To start Pilates, you need surprisingly little: a thick mat, form-fitting clothes, and grip socks. That’s enough for any mat class at home or in a studio. If you’re joining a reformer studio, you need even less, since the studio provides the equipment. Here’s a full breakdown of what to have ready before your first session.
The Mat Matters More Than You Think
A Pilates mat is not the same as a yoga mat. Pilates involves rolling on your spine, lying on your side, and pressing your knees into the floor, so you need real cushioning. Look for a mat that’s at least 10 millimeters thick. If you’re practicing on a hard surface like concrete or tile, go with 15 millimeters. A standard yoga mat is only about 3 to 5 millimeters, which will leave you feeling every bone during side-lying exercises.
Make sure the mat is long and wide enough for your body. You’ll be stretching your arms overhead and rolling lengthwise, so a mat that’s too short will have you sliding off the edge mid-exercise. Expect to spend $20 to $50 for a quality Pilates mat.
What to Wear
Pilates clothing should be fitted but flexible. Loose shirts ride up during inversions and rolling movements, blocking your instructor’s view of your form (and yours). Leggings, fitted shorts, or bike shorts paired with a snug tank top or sports bra work well. Avoid zippers, buttons, or anything bulky that digs into your skin when you’re lying on your stomach or back.
Grip socks are essential for studio classes. Most reformer studios require them for safety and hygiene, since the fabric grips on the bottom prevent your feet from slipping on the machine’s platform. Even for mat classes, grip socks help you hold positions on smooth floors. Studios often sell them on-site if you forget, but a pair typically costs $8 to $15, so it’s worth having your own.
Props You’ll Actually Use
Most beginners don’t need props right away, but a few inexpensive ones can make a real difference as you progress. The most common ones you’ll encounter in classes are resistance bands (sometimes called Therabands), a Pilates ring (also called a magic circle), a small inflatable ball, and a foam roller.
A Pilates ring is a flexible circular frame, roughly the diameter of a steering wheel, with padded handles on each side. You squeeze it between your thighs, palms, or ankles to create resistance. Placing it between your legs and pressing inward targets your inner thighs and glutes. Holding it between your hands and squeezing works your chest and arms. The constant tension also fires up your stabilizing muscles, which builds balance and endurance over time. It’s one of the most versatile Pilates tools and costs around $10 to $25.
Resistance bands serve a similar purpose, adding tension to movements that might otherwise feel too easy as your strength improves. A foam roller helps with balance challenges and spinal mobility work. Neither is necessary on day one, but both are worth picking up once you’re a few weeks in.
What to Bring to a Studio Class
If you’re attending a studio, the equipment is already there. Reformer studios provide the machines, springs, and any props the instructor uses. Your job is to show up with grip socks, a water bottle, and a small towel if you tend to sweat. That’s genuinely the full list. No gym bag full of gear required.
Aim to drink 8 to 16 ounces of water before class and another 8 to 16 ounces after. Pilates is low-impact, but you’re still working hard, and dehydration shows up as muscle cramping and fatigue faster than you’d expect.
Eating Before a Session
Pilates involves a lot of core compression, twisting, and rolling. A full stomach makes all of that uncomfortable. Eat a light snack 30 to 90 minutes before class: something like a banana, a handful of nuts, or toast with peanut butter. Keep it small and balanced so you have energy without feeling sluggish. If your last full meal was two or more hours ago, you’re fine to head in without an extra snack.
Setting Up at Home
For mat Pilates at home, you need a clear space of roughly 6 by 8 feet, enough to lie down fully and extend your arms and legs in every direction without hitting furniture. If you’re considering a home reformer, plan for a room that’s at least 10 by 12 feet (about 120 square feet). A full-size reformer is over 8 feet long, and you need clearance on all sides for exercises that extend off the machine.
A screen you can see from the floor is important if you’re following along with an app or video. Most online Pilates platforms focus on mat work, so you won’t need equipment beyond your mat and a few props. Position your phone, tablet, or laptop at eye level from your mat so you can check form without craning your neck. A small shelf or stack of books works fine as a stand.
What It Costs to Get Started
A basic starter setup, including a proper mat, grip socks, and a resistance band, runs about $40 to $70 total. Pre-made beginner kits that bundle a mat with several props typically cost around $100 to $200. That’s the full investment for mat Pilates at home.
Reformers are a different category entirely. Studio-quality machines cost thousands of dollars, though portable home reformers have come down in price, with some starting around $140. For most beginners, a reformer is unnecessary. Mat Pilates builds the same foundational strength, and you can always use studio reformers if you want that experience without the price tag.
Preparing Your Body
You don’t need to be flexible or strong to start Pilates. The practice is designed to build both from wherever you are. That said, it helps to be honest with yourself (and your instructor) about any existing injuries, joint issues, or chronic pain. A good instructor will assess your posture, flexibility, and core endurance in your first session and modify exercises to match your current ability. If you’re recovering from surgery, dealing with back problems, or pregnant, mention it before class starts so the instructor can swap out movements that aren’t safe for you.