# From resistance bands to squat-proof leggings: the pilates kit you need – and what you can do without

Whether you’re practising reformer in a studio or planking in a village hall, here’s the pilates gear that’s actually worth buying, chosen by the experts.

## Classical Pilates

Classical pilates involves low-impact, controlled exercises that strengthen and balance the body, from the core outwards, and improve flexibility. It’s done on a mat – often with small props – or on apparatus that adds resistance.

Machines include the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and the Reformer; with a bed-like frame and sliding “carriage” with attached springs, Reformers are used for fast-paced group classes to music. Teachers with a classical focus may sniff at these hybrid versions, stressing the increased risk of injury, but they’re a good workout.

## Socks that Stay Put

Socks are usually optional for mat classes, but some, including Hewitt, prefer to wear them. “I find feet are always the first thing to get chilly,” she says.

Other classes may insist on grippy socks, however, particularly reformer and other apparatus classes. These are those socks with little rubber bits on the soles, which help you stay in place. Stacy Weeks from The Cornwall Pilates Studio says that clients bring clean grippy socks to change into for class. “Instructors might love correcting your feet, but we don’t like touching sweaty, damp or dirty socks to do it.”

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Resistance Bands

For their versatility and easy storage, resistance bands are hard to beat, says Kemp of Green Room Health, who incorporates them into sessions for exercises that help strengthen and mobilise legs and hips. “Go for a medium resistance band as it’s a great all-rounder. Add a strong band if you want variety,” she says.

Bands can intensify movements, adding tension much like the pulleys and springs on a reformer, so muscles have to work harder. They can also be used to support and help with alignment, which is particularly useful for beginners or someone recovering from injury – for example, if knees fall inward during a pelvic tilt, you can help your form by tying a band just above the knees and keeping it taut.

## Pilates Ball

Kemp also recommends having a soft pilates ball, which can be used to make exercises more challenging, to help with alignment, muscle activation, and stability. For example, she says one can “aid abdominal connection when you pop it behind your shoulders for ab curls or improve your inside thigh and pelvic floor connection when placed between the knees.”

## Spiky Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Spiky Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.

## Pilates Ball

“Spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength,” says Lillywhite. Use body weight to roll them under the arches of the feet, calves, quads, and glutes – anywhere you feel tightness really. The pain is worth the gain.
```