Pilates Props You Already Have at Home (and How To Use Them)

Improve your home Pilates practice without expensive equipment. There are effective, supportive props already hiding in your closets, storage bins, and even by the pool. Add variety and support to your workouts without spending a dime. Get creative with everyday items you already have at home that you can use as Pilates props to deepen your stretches, challenge your balance, and make your routine more exciting.

Save Money by Smart Swapping

Building an at-home Pilates workout gym shouldn't break the bank. Instead of purchasing a pricey Pilates ring, grab a firm throw pillow or a small, slightly deflated ball. Squeezing it between your knees or ankles during core exercises adds resistance and helps engage your inner thigh muscles. This simple swap delivers similar benefits and keeps your workout gear cost down.

Add Creative Tool Variety

For budget-friendly fitness tools, you don’t have to look any further than your garage or summer storage for inspiration. There are many creative ways to use pool noodles in your home gym, such as placing one along your spine for chest-opening exercises or under your hands for balance challenges.

You can also cut a pool noodle in half and place it under your feet for core work or use it to add instability when practicing standing leg lifts. This simple item introduces new movements and keeps your workouts feeling fresh and fun.

Enhance Support for Sensitive Joints

If you need extra cushioning for your knees or wrists, a folded towel or blanket is a great home Pilates prop. Place it under your joints during plank exercises to reduce pressure and increase comfort. This easy modification allows you to focus on your form without unnecessary discomfort, making your practice more sustainable for the long haul.

Improve Balance With Household Staples

Challenging your stability builds core strength. Stack hardcover books together to create a block to support you in seated or standing poses. For an added challenge, try performing standing exercises on a firm cushion to engage your stabilizing muscles and improve your balance. Even using two water bottles as light hand weights adds a new dimension to your workout, helping to tone your arms as you move.

Put These Ideas Into Practice

Now that you have these simple and effective ideas and know how to use them, it's time to get creative. Look around for these Pilates props you already have at home and incorporate one or two into your next session to see how they improve your workout. Track your progress and share your experiences with friends for accountability and motivation. If you want to add another idea, revisit your routine and experiment with a new prop for added inspiration and challenge.