The Pilates by Izzy 25 Day Challenge is one of the most searched home Pilates programs right now, and the first question most people ask is what equipment they need before day 1. Here is a plain list of what the challenge uses, what you can swap for things you already own, and where a small prop kit helps.
Full disclosure: Pilamie sells a home Pilates kit and we link to it below. We are not affiliated with Pilates by Izzy. The challenge is hers, it is free on her YouTube channel, and you can do it with props from any brand.
Quick answer: what equipment do you need for Pilates by Izzy?
You need a mat. Everything else is helpful but optional. Across the 25 days, people who have completed the challenge use:
- A mat
- Light dumbbells, about 2 to 5 lb
- A small Pilates ball
- A resistance band or mini loop band
- A yoga block
- Ankle or wrist weights (optional)
Many days are bodyweight only, so you can start with just a mat and add props as you go. Details, budget swaps and what a prop kit covers are below.
What is the Pilates by Izzy 25 Day Challenge?
It is a free YouTube playlist of 25 follow-along workouts, one a day. Sessions mix Pilates with light strength work and most run around 20 to 40 minutes. Reviewers who have finished it describe it as intermediate to advanced, so if you are brand new to Pilates, expect to pause, modify and take extra rest days.
Pilates by Izzy equipment list
The props rotate from day to day. Some sessions are bodyweight only, some use weights, some use a ball or band. People who have completed the challenge list these items:
- A mat. The one item you cannot skip. Pick one thick enough to cushion your spine.
- Light dumbbells, about 2 to 5 lb. Used on the strength-focused days.
- A small Pilates ball. For squeezes between the knees and support under the back.
- A resistance band or mini loop band. A light band is enough to start.
- A yoga block. Used on some days for squeezes and support.
- Ankle or wrist weights. Optional, for people who want more load.
Budget swaps if you do not want to buy everything
- Dumbbells: two full water bottles or cans work for the first week.
- Yoga block: a thick hardback book.
- Pilates ball: a firm cushion or folded towel for squeeze work.
- Ankle weights: skip them. They are optional.
The swaps are fine for trying the first few days. If you plan to finish all 25, a real ball and a set of bands are worth having because they behave the same way every session.
What a prop kit covers, and what it does not
The Pilamie Home Pilates Kit includes several of the items on the list in one bag:
- A 9.84 in soft Pilates ball
- Five loop bands from extra light to extra heavy, so you can start light and move up
- A 59 in long flat band and a figure-8 band
- A 15 in Pilates ring, a 6 ft stretching strap, an arm and thigh toner
- Two pairs of grip socks and a carry bag
It does not include a mat, dumbbells, a yoga block or ankle weights. For the challenge you would still need a mat and a pair of light weights, or the swaps above.
Tips before you start day 1
- Watch the first video before you do it. You will see which props come out and how fast the pace is.
- Start with the lightest band and lightest weights. Good form first, load later.
- Add rest days if you need them. Finishing in 30 or 35 days still counts.
- Wear grip socks or go barefoot so your feet do not slide on the mat.
- If the pace is too much, build a base first with a beginner routine, then come back.
New to Pilates? Start gentler
If the challenge feels like too big a jump, our free 28-Day Pilates Challenge is built for beginners: 15 to 25 minutes a day with 31 illustrated moves. The Pilamie kit is $49.99 with free tracked US shipping from our US warehouse and 30-day returns.
More reading: Pilates at home for beginners and 4 mini ball Pilates exercises for your core.