Checklist · 10 picks · 4 categories
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Pilates lovers always want their home sessions to feel more like a studio class, so these gifts are props and socks they'll use every week.
The Mind Reader is Garage Gym Reviews' best budget exercise mat, and the Retrospec Solana is NBC Select's best exercise mat for Pilates, a full inch thick. BestReviews' Pilates rings run from the RitFit, which comes with a beginner e-book, to the ProBody, which keeps its shape longer than most, and the Balanced Body, which promotes proper alignment. Grip socks are an easy win: the Tavi Savvy is NBC Select's best overall pair, the Gaiam its best budget pick and the Bombas its best ankle sock. The BONA pair is Garage Gym Reviews' best budget ankle weights, and the splurge is Bala Bangles, NBC Select's best overall ankle weights. Every pick is on my Pilates at home list with its source.
Who this is not for. Skip this if they lift or run more than they stretch; the fitness gifts page has bands, a jump rope and a foam roller.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tavi Savvy Grip Socks | mid | $15-25 | mat and reformer classes | 1 outlet |
| Gaiam Grippy Studio Yoga Socks | budget | under $15 | grip on a hardwood floor for cheap | 1 outlet |
| Bombas Gripper Socks | splurge | $15-25 | cushy socks with arch support | 1 outlet |
Best grip socksmid pick · XS to XL
Best for mat and reformer classes
NBC Select's best overall Pilates socks: they keep snug to your foot and last a long time, says Alavi-Parham, owner of the Fuse Pilates studio in Washington, D.C.
Heads up. Only come in women's sizes
1 outlet. NBC Select best overall Pilates socks.
$15-25
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budget pick · One size
Best for grip on a hardwood floor for cheap
NBC Select's best budget Pilates socks: the lowest-priced pair it recommends, with criss-cross straps.
Heads up. Thinner material, and one size fits most
1 outlet. NBC Select best budget Pilates socks.
under $15
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splurge pick · S to XL
Best for cushy socks with arch support
NBC Select's best ankle sock for Pilates: its editor who does reformer Pilates found them breathable, with a great grip on the machine.
Heads up. Limited color options
1 outlet. NBC Select best ankle Pilates sock.
$15-25
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Best exercise matbudget pick · 74 × 24 in
Best for floor work and stretching on a budget
Garage Gym Reviews' best budget exercise mat: an affordable, durable mat with plenty of cushion and grip.
Heads up. May have an odor at first, and it can feel unstable
1 outlet. Garage Gym Reviews best budget exercise mat.
$15-25
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mid pick · 1 in thick
Best for rolling on your spine without feeling the floor
NBC Select's best exercise mat for Pilates: Club Pilates master instructor Vanessa Johnson tells NBC Select to look for a mat about three-quarters of an inch thick, and this one is an inch.
1 outlet. NBC Select best exercise mat for Pilates.
$25-50
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RitFit Pilates Ring | budget | $15-25 | a first ring that comes with a how-to | 1 outlet |
| ProBody Pilates Fitness Ring | mid | $25-50 | petite frames that find most rings too big | 1 outlet |
| Balanced Body Ultra-Fit Circle Pilates Ring | splurge | $25-50 | gentle leg work and alignment | 1 outlet |
Best pilates ringbudget pick · One size
Best for a first ring that comes with a how-to
BestReviews' best bang for the buck Pilates ring: a fiberglass ring that keeps its shape, with foam handles and a beginner e-book.
Heads up. BestReviews notes it may not fit its bag correctly
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck Pilates ring.
$15-25
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mid pick · One size
Best for petite frames that find most rings too big
BestReviews' best of the best Pilates ring: comfortable pads, and it retains its shape and strength longer than most rings.
Heads up. No exercise booklet included, though there's plenty of instruction online
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best Pilates ring.
$25-50
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splurge pick · 12 or 15 in
Best for gentle leg work and alignment
A BestReviews top pick Pilates ring: a flexible ring with padded handles that promotes proper alignment.
Heads up. On the squishy side, so it doesn't give much resistance
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick Pilates ring.
$25-50
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Best ankle weightssplurge pick · 0.5 to 2 lb
Best for the cute weights they'll actually leave out
NBC Select's best overall ankle weights: a staff favorite, and the lighter weights suit Pilates-style workouts.
1 outlet. NBC Select best overall ankle weights.
$50-100
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budget pick · 1.5 lb each
Best for light leg circles and glute work
Garage Gym Reviews' best budget ankle weights: a light, inexpensive pair suited to beginners and anyone easing back in.
Heads up. Weight isn't adjustable, and resistance is limited
1 outlet. Garage Gym Reviews best budget ankle weights.
$15-25
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Something for their home sessions, like a Pilates ring or grip socks. The RitFit is BestReviews' best bang for the buck Pilates ring, with foam handles and a beginner e-book, and the Tavi Savvy is NBC Select's best overall Pilates socks: a Pilates studio owner tells NBC Select they keep snug to your foot and last a long time.
Light. Obé Pilates instructor Marcia Meade tells NBC Select they shouldn't weigh more than three pounds. Bala Bangles go from half a pound to 2 pounds, and the BONA Fitness pair is 1.5 pounds each.
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