Pilates is the workout of the moment, boasting many benefits for the mind and body. According to fitness instructors, the practice is also attainable for virtually everyone; it builds deep core muscles while going easy on the joints.
"Classical Pilates moves at a slow pace and is low-impact, so it is suitable for all levels, ages and physical conditions, including pregnancy," says Pilates instructor and studio founder Kate Davies Durand. But like all fitness routines, Pilates takes time and commitment to see and feel results.
Luckily, if you live a busy lifestyle or feel intimidated by joining a class, the trendy workout can easily be done right from your living room, or just about anywhere.
Expert-approved leggings$72.99$97.00
Editor-loved sports bra$undefined$55.00
What do you need for an at-home Pilates workout?
"You really don't need much, just a mat or even a towel to lie on and a positive attitude," says Pilates instructor Megan Dillon. While you don't need fancy equipment, our experts say using props, such as hand weights or a Pilates ball, can add extra resistance to help "fire up" targeted muscles.
You'll also want to make sure you're wearing the proper attire. Fitness instructor Ariana Dresner says "choosing an outfit is oftentimes the first step" and always prioritizes comfort. And as for materials, an expert previously told Shop TODAY that “you want to look for a sweat-wicking, stretchy fabric” that will include a percentage of nylon and elastane.
And yes, you'll most likely want Pilates socks for added safety. "The sticky padding on the bottom of the socks helps to create a stable foundation to the floor or Pilates reformer, adding more support and balance during various exercises," says Dresner.
If you're ready to tackle your at-home Pilates goals, we're rounding up our favorite apparel and equipment — and all are expert and editor-approved!
Best apparel for Pilates
Like traditional socks, I [Garlin] tend to lose all of my Pilates socks, too. So when I saw this pack of three was under $10, I immediately grabbed some to replenish my stock. I love the crew design; it looks trendy with all of my sets and can easily be worn to and from class.
Commerce editor Vivien Moon says she's been going to Pilates for nearly 10 years, and these compression grippy socks are her go-to for the workout. “I find myself reaching for them more often since I can throw on my sneakers and still go about my day after the class,” she says.
Deputy editorial director Ali Deabler says she has four of these tops that she rotates through. "Tie-back workout tops are what I always reach for because they give you some air, and they're adjustable, so you can tie them a little looser or tighter depending on the day and how your body is feeling," she says.
These Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards-winning (and affordable) leggings are a hit with editors for all types of workouts.
“I was very surprised by this pair of leggings! I love the pocket aspect and the tummy control the high waist provides without feeling too tight," raves Moon.
Commerce writer Emma Stessman is a long-time fan of Bombas for their comfort. "I love that they make a grippy version!" she says. "They don’t slip and even have some cushioning."
Bombas also offers a crew sock version of the beloved grippy socks, which senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil loves for her workouts.
Another award winner, these affordable leggings come in tons of colorways and even include side pockets. “[I] never had to stop and adjust them while working out, which is the true sign of a great pair of leggings," says senior social media editor Kate McCarthy.
This racerback tank checks all of Dresner's boxes when it comes to softness and stretch. "I find that the material allows for comfort, as well as variety with movements," she says.
Dresner also loves pairing the above with the brand's leggings as a cute and functional set; it's also made of the same fabric as the top.
Thirdlove just launched new activewear with their thermoregulating TempSync™ fabric and it's one of my new favorite sports bras. Not only is the fabric moisture-wicking and comfortable, but the bra also has adjustable straps, which makes it so much more supportive during workouts.
Athleta is one of my favorite brands for Pilates gear; in fact, I happen to have three pairs of these leggings. The fabric is incredibly soft and is moisture-wicking; I even put them to the test in a heated Pilates class and was impressed.
If you like to wear a matching set, I love to pair this top with the Athleta leggings. I appreciate that it comes in different options for cup sizes, and isn't too low-cut, so you don't feel like you're spilling over.
Editorial assistant Erica Marrison says when she does low-impact workouts, she likes these biker-style shorts. "For me, having a pair that doesn't slide down is my first priority, and avoiding chafing is my second. These hit both marks and then some!" she says.
"They're buttery smooth, feel like a second skin and have just the right amount of compression to make you feel supported but not sucked in," says associate editor Lauren Witonsky. "Having long legs, I especially appreciate the different inseam lengths and find that the 28-inch hit perfectly at my ankles."
Best at-home Pilates equipment
Experts say a light pair of hand weights can provide extra resistance to your routine. These wellness award-winning dumbbells are affordable, and trust us, you'll feel the burn even with one pound.
Former commerce editor Rebecca Brown says these are pretty durable and also useful for strengthening muscles. “They’ve been a great pair of weights to have in the house and I use them as often as I can,” she says.
These resistance bands can easily be added into your home routine, Dillon says the bands will help “fire up your outer thighs” during routines. Plus, they're easy to store in a drawer when not in use.
A ball is a versatile prop that can be used for both strength and support. "I love a small ball—it’s perfect for targeting your inner thighs and abs," says Dillon. "Curling up and down with the chest while the ball is on the floor between your shoulderblades — game changer."
A slider (or two!) is another piece of gear that you can use to elevate your at-home routine. Moon says that for times when she can't make it to a class, she'll use these to elevate her at-home Pilates routine.
Certain Pilates moves require you to kneel or put weight on your wrists. If you need extra support, this award-winning mat has a half-inch of thickness for added cushion that's easier on the joints, says the brand.
If you've taken in-person classes, you might have seen one of these rings. Similar to a ball or resistance bands, this at-home prop is a versatile addition for resistance and support that can be used for a full body workout.
Bala is a brand that's all-around expert- and editor-loved. In my experience, the weights are easy to hold and functional for a Pilates workout because the cylinder design evenly distributes the weight.
Durand likes Bala Bangles for extra resistance for glute and arm work. They've also been used by multiple editors, who mention you will feel a burn despite they're light weight.
“They’re lightweight enough that you don’t feel it at first, but with repetitive movement, that little bit of added resistance adds up,” says Moon.
“I’ve tried a ton of yoga mats in my life, and this one is definitely one of my favorites. Not only is it waterproof and non-slip, but the sizing and curved top is ideal for my type of workouts,” says commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto. She also mentions it has the perfect thickness and sturdiness for her routine.
McCarthy says this yoga mat has "ruined every other yoga mat" for her. "The 5mm is the perfect amount of cushioning, so I don’t feel like I’m on a hard floor, but it also doesn’t feel too squishy either,” she says.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on any given topic such a Pilates. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Megan Dillon is a Pilates & Barre instructor at Physique 57 in New York City.
- Kate Davies Durand is a yoga and Pilates instructor and the founder and director of YO BK in New York City.
- Ariana Dresner is a senior trainer in Barre at Physique57 and a 200-Hour Power Yoga Certified instructor.
How we chose
To compile our list of the best Pilates clothing, socks, mats and equipment, Shop TODAY interviewed Pilates and fitness instructors to share the benefits of Pilates and proper props worth using. We also included editor and shopper picks to complete the list, and we always prioritize positive user reviews and feedback.
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