When we’re running out of programming ideas for our Pilates group classes, there can be a tendency to embrace the ‘more is better’ mantra as we add different equipment to the Pilates exercises.
But I’ve found that when we’re more selective with our equipment choices, the end results are better client engagement and retention.
Remembering that less can really be best when it comes to choosing equipment, here are 4 combinations to inspire your Pilates Mat based classes from mixed levels and beginner right up to advanced.
Flex band & Toning Balls (or light hand weights)
This combination is a great one for mixed level Pilates classes because you can easily provide a challenge for your experienced clients.
Plus it gives your new clients some great physical feedback to help them connect into the exercises they’re learning for the first time.
And the band resistance along with the toning ball weight means that your Pilates workouts are getting a healthy dose of challenging weight and resistance control – bonus!
Pilates Exercise Ideas
Roll Up:
Toning Balls (challenge: circle the arms out to the sides and overhead)
Flexband (modification: better to articulate through lower back)
One Leg Circle:
Flexband (modification: support the leg & shoulder girdle stability)
Toning Balls (challenge: hold the balls up ceiling, out to sides or overhead)
Double Leg Stretch:
Flexband (modification: support legs & challenge abdominals)
Toning Balls (challenge: additional weight to challenge torso flexion)
Fitness Circle & BOSU
I like to combine these 2 challenging pieces of equipment in Pilates classes where participants have a little more Pilates experience.
The resistance of Fitness Circle is easy enough to include into classical Pilates exercises.
But new clients can often engage muscles that we don’t want to emphasize and can miss out on engaging the ones that we do.
So it’s a good idea that they have some familiarity with the exercises without the additional challenge of the Fitness Circle.
The BOSU provides different levels of challenge depending on what side is being used and how; again another reason to make sure your participants are familiar enough with the foundational Pilates exercises.
But put together, this is an intense combination and one that you can use to add in more supplementary Pilates exercises.
Pilates Exercise Ideas
Shoulder Bridge Prep: BOSU on flat surface, Fitness Circle between knees
Push Up Prep: BOSU on rounded surface, Fitness Circle between ankles
Port de Bras: BOSU on flat surface, holding Fitness Circle overhead
Standing Lunges with Rotation: BOSU on flat surface, holding Fitness Circle in front
Squats with Overhead Reach: BOSU on either surface, reaching Circle overhead
Mini Infinity Band & Foam Roller
This is a great combination for your more beginner Pilates classes because you can regress and progress exercises easily.
Used separately, these pieces of equipment bring focus and precision into key exercises giving clients a deeper connection into their Pilates training.
But used together (see some ideas below!) you can add some great variety and challenge to the workout!
Pilates Exercise Ideas
Alternating Arm Pulls Supine: Lying on Roller, holding band & pulling one arm through shoulder extension/elbow flexion to floor
Modified Single Leg Stretch: Lying on Roller, band around knees with legs starting tabletop, head & shoulders stay down with forearms pressing into floor
Swimming Prep/Bird Dog: Hands on Roller, band around feet arches
Stability Ball & Arc Barrel
This is another combo that I use for my more experienced Pilates classes. And if you prepare in advance, then it can be an extremely rewarding and fun Intermediate level Pilates class.
With the exception of a few exercises that use the Arc Barrel while holding the Stability Ball for weight, this small Pilates equipment is used separately. But that’s the beauty and challenge of this combination because you can find a great flow through exercise sequences and progressions.
Check out this quick Mat Exercise Flow using these 2 pieces of equipment to be inspired!
Supine Sequence:
Supine on Arc Barrel: Lower & Lift, Can-Can, Windmill, Bicycle
Feet on Arc Barrel holding Stability Ball: Shoulder Bridge Prep (Marching Variation)
Legs over Arc Barrel holding Stability Ball: Ab Prep, Obliques Prep, Teaser Prep
Standing on Arc Barrel holding Stability Ball: Squats reaching ball overhead
Stability Ball Against the Wall: Modified Push Up, Overhead Roll, Sustained Squats
Finish with Modified Port de Bras on Arc Barrel
Variety is definitely the spice of life.
But when it comes to creating solid, quality focused Pilates workouts you’ll find more variety when you stay aligned to the Pilates method that you learned.
And by choosing 1-2 pieces of equipment to complement your Pilates workouts so that you can engage and challenge your clients while adapting and varying the exercises, you’ll find progress, client retention and results.
With that in mind, here’s one more option that these days seems to get overlooked: a traditional Pilates Mat Class with no props; just the floor, the space around us and our body’s proprioception 🤔.
Because if you teach Pilates then achieving the Pilates exercises that you learned to teach clients should always be a key part of your workout plans and goals.