In today’s busy world, finding time to fit a Pilates class into your schedule can be challenging. With a little preparation and some basic equipment, you can enjoy the benefits of Pilates from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to Pilates, setting up a home practice space doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. All you need is a flat surface, enough room to move, and a mat. Read on to learn how to get the most out of Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood at home!

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Can I Practice Pilates at Home?

The short answer: absolutely! One of the best things about Pilates is that it is fully accessible and allows students to maintain their practice wherever they are. While there are advantages to practicing in the Sheppard Method Pilates studio in Westwood, sometimes, you can’t make it there. While you cannot practice Reformer Pilates at home (unless you happen to own a Reformer!), a regular at-home Pilates practice is a great way to stay consistent.

At-Home Pilates Practice Space

While you technically do not need any additional equipment, there are the basics that will allow you to get the most out of your at-home Pilates practice space when you can’t make it to Pilates class:

  • A clear, inviting space: A dedicated space where you can move freely is the first step to setting up your Pilates space. This doesn’t mean you need a large room—just a clear area where you can comfortably stretch out and perform exercises. To encourage a positive, calming experience, play music or light a candle, and be sure to wear comfortable clothes that you can move and breathe in.
  • A flat surface: You want enough room to extend your arms and legs without hitting any furniture or obstacles and a flat surface to lay down your mat. You may want to bring in additional towels or pillows to your knees or wrists to use on especially hard surfaces or as additional bolsters for certain exercises.
  • A quality mat: While any yoga mat can work, Pilates mats are thicker than standard yoga mats (about ¼ inches thick), providing extra cushioning and support for your spine and joints. Look for a mat that is non-slip and offers enough cushioning to protect your body during floor exercises.

Optional Props For Your Pilates Practice At Home

While you don’t need a lot of equipment to practice Pilates, a few props can enhance your workouts and add variety. They can also help to substitute some of the more advanced classes, such as Reformer and Cadillac Pilates, and add an extra challenge to your at-home Westwood Pilates practice. Optional Pilates props you can use include:

  • Resistance Bands: These are versatile tools that can be used to add resistance to your exercises, improving strength and flexibility. They come in various strengths, so choose a resistance level that matches your fitness level.
  • Yoga block: A simple yoga block can be used to enhance some exercises, help provide extra mobility, and build overall variety in your Pilates routines. Yoga blocks are also great to use for warming up and cooling down stretches, as well as during your breathing practice.
  • Dumbbells: Light hand weights (1-3 pounds) can be used to intensify your workouts and build strength. They’re particularly useful for adding resistance to upper body exercises and standing Pilates routines.
  • Pilates Ring: Also known as a magic circle, this prop helps to engage your core muscles and improve muscle tone. It’s a small, lightweight tool that is great for adding resistance to your workouts.
  • Foam Roller: A foam roller can be used for self-myofascial release, helping to alleviate muscle tightness and improve flexibility and mobility. It’s also a great prop to use during core-targeting movements.
  • Pilates ball: A Pilates ball is much smaller than a regular exercise ball and is used to further engage your core and improve your stability. It can also be used as a counter-effect to the resistance bands and enhance mobility.

Pilates at Home with Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood

If you want extra guidance with your at-home Westwood Pilates practice, Sheppard Method Pilates offers at-home Pilates classes, where we come to you. With our At Home Pilates program, you receive personalized instruction that’s perfectly tailored to your needs and goals.

Sheppard Method Pilates of Westwood is your go-to resource to maintain your Pilates practice, home and away. There’s never a better time to get started than right now! We can help people of all ages and stages of life experience the joy, serenity, and control that Pilates can bring.

Call the Westwood Pilates instructors  at Sheppard Method Pilates to sign up for Pilates classes today!