Pilates accessories are the small props that turn a plain mat session into something closer to a class. Each one has a specific job, and not everyone needs all of them on day one. Below are eight Pilates accessories explained: what each does, who it suits, and one move to try. At the end you will find which to buy first and how buying individually compares with a Pilates accessories kit.
Full disclosure: Pilamie sells a kit that includes these accessories, and we link to it. Every item here is also available on its own from many brands.
8 Pilates accessories for home, explained
1. Loop resistance bands
What it does: adds steady tension around the thighs or ankles.
Who it suits: almost everyone, including total beginners, because sets come in several levels.
Try: banded glute bridge. Lie on your back, knees bent, band just above the knees. Press knees gently out against the band, breathe out and lift your hips, breathe in at the top, lower slowly. 10 reps. Easier: no band. Harder: a heavier band.
2. Long flat resistance band
What it does: works like a long strap you can push or pull against.
Who it suits: people who enjoy upper body work or reformer-style footwork.
Try: seated row. Sit tall with the band around your feet, one end in each hand. Pull elbows back past your ribs, release slowly. 12 reps. Easier: hold the band longer. Harder: shorten your grip.
3. Figure-8 band
What it does: a band with two built-in handles.
Who it suits: anyone who finds wrapping a flat band around the hands fiddly.
Try: standing chest opener. Hold a handle in each hand at chest height, arms slightly bent. Breathe out and open the arms wide, squeezing shoulder blades together. Return slowly. 12 reps. Easier: smaller range. Harder: slower tempo.
4. Pilates ring
What it does: gives light resistance when you press it in or push it out.
Who it suits: anyone who wants inner thigh, outer hip, chest and arm work in one prop.
Try: seated chest press. Sit tall, hold the ring at chest height with palms on the pads. Breathe out and press gently, breathe in and release. 12 reps. More ideas in our ring exercises for beginners and our Pilates ring workout.
5. Mini exercise ball
What it does: supports the lower back and gives the inner thighs something to squeeze.
Who it suits: beginners who want help feeling their deep core in curl-ups.
Try: supported curl-up. Lie back with the ball behind your lower back, knees bent. Breathe out and curl head and shoulders up, breathe in and lower. 10 reps. See mini ball Pilates exercises for more.
6. Stretching strap
What it does: extends your reach in stretches.
Who it suits: anyone with tight hamstrings or hips, or who cannot reach their feet yet.
Try: lying hamstring stretch. On your back, loop the strap around one foot and extend the leg toward the ceiling. Hold about 30 seconds, breathing slowly. Switch sides.
7. Arm and inner-thigh toner
What it does: a small, squeezable prop you hold between your hands or knees.
Who it suits: people who like variety and short squeeze sets.
Try: inner-thigh squeeze. Sit on the edge of a chair or lie back with knees bent and the toner between your knees. Squeeze gently, release with control. 12 to 15 reps.
8. Non-slip grip socks
What it does: keeps your feet steady on wood, tile or a slippery mat.
Who it suits: anyone practicing on smooth floors, and anyone heading to a studio class.
Try: standing leg circles. Stand tall with a hand on a wall, lift one foot slightly and draw 5 small circles each way. Switch legs.
Always move within a comfortable range, and check with your doctor if you are pregnant, recovering from an injury, or new to exercise.
Which Pilates accessories to buy first
- Loop bands in several levels. They add challenge to the most common beginner moves.
- A mini ball. Cheap, light and helpful for learning core control.
- Grip socks if your floor is smooth.
- A ring and a long band once you have a routine and want more variety.
- A strap and a toner as extras.
One thing none of these replaces is a mat. If you do not have one, a carpet or a towel on a rug will do while you get started. For a wider look at what to buy and what to skip, see Pilates equipment for home.
Buying individually vs a Pilates accessories kit
Buying individually is best if you already own a few props and only need to fill one gap. You choose each brand and color. The downsides: several orders, several deliveries, and it is easy to end up with bands that are all similar in strength.
A kit makes sense when you are starting from zero. You get a spread of resistance levels in one order and a single bag to keep things together. Look for a kit with labeled band levels, a padded ring and some kind of plan. Our home Pilates kit buying guide has a full checklist.
The Pilamie kit
Our Home Pilates Kit is $49.99 and contains all eight accessories above: five loop bands from extra-light to extra-heavy, a 59 in long flat band, a figure-8 band, a Pilates ring with padded grips (about 15 in), a 9.8 in exercise ball with inflation straw, a 6 ft stretching strap, an arm and inner-thigh toner and two pairs of non-slip grip socks. It also includes a drawstring carry bag and a printed user guide. It does not include a mat, a Pilates bar, weights or a reformer.
Every kit comes with our 28-Day Pilates Challenge PDF, four weeks of 15 to 25 minute sessions using every piece, with easier and harder options. The link arrives in your order confirmation email. The kit ships as one package from a US warehouse, with free tracked shipping within the contiguous US, and unused items can be returned within 30 days under our refund policy.
FAQ
What are the best Pilates accessories for beginners?
Loop bands and a mini ball. They are simple to learn and useful in many beginner moves.
Do I need all eight accessories?
No. Start with two or three, build a habit, and add more when a move calls for them.
Are Pilates accessories good for small spaces?
Yes. All eight items fit in one bag, and the ball can be deflated for storage.
Can I try a plan before buying?
Yes. Our 28-day Pilates challenge is free to download.
Pick the props that match the moves you enjoy, and let the rest wait.