Pilates Supercharged My Mental and Physical Health — Here’s How to Get Started

I know I’ve praised the importance of investing in some Pilates pieces you can wear long-term, but you may not want to splurge if you’re just getting started. Fret not: I’ve personally tried these leggings from CRZ Yoga. They’re easy on the budget, last a long time, and feel nearly identical to big brand-name leggings.

I love that you can get these leggings from Amazon, which typically means quick shipping. At under $50, you may be able to stock up on a few pairs, too. I am very intentional about being gentle on them; I wash them in cold water and hang dry. After a year, they started to pill on the seam, but they are still totally functional. I even comfortably wore them before, during, and after my pregnancy. You can complete the look with a Butterluxe Square Neck Crop Tank.

Let’s be real: Exercise gear can get pricey. If you’re beginning to piece together a roster of workout clothes, it doesn’t hurt to be selective and prioritize high-end pieces that can stand the test of time. The Airbrush leggings from Alo do just that, which is why we think they’re perfect for the luxury-loving Pilates practitioner.

I’ve been a longtime fan of Alo, and they are now my go-to workout gear brand. These leggings truly feel lightweight. They don’t restrict movement at all or uncomfortably cut into your curves. They have medium compression, meaning they don’t necessarily feel tight, but they’re snug enough to move with you.

Pro tip: The key to keeping your Pilates pieces looking brand new for years to come is following the care label to the letter. My leggings are in perfect shape (no pilling in sight), and I suspect that’s because I followed the care instructions.

Remember how I said you can get away with lightweight pieces for Pilates classes? This bra is exactly what I mean. It hugs your curves, providing some baseline support, yet is soft and flexible enough that you’ll forget you’re wearing it (a rarity with sports bras). This is why we think it's the best bra out there for a Pilates practice.

We love that it complements the Alo Airlift Leggings, making it perfect for a uniform look. It has adjustable straps, too, so you can get the perfect fit. It also comes with removable padded cups, adding to the support, and can be worn on its own or layered under a top. Everyday Health editor Lili Ladaga especially appreciated how easy it is to pull on and off, even with its supportive compression.

I don’t have any preexisting injuries, but I do have extremely sensitive knees. A slim mat tends to leave my spine and joints aching. This yoga mat from Gaiam is 10 millimeters (mm) thick and is soft and cushy. It also comes with a carrying strap. In other words, it's everything you'd want in a yoga mat for your Pilates practice.

A big bonus is its affordability. For under $30, you can have a mat that eases any discomfort. I’ve had this one for a couple of years and use it regularly. I’m pleased to report that it's intact, with no frustrating pilling or knicks in the foam that I’ve experienced with other mats.

This is for folks who want a mat that will last for years and who don’t have ultra-sensitive joints. The Lululemon 5 mm mat is a slim option made from durable rubber; it does contain latex, though, so those with a latex allergy should not use it. The mat also has an easy-to-clean design.

It is pricey, but we think it's well worth the investment. Health and wellness writer Ashley Ziegler says she'd happily repurchase this mat. She couldn’t find a thing she didn’t like about it.

After a sweaty session, you don’t want to get the ick from moisture getting stuck in the fibers of your mat; rubber helps avoid this altogether. We like that the rubber is FSC-certified, making it a natural option. Best of all? Rubber makes for a superb grip, so no worries about slipping and sliding during a plank.

Pilates can boost your strength with just your body weight. But if you feel ready for extra resistance, popping on some wrist weights can help. The Bala Bangles are a fun take on wrist weights. Their design, affordable price point, and variety of sizes make them an easy addition to your practice for days when you want to push yourself a bit more.

Adding in weights but not being mindful of using them correctly can put you at a higher risk of injury. If you’re going to work these weights into your practice, be sure to get some guidance either from an instructor or a video that incorporates wrist weights. You can also strap these to your ankles to help strengthen your glutes. 

Resistance bands are thick bands you place on your body, usually around your hips, while doing certain movements. They add resistance and thus increase the difficulty of your Pilates session. We love these bands from Your Reformer, because they’re thick, soft, and they don’t roll down or move out of place when moving around. 

This set comes with light, medium, and heavy resistances. And you can use them far beyond your Pilates practice. They’re great for increasing intensity during yoga, barre, or (my favorite) strength training. Care is super-easy, too. Just throw them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle and line dry. 

One way to challenge your core strength is with a Pilates ring. The ring adds extra resistance while challenging balance. It’s often used while being held between your hands and engaging in core moves like an abdominal crunch, letting you work out multiple parts of your body at once. This toning ring from BetterMe is excellent for boosting core training. We also love its aesthetic design and the range of colors it comes in.

Another classic prop is the Pilates ball. During some exercises, you can place it behind your knee, between your legs, behind your shoulder blades, or under your hips. It increases the difficulty of the exercise by destabilizing your center of gravity and weight.

The Soft Pilates Ball from BetterMe is made of non-slip material, clocks in at a compact 8 inches (in), and is ultra-lightweight. I love adding this ball to my practice, because it helps me stay challenged and doesn’t slip at all, even when things get sweaty. In fact, I think it’s the best small yet mighty prop out there. 

This ball comes in nine different colors and is super-easy to inflate, making it a great candidate for travel gear. It’s an affordable option at under $40, but its thick PVC material keeps it feeling durable. Care is easier than ever, too. All you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth after sweaty sessions. 

This roller from Oceanfoam is a pretty take on this classic recovery tool. I use it a few times a week by lying on my side with my thighs positioned on the roller. Then, I rock back and forth, literally rolling out my muscles. Depending on how tight my muscles are, it can hurt — but I instantly feel a sense of ease and relief after. I love how it looks lying out in my home. The wavy, modern pattern helps it blend in with my decor.

Hand rollers are another recovery tool that can help knead sore muscles. This one from Bahe has a unique design, compact size, and is easy to use. While it may look like it's made from wood, this roller is actually made from plush foam. So it gets into your muscles without feeling too hard or sharp. Similar to the foam roller, it massages tight muscles, consequently speeding up recovery. Ease in and roll all your stresses away.

Learning a new physical skill is difficult and can leave your muscles fatigued. It’s key to get good rest and make sure your muscles are recovering as much as possible. Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om, a lightly sweetened, drinkable magnesium blend, can aid in muscle recovery and lull you into a deep sleep.

We love that you can also opt to purchase this magnesium elixir in handy travel packs, too.