Product Essentials

If you are new to Pilates or are currently being instructed in a group but would like to continue your Pilates at home, I have listed some ideal, good quality items that my clients have purchased in the past and can recommend. This is effectively a recommended home kit. Products have been selected for their quality and value as judged by me.

The Pro-Mat is Fitness-Mads top of the range mat for Pilates, exercise and therapy. At 15mm thick it offers the best support for both spine and knees. The mat is double sided offering a slight variation in practice surface and will not slide on the floor. The mat is made from recyclable TPE which is closed cell impermeable foam which is hygienic and PVC Free.

If you are looking for a mat to carry to a group regularly you may wish to consider the Pilates-Mad Core Fitness mat, which rolls up neatly and is lighter to carry

I have purchased many different types of mat and this has to be one of the best particularily due to its deep cushioning. It is certainly not the cheapest but you really do get what you pay for. A larger size 180cm size is also available. To watch the Pro-Mat being used, click on the 'Free Pilates Videos' tab above.

Colour: Blue

Size: 140cm x 60cm x 15mm

This is Fitness-Mad's most popular band and is ideal for those familiar with resistance training or those that are reasonable fit. Other strengths are available including light and strong but the medium version is suitable for most. This band is good because it is a decent length at 1.5 metres unlike some which are 1 metre. A resistance band is required in many Pilates classes. To see this one in action view the Resistance Band video by clicking on the 'Free Pilates Videos' tab above. A resistance band can also be used for non Pilates resistance training so is ideal for holidays or when on the move due to its small size and light weight.

Resistance: Medium - ideal for those familiar with resistance training

Size: 150cm x 15cm

Colour: Blue

Warning: Contains Latex Do Not Use if Allergic

I use gym balls in some of my Pilates groups. They are always very popular! This great ball is burst-resistant, has a load rating of 300KG and also incudes a DVD and pump. It's perfect for Fit Ball workouts, yoga, Pilates or physiotherapy. The DVD includes 40 great Swiss ball work outs among which are warming up, body weight exercises and dumbbell work outs using the ball.

I suggest a 65CM one but 55CM and 75CM sizes are available.

Safety Tests: Rated as suitable for 300kg load. SGS Labs tested as burst-resistant at over 500Kg static load. SGS Labs tested with a static load of over 1.5 tons without failure.

Size: 65cm

Weight: 1.35kg

To suit: those 5'6" - 5' 10"