How to Create Your Perfect Pilates At Home Setup
- Prompt Pilates
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 9
Ready to take on the world of Pilates? Here’s how to set up your own versatile Pilates at home setup, whether you have a reformer, just a mat, or anything in between.
Discover the benefits of each option and how to get the guidance you need for your home Pilates studio.
What Do You Really Need for a Pilates at Home Setup?
You don’t need a full studio or a big investment to enjoy all the benefits of Pilates at home. Whether you’re just getting started or want to enhance your existing routine, creating a Pilates at home setup can be simple, affordable, and tailored to your needs.
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Start with the Basics: Your Mat Space
For most people, all you need to begin is a Pilates mat and an open floor space. Find an area where you can stretch out comfortably in all directions. A mat is the foundation for dozens of Pilates exercises. Find one that provides enough cushion for rolling exercises.
Tips
Choose a mat that’s slightly thicker than a standard yoga mat for extra cushioning.
Clear a spot near a wall or sturdy chair if you need assistance balancing
Have a towel, small pillow, or blanket handy for modifications.
The Benefits
Pilates at home is not only affordable and accessible, but also highly effective for building core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Many classical Pilates exercises were originally designed for the mat, making it a powerful starting point for any routine.
The Smallest Studio: The Pilates Spine Corrector
Short on space? The Pilates spine corrector (also known as an arc or small barrel) might be your perfect fit. This lightweight prop is designed to support spinal mobility, core strength, and stretching all in a footprint smaller than a yoga mat.
Why the Spine Corrector?
Ideal for opening up the chest, improving posture, and relieving back tension.
Light enough to move easily and store out of sight in a closet.
Can be used to support deep core and hip work.
The Benefits
Even with limited space or equipment, the spine corrector provides an effective, expanded Pilates practice that’s supplemental to all levels.
Small But Mighty: The Pilates Chair
If you want more variety but a reformer isn’t practical for your Pilates at home setup, consider a Pilates chair (often called a “wunda chair”). Chairs are compact and versatile, offering a range of strengthening and balance exercises that fit in almost any room. Some models can even be used in a side chair in a living room.
Why Choose a Pilates Chair?
Requires less space and is generally more affordable than a reformer.
Great for building lower body strength, upper body strength, balance, and stability.
Can be tucked in a corner easily when not in use.
The Benefits
Pilates chairs offer unique challenges and help develop muscle control and coordination. Many exercises can be modified for beginners or made more advanced as you progress. This will bring springs and resistance into your practice without requiring the footprint of a reformer.
Going Big: The Home Reformer
If you have space and the desire to invest, adding a reformer in your Pilates home studio can offer even more variety and challenge. Reformers provide adjustable resistance and allow you to perform both classical and contemporary Pilates exercises.
Considerations
Look for reformers with a foldable or telescoping design if space is limited.
Place your reformer on a non-slip surface and leave room for full range of motion around it.
Keep accessories—like a box, jump board, or straps—within reach for easy transitions.
The Benefits
Reformers add resistance and support, making it easier to progress your practice and challenge your muscles in new ways. But remember: you don’t need a reformer to see incredible results at home. If you already have one, Prompt Pilates can help you make the most of your investment with guided, structured sessions.
The Prompt Pilates Advantage: Guidance for Every Setup
No matter what equipment (or none at all!) you have in your Pilates at home setup, Prompt Pilates helps you get the most out of your space and your practice. Our customized workouts guide you step-by-step, offering modifications for mat, reformer, chair, or spine corrector, so you always know what to do and how to do it. Join the pre-launch waitlist, and get 2 weeks free when we launch this winter.
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