength

Balance Pods:
Balance Pods are simple tools, providing amazing results to help you strengthen abs, firm quads and glutes, increase balance and prevent lower back pain.

Swiss Exercise Ball:
Add variety and new exercises to your Pilates workout routine with the Swiss exercise balls.

Fit Tubes & Fit Bands:
In Pilates there are specific exercises for which resistance tubing or bands are particularly helpful. These include spine twists, one leg circles, double leg stretch, cork screws, frog, side stretches, single leg stretches, roll ups, bicep roll backs, shoulder stretches, front kicks and back kicks.

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