The best Pilates accessories for your fitness journey

If you are on the hunt for the best Pilates accessories, you have come to the right place. Pilates is a type of exercise developed by a German physical trainer called Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. It is a dynamic workout that involves movement practices that work on your body's strength, mobility, balance, coordination, flexibility and breathwork. If you are looking to get started on a new fitness venture we have a guide to Pilates for beginners to help you on your way.

Differing from yoga, Pilates is a flow of movements that helps to focus on core strength. There are different types of ways that you can practice Pilates. You can either book a private one-on-one session, head to your local gym for a class or follow easy exercises at home videos. The range of movements from a Pilates session engages the muscles in your arms, shoulders, core, legs and glutes, making you feel stronger and leaner - plus you don't need special equipment to get started too.

Best Pilates accessories at a glance

• Best padded exercise mat: Bonnlo 240cm Folding Gymnastics Mats - view on Amazon UK
• Best yoga mat: Liforme Original Yoga Mat - view on Amazon UK
• Best Pilates accessory for building muscle: Gritin Resistance Bands - view on Amazon UK

Before you book into a class or start browsing for Pilates videos, it is good to invest in a few key Pilates essentials such as an exercise mat, gym clothes, and other equipment. This could be a Pilates bar or even resistance bands. If you are new to the world of Pilates, then we have created a guide on the purpose of certain equipment and how to use them.

If you have decided you would like to give Pilates a try or are on the lookout for the best Pilates equipment, then read our list of the best Pilates accessories and equipment to help you get started on your fitness journey.

Best Pilates accessories and equipment

Best Pilates accessories FAQs

Benefits of Pilates

Improved confidence and wellbeing: After a Pilates session, you will feel a sense of accomplishment as you will start to see the results. This, in turn, will help you feel more confident and empowered, knowing you are taking control of your health and wellness.

Good for surgery rehabilitation: Pilates is a great way to prepare and recover from hip and knee replacement surgeries and is a safe practice for arthritis and osteoporosis.

Improves balance and coordination: If your balance is a little off, you’re more likely to experience a painful fall – but a regular Pilates class could make all the difference. Studies show that Pilates is one of the best forms of exercise for improving balance.

Builds core strength, bone density and posture: Experts believe that working all the muscles that help to hold you upright helps to build core strength and improve balance. Pilates also helps to improve posture, making you look younger and slimmer instantly.

Is Pilates good for the over 50s?

Yes, Pilates is a fantastic activity for over 50s. It is good for your balance, coordination, bone density, posture, breathing, circulation, strength and flexibility. If you are looking for an introduction to Pilates the NHS have a great video series on Pilates workouts.

Why should I use a resistance band?

Resistance bands may be small, but they're impressive when it comes to the benefits they provide. Using a range of resistance level bands will help build strength where you need it - making it great for a training routine or a rehabilitation programme. Here are some benefits of using resistance bands:

• Use to increase muscle engagement

• An affordable piece of exercise equipment

• Portable and easy to carry on the go-to exercise indoors or outside

• Versatile for a range of exercises and movements

• Use to stretch for improved mobility dynamically

• Tone and build fitness through regular exercise

• Assist in bodyweight exercises, such as standing push-ups or pull-ups

• Easy to store

This video from The Fit RV is a good video to watch for resistance band beginners and for seniors.

What is a Pilates ring?

Although there are many Pilates apparatus options available, the Pilates ring is a versatile piece of equipment that really tackles those hard to tone areas (like the inner thighs and bingo wings).

Pilates is the perfect option for anyone with sensitive joints — or even if you prefer not to jump around a lot during a workout, Pilates is performed mainly sitting or lying on a mat.

This video from The Balanced Life Pilates with Robin Long shows you how to do a Pilates ring workout from home.

How does the Pilates bar work?

Pilates bars are a great alternative to a pilates machine and are handy tools to add to your Pilates workouts and can help you develop strong core muscles. These bars are often weighted and have convenient grips. They sometimes feature straps and bands, which will allow you to use the bar in more ways, just like the CHYIR Portable Pilates Bar Kit.

In this video from Pilates Therapy, you can learn how to use a portable Pilates bar and get started on a full-body workout.

Can seniors with arthritis benefit from Pilates?

Yes, if you have arthritis Pilates will benefit you. Pilates is gentle enough that it will allow the joints to move without impact, which in turn encourages increased circulation and strength to the joint. "Strengthening the muscles around the joint will support those structures which are giving rise to pain, and improving the posture will allow the body to be more balanced," states Pilates Plus Physio.

Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.