Pilates is a mind-body exercise method that focuses on controlled movements to improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Classes generally fall into two categories: Mat Pilates, which uses only body weight on a floor mat, and Reformer Pilates, which utilizes a specialized machine with springs for adjustable resistance and support. Preparing for your first session requires bringing the correct items to ensure comfort, safety, and an effective workout experience. This checklist provides guidance on the specific gear you need to bring to any Pilates class.
Essential Attire for Movement
Selecting the right clothing is important for a safe and effective Pilates session. Instructors rely on visual cues to assess your form and alignment, making form-fitting attire strongly recommended. Wearing snug clothing, such as leggings or fitted shorts and a tank top, allows the teacher to observe the subtle movements of your spine, pelvis, and shoulders.
Loose or baggy clothing can obscure your body’s positioning, making it difficult for the instructor to provide necessary corrections. Excess fabric can also become a safety hazard, particularly on a Reformer machine, where it risks getting caught in the moving carriage or springs. Opt for fabrics that offer stretch and breathability, such as Lycra or spandex blends, which allow for a full range of motion.
The best apparel is also free of external hardware that could damage the vinyl covering of a Reformer or cause discomfort when lying down. Avoid clothing with excessive zippers, bulky drawstrings, or metal embellishments that can press uncomfortably into your skin during floor work. Moisture-wicking fabrics are beneficial for managing perspiration, keeping you dry and focused throughout the movements.
Footwear and Grip Considerations
Pilates is typically practiced without traditional athletic shoes, allowing for a better connection between your foot and the mat or equipment. The choice is between going barefoot or wearing specialized grip socks, depending on the class type and studio policy. Bare feet offer superior sensory feedback, promoting proprioception, which is the body’s awareness of its position in space.
This direct connection helps strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the feet and ankles, which is beneficial during balancing exercises. However, many studios, especially those with shared equipment like the Reformer, often require grip socks for hygiene and safety. Grip socks feature rubberized dots on the sole to provide non-slip traction on the smooth surfaces of the apparatus or studio floor.
Wearing non-slip socks is recommended for equipment-based classes where stability is important to prevent slipping off the carriage or foot bar. They allow you to focus on the precision of the movement rather than worrying about your footing. If you are attending a mat class, check the studio’s policy, but grip socks still provide stability, especially if you tend to have sweaty feet.
Hydration and Hygiene Must-Haves
Maintaining proper hydration is essential for an effective Pilates workout. While Pilates is low-impact, you exert energy and lose fluids, making a reusable water bottle a necessity. Sipping water before, during, and after your session helps regulate body temperature and lubricates the joints, preventing muscle cramps and dizziness that can result from dehydration.
A small, absorbent sweat towel is useful, especially for vigorous classes or if the studio is warm. The towel serves the dual purpose of wiping perspiration from your face and hands, and keeping the mat or the surface of the Reformer carriage clean and dry. This contributes to the overall hygiene of the shared studio environment.
For those with long hair, securing it with a hair tie or clip is necessary to keep it from obstructing your vision or getting caught in the equipment. Finally, before class begins, silence and store your phone and keys in a designated locker or cubby. Minimizing personal distractions allows you to maintain the mental focus and mind-body connection integral to the practice of Pilates.
Studio-Specific Gear
Most studios provide all the necessary large equipment for their classes, though some practitioners prefer to bring their own accessories. For Mat Pilates, the studio usually supplies the cushioned mat, but you may bring your own for personal preference or cleanliness. Equipment classes, such as those on the Reformer, Cadillac, or Wunda Chair, rely on the studio’s specialized apparatus.
Smaller props may or may not be provided depending on the class format. These can include light resistance bands, small hand weights, or specialized support blocks. To avoid arriving unprepared, contact your specific studio ahead of your first class. Confirming their policy on student-supplied gear ensures you only carry what is required for that session.