Checklist · 11 picks · 4 categories
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Mat Pilates is the studio workout that works just as well on your living room floor, and the starter kit is small.
Start with a thick mat: a Club Pilates master instructor tells NBC Select to look for one about three-quarters of an inch thick, since so much of class happens on your back. Then add a Pilates ring, the squeezable circle that makes your inner thighs and core work harder; BestReviews compared rings from squishy to stiff. Light ankle weights, grip socks and a loop band are the nice-to-haves that make it feel like a real class. The rings come from BestReviews, the mats, socks and Bala Bangles from NBC Select, and the budget mat and ankle weights from Garage Gym Reviews. Each card shows the drawback the reviewers called out, so you know what you're trading.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you want a flow-and-stretch practice; the Yoga at Home list has yoga mats and blocks.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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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 exercise matmid 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.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best exercise mat for Pilates.
$25-50
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budget 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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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bala Bangles | splurge | $50-100 | the cute weights you'll actually leave out | 1 outlet |
| BONA Fitness Ankle Weights | budget | $15-25 | light leg circles and glute work | 1 outlet |
| Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands | budget | under $15 | workouts anywhere, even hotel rooms | 1 outlet |
Top picksplurge pick · 0.5 to 2 lb
Best for the cute weights you'll actually leave out
NBC Select's best overall ankle weights: a staff favorite, and the lighter weights suit Pilates-style workouts.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
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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budget pick · Compact
Best for workouts anywhere, even hotel rooms
Five resistance levels for glute, leg and warm-up work. Packs into a pocket.
Heads up. Loop bands can roll up on thighs, and they're latex
1 outlet. Tom's Guide best budget resistance bands.
under $15
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaiam Grippy Studio Yoga Socks | budget | under $15 | grip on a hardwood floor for cheap | 1 outlet |
| Tavi Savvy Grip Socks | mid | $15-25 | mat and reformer classes | 1 outlet |
| Bombas Gripper Socks | splurge | $15-25 | cushy socks with arch support | 1 outlet |
Best grip socksbudget 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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mid 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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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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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
A thick mat and a Pilates ring are the essentials. Light ankle weights, grip socks and a loop band are nice to have. If you'd rather flow and stretch, our Yoga at Home list has mats and blocks.
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.
Club Pilates' Vanessa Johnson tells NBC Select to aim for medium strength no matter your level. BestReviews notes the Balanced Body ring is on the squishy side, while the ProBody keeps its shape and strength longer than most.