28/05/2026
In a Pilates studio we will often use various props for support (to make exercises more accessible), or for challenge and resistance (making you work harder).
Each week I also teach 2 community classes with no props at all, and these classes offer a focus on using our body, leveling up and creating challenge through pulses, holds and reps.
One is not better than the other, but the use of props can aid your pilates experience: various tools offer a better mind-body connection, and tactile feedback, allowing you to right areas and maintain alignment and correct form.
Here’s a few of my faves:
🔥 Pilates/yoga block: Help bridge the gap for tight hamstrings or hip flexors, providing elevation so you can achieve the correct spinal alignment without straining.
🔥 Pilates balls: Offer so much support, placed under your lower or mid-back, they offer cushioned support and gently cue core engagement or rib-cage placement. Holding the ball can provide focus, or momentum for a roll up too!
🔥Resistance bands: Offering deep burn, these can be used around your arms, thighs, calves or held in your hands for constant tension throughout a movement, helping to build strength and stability.
🔥 Magic circle: Engage your inner thighs, pelvic floor, and arms by providing a compressible resistance that tests your coordination.
🔥 Small weights: slows the movement down - and offers challenge, resistance and cardio burn. We typically use weight from 1-5kg or ankle weights at around 1kg each (my always favourite).
We also use the sliders, foam roller and long bands.
For the full Pilates studio experience I teach at and with barre and mat classes utilising all the support and challenge. I also teach 2 community classes with and for these we use our body weight, we add cardio and a whole lot of pulses.
No matter what, I am for people to leave my classes feeling the work, but also standing taller, feeling stretched, aligned, and confident in their body.
Join me, or feel free to DM for more info.
See you on the mat! X
