12 Christmas gifts that are a must for any Pilates mat lover
If you have ever wondered what to give the Pilates lover in your life, we’ve got you covered. Below I have mentioned a few of my favorite toys and why.
During our Pilates Mat classes, we often add a prop of some kind to use in the class. Though not essential, they do offer a challenge and assist during the exercises. Some of these props can be purchased from any sports shop or online retailer. Shop around for bargains.
Pilates mat
Pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats. At 10-15 mm a Pilates mat will protect pressure points during exercises compared to a yoga mat that is only 4-6mm thick.
If you are unable to find a Pilates mat, you can always double up on a yoga mat.
If you are practicing Pilates on a hardwood or tiled floor, I would highly recommend using a Pilates mat to pad pressure points especially for exercises like Rollovers or Roll like-a-ball, Seal, etc
I must mention that if you are using a Pilates mat, ensure that it has a non-slip backing.
Prices vary anything from $24 - $49.
2.
Pilates ball
Pilates balls are such a fun workout. You’ll feel like a child again.
Balls offer an unstable base for the body, which in turn challenges your core and balance. There are an unlimited amount of Pilates and other exercises that can be done on a Pilates ball.
But how do you know what size suits your height?
If you are:
1.08 - 1.32m (42 - 52’’) = 45cm ball,
1.52-1.68m (5’0 - 5’5”) = 55 cm ball
1.71-1.56 (5'6"- 5'11") = 65cm
1.82-1.98m (6'0"-6'5") = 75cm
Balls can be purchased at sports retailers and prices vary from $15 onwards, depending on the size and make.
3. Resistance bands
I love using bands in class.
They can be combined with almost every other apparatus used during our mat class.
They are great to use for support, arm or leg work, and act as an aid in exercises like the Roll up.
Depending on the brand purchased, there are a variety of colours that usually depict the level of resistance offered, for example, a yellow band could be a light resistance band, usually for beginners, and a grey or black band with a ‘heavy’ level of resistance.
Using bands instead of hands weights offer a challenge as you have to work on the way up and on the way down, to keep a constant resistance on the band.
I do however prefer my bands longer than the average band, this way I can use them for Single Circles, Series of 5, etc.
4. 30 cm ball
If you think that little things don’t challenge you, try adding a small (30cm) ball to your exercises. I will leave you shaking from every muscle.
As the image shows, the 30cm ball can be used for anything from the Hundred, Bridge to Rollovers and so much more.
It connects your inner thighs, which in turn helps to connect your core too.
5. Long full foam roller
Not only do foam rollers help to relieve tight sore muscles, and for myofascial release but they are also used in class to challenge balance during exercises.
In the past I have used a blue full foam roller, which is acceptable, however, they are very comfortable to sit on. For this reason, I recommend the black roller, which is far more comfortable than the blue one.
I would also not recommend hedgehog rollers (those with bumps on them). Using a foam roller to massage and myofascial release is tough enough, but adding bumps is punishment. As a result, you wouldn’t use it as much, which is a waste of a very effective prop.
Long full foam rollers range from $23 - $40.
6. High-waisted leggings
Being over 50+, I have no desire to wear low-waisted leggings. I prefer to keep my outsides in and I can do that by wearing high-waisted leggings.
I often refer to drawing the skin/belly away from the fabric of your pants (leggings) and then your muscle away from the skin to find the lower abs (transverse abs). Wearing high-waisted leggings is perfect for this visualization.
I am all for being comfortable while exercising, but there is something to be said about getting dressed for Pilates. It changes your mindset and then you ‘arrive’ at Pilates, ready to be present.
Prices can range anything from $20 - $100.
7. Toe socks
Toe socks are great to wear to a class.
They are great for hygiene purpose if you attend a studio. If you attend online Pilates classes, toe socks are great to prevent slipping as they all have non-slip rubber underneath.
I prefer toe socks to yoga socks with non-slip grip as I like my toes independent of each other and not slipping inside a non-slip sock, especially during ball classes.
Toe socks come in a variety of colours (as shown in the image) and shapes i.e. half-open toes (which I wear in summer) and full-toe socks in winter.
Toe socks are also available with an open heel.
Prices range from $6 - $20.
8. Cork massage ball
Usually, massage balls are made from plastic. I do think there is enough plastic in the world, why not purchase a cork massage ball instead? It’s durable, earth-friendly, and sustainable too.
Prices vary for different sizes from $20 - $30.
9. Pilates circle/ring
Some call it a ‘Magic Circle’ others a Pilates ring. Call it what you like, this is another prop that not challenges you but also works as an aid. For example, I advise clients with neck pain to place the circle behind their heads for support.
What to consider when buying a circle?
Rings vary from 32-40cm in diameter, wider rings are recommended for taller bodies.
Padding: (As shown in the image on the left) I personally prefer to use two-way soft padding inside and outside the ring made from rubber. I find they are more comfortable and will ‘balance’ if I was to use it for Swan prep or Side-leg series.
Prices vary from $10 - $60.
10. Cork peanut massage ball
I have a make-shift peanut that I’ve made with 2 tennis inside a knee-high stocking and then tied off with a knot.
If I had to buy one, I would buy a cork one, as mentioned before they are durable and kind to the environment and can be used to relieve stress in the neck, shoulders, glutes, and lower back.
Prices vary from $25 - $45.
11. Days for Girls
For those Pilates lovers who have it all, why not offer support for a good cause.
Days for Girls International works to get washable feminine hygiene kits into the hands of those that would otherwise go without.
In 2019/2020 Days for Girls provided
45 862 menstrual kits across 44 countries.
‘The Days for Girls’ (DfG) Pad is a washable, reusable, beautiful menstrual health product that’s built to last. Our patented design, which includes a protective shield and absorbent liner, is backed by the latest menstrual health research and a decade of feedback from women around the world. It is a truly sustainable solution that menstruators can count on month after month, for up to three years.’ To find out more, please go here.
It’s a beautiful gift knowing that you’ve helped someone in such a basic way.
12. InHouse-Pilates gift certificate
What do you give someone who does Pilates?
More Pilates. Whether you are a beginner or are already doing Pilates with us, we offer gift certificates to suit every budget.
Contact us for more details here.