Yes, You Can Do Pilates at Home: Here's How to Start

Yes, You Can Do Pilates at Home: Here's How to Start

Posted by We Sell Mats on

Can you do pilates at home? Absolutely — and you don't need a reformer or a fancy studio to feel the burn. Mat pilates is one of the most accessible workouts out there: low impact, great for your core, and totally doable in your living room, bedroom, or home gym.

All you really need is a little floor space, the right mat, and this guide. Let's get into it. 

First, Set the Tone

Pilates is as much about mindfulness as it is about movement. Before you start, take a minute to set up your space. Clear the floor, grab some water, maybe throw on a playlist. This is your time.

If you're building out a home gym or just want your workout area to feel a little more intentional, our 24" x 24" Multi-Purpose EVA Foam Tiles are a great way to define your space — and they just got a whole lot cuter. We now carry them in soft pastel colors that are perfectly on trend for a pilates-aesthetic home gym. Think lilac, peach, sage green — the kind of colors that actually make you want to work out. They interlock easily, cushion your floor, and give your space that clean, put-together look.

 

Pick Your Mat

Your mat is your most important piece of equipment for at-home pilates. Here are two solid options depending on your budget:

  1. Core Basic Folding Exercise Mat Our most affordable mat option — and it comes in a pretty light blue and a soft lavender/pink that are perfect for a pilates setup. It comes in sizes 2’ x 6’, 4' x 6', and 4' x 8'. It folds for easy storage, and gives you a clean, cushioned surface for mat work. Great if you're just getting started and want to keep costs low.
  2. Want to upgrade? Try the Classic Folding Exercise Mat Same size, thicker materials, larger sizes, and more cushion. This mat comes in sizes 4' x 6', 4' x 8', and 4' x 10'. If you're doing pilates regularly or have sensitive knees and wrists, the extra padding makes a noticeable difference. A small step up in price, a big step up in comfort. 

 

A Simple At-Home Pilates Workout for Beginners

No equipment required — just your mat and about 20 minutes. Move slowly and focus on your breath. 

Warm-Up (2–3 min)

  • Diaphragmatic breathing — lie on your back, place hands on your belly, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do 5–8 slow breaths.
  • Pelvic tilts — gently rock your hips up and down to wake up your lower back.

The Workout

  1. The Hundred — lie on your back, legs in tabletop, arms pumping at your sides. Breathe in for 5 pumps, out for 5. Work up to 100 pumps total. Great core warm-up. 
  2. Single Leg Circles — one leg extended toward the ceiling, draw small circles with your foot. Keep the hips mobile and engages your abs. 5 circles each direction each leg. 
  3. Roll-Up — slow, controlled sit-up one vertebra at a time. Lower back down just as slowly. Do 8-10 reps. This one's harder than it looks!
  4. Bird Dog — on hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg at the same time. Hold 2-3 seconds, switch sides. 10 reps each side. Incredible for balance and core stability. 
  5. Bridge — feet flat, hips up, squeeze your glutes at the top. Hold for 2-3 seconds, lower slowly. 12 reps. This one works. 
  6. Side-Lying Leg Lifts — lie on your side, lift the top leg up and lower slowly. 12 reps each side. Great for the outer hips and glutes. 

Cool-Down (2–3 min)

  • Child's pose — hold for 30–60 seconds.
  • Seated forward fold — legs extended, reach for your toes and breathe.

 

Want to Add Resistance?

Once you're comfortable with the basics, at-home pilates with weights is a great way to progress. Light hand weights (1–3 lbs) can be added to the Hundred, leg lifts, and arm circles to increase the challenge without overwhelming your joints.

 

You're More Ready Than You Think

The hardest part of starting an at-home pilates practice is just... starting. You don't need a lot of space, you don't need fancy equipment, and you definitely don't need to be flexible. You just need a mat and a little bit of time for yourself.

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