Making Pilates Fun: Small Equipment in Pilates Big Benefits 

I’ll never forget my very first Pilates class…⁠ Boring. Slow. Repetitive. ⁠ ⁠ Let’s just say, it didn’t win me over. I think if you told 20 year old me I’d be a pilates instructor I’d of laughed at you and told you I wasn’t flexible enough. (by the way that’s why you go to pilates to get flexible!) ⁠

⁠ Fast forward to today — my classes are anything but boring.⁠ I love mixing things up with fun, effective equipment that adds challenge, variety, and serious results.⁠ ⁠ Some of my go-to tools:⁠ ⁠ – Small Pilates ball⁠ – Resistance bands⁠ – Mini bands⁠ – Spikey ball⁠ – Massage ball ⁠ – Pilates ring⁠ – Hand weights⁠ – Foam rollers⁠ ⁠ Honestly, I think the Pilates ring is my favourite (even if my class calls it the torture ring!)⁠ ⁠ What’s your favourite piece of Pilates equipment?⁠

When people think of Pilates, they often envision mats and reformers—but there’s is plenty to do with small equipment.

Pilates Ring (Magic Circle): Precision & Engagement

The Pilates ring, or magic circle, is a flexible resistance ring that’s fantastic for targeting inner thighs, arms, and core. By adding gentle pressure or resistance, it activates stabilizer muscles and deepens the connection to the movement.

Benefits:

• Encourages muscle engagement without heavy weights

• Helps maintain proper alignment

• Provides tactile feedback for improved mind-body connection

• Portable and easy to integrate into any class level

Try it: Place the ring between the inner thighs during a bridge or squeeze it between the hands during an abdominal curl for added core activation.

 Pilates Small Ball: Support & Challenge

This lightweight, inflatable ball is a dynamic prop that can be used for both support and added challenge. Ideal for spinal articulation and balance work, the small ball helps activate core muscles and enhances proprioception.

Benefits:

• Improves posture and balance

• Supports the spine and joints during movement

• Adds instability for deeper core activation

• Great for pelvic floor and lower abdominal work

Try it: Position the ball under your sacrum during pelvic curls to support spinal articulation, or squeeze it between your knees to engage the inner thighs and core.

Foam Roller: Release & Realign

More than just a tool for myofascial release, the foam roller in Pilates adds an unstable surface, promoting balance and core stabilization.

Benefits:

• Enhances core control and balance

• Aids in releasing muscle tension and tight fascia

• Improves posture by opening up the chest and lengthening the spine

• Helps increase mobility and flexibility

Try it: Lie lengthwise on the roller for chest-opening arm arcs or challenge your stability by performing toe taps while lying on the roller.

 Mini Bands: Strength & Resistance

Mini resistance bands are small elastic loops that can be placed around the legs, arms, or even ankles to add intensity to your Pilates routine. They’re perfect for activating glutes, shoulders, and core stabilizers.

Benefits:

• Builds strength without bulky equipment

• Intensifies small movements

• Adds external resistance to bodyweight exercises

• Great for targeting glutes, hips, and shoulder girdle

Try it: Place a mini band around your thighs during clamshells or side-lying leg lifts to fire up the glutes and improve hip stability.

So if you want to try a pilates class using small equipment come and try Simple-Changes pilates classes based in Langley & Datchet. maximum of 12pp per class. Click here to find out more