Create A Home Studio
From Home!
Now more than ever, we’re all super interested in how we can best work out from the comfort of our own homes. How can we set ourselves up for success now and for whatever the future holds? For some, this is about finding the most cost effective way to make this work in the moment. For others, it’s an opportunity to create that ideal home workout space that until this moment, wasn’t really a priority. This is my guide for setting up your space with options for any budget. Because many of us are not out shopping in stores, I’ve included helpful product links to some of my favorite pieces of equipment on Amazon. (Remember though, if you are somehow able to support a local small business who carries these items, make that your first stop!)
Working With What You Have
Whether you’re setting up for yoga, Pilates, barre or a variety of mat-fitness modalities, one important thing to remember is that ultimately, you really don’t NEED a whole lot. Traditional Pilates, for example, can be done with no props at all. Or say you’re doing a virtual barre class that requires hand weights: a few bottles of water or soup cans might do the trick just fine! No mat? How about a towel! Just remember, there is always a way to make what you have work, especially you find yourself on a tight budget.
The Essentials
Hand weights
Hand weights are universally useful for almost all studio classes. I find a good average weight to be 3lbs, but if you have shoulder issues you may consider lighter. For most studio based classes, anything over 3lbs typically doesn’t work so well as the movements are usually high repetition and not intended to be all that heavy. Neoprene dumbbells offer a nice grip, weighted balls give some versatility in how you use them, and wrist/ankle weights could be a good option for anyone dealing with grip issues or arthritis. I personally prefer the neoprene weights in general, but I also like the weighted balls so that I can use them in alternative ways, like squeezing one between my knees, for example. Ultimately, what you think you’d use the most is up to you!
Resistance Bands
Bands overall are relatively inexpensive, so you may just find that you want a few different options. Bands can be purchased in pre-cut lengths, usually these are 5 feet long. They can also be purchased in a roll format so that you can cut your own length or have multiple bands of different sizes, etc. For my own studio, the roll is the most cost effective, but for home use, you might find that you’ll never use the whole roll. Luckily, Stott Pilates does sell a 6.5ft length which is perfect.
Additionally, there are smaller, closed loop bands which are great for putting around your knees or ankles for abductor (outer leg) work. If you really only wanted to purchase one band, however, you could always tie one of the longer bands around the legs to approximate the feel of a smaller closed loop band too. For me personally, I like a 6 foot pre-cut band and a closed loop band to use separately from each other so I’m not spending too much time tying and untying knots!
Mats
Your choice of mats depends on what you plan to do the most. If you’re doing yoga, you’ll probably want a traditional roll out mat with a non-slip surface. If you plan on mostly Pilates, you’d want something with a lot more cushion for rolling exercises and tailbone cushioning. There are roll out mats that have more thickness and cushion that fall somewhere in the middle. Just like with most things you have a variety of choices from cost effective to high end - either way you’ll want to check out the thickness of the mat. Thinner mats can be a little cheaper, but 1/8” thick won’t give you much knee or wrist cushion, even for yoga. I find a mat with 1/4” thickness to be a nice middle ground, but know that if you like even more cushion, folding mats that are 1/2” to 1” thick also exist (they’re just not as ideal for yoga but fantastic for other mat fitness workouts, especially Pilates).
Magic Circle / Pilates Ring
There are a ton of options to choose from, ranging from under $10 to well over $50 - how do we know what to choose? This particular circle from Yoga Accessories (ironic, I know, as it’s a pretty Pilates-specific prop) has been an in-studio favorite of mine for years. It’s pretty cheap for what you get, and most of mine have held up to pretty strenuous use over as long as 9 years! We finally snapped one recently, but in hind sight I was really asking a lot of it’s durability. Long story short, it’s padded on the inside and outside, and cushioned all the way around. It’s a great size and works perfectly for all of my in-studio and at home needs.
Core Ball
Again, so many to choose from. This is another specific brand I have used in my own studio for years. We’ve used them rigorously for almost a decade and they are going strong. We’ve used other brands over the years that have broken or popped, but never these guys. I also like the amount of grip to the material. Even with a small hands you can hold it easily in one hand. It comes with a straw to inflate (a pump does make it a little easier, but isn’t necessary). The size is just right for lower back support or placing behind the upper back for chest openers, or hugging between the knees or heels for inner thigh challenge.
Foam Roller
For myofascial release these are fantastic, but can also be used for balance and stability work. For this specifically I would recommend the 36” length. You can use the shorter lengths for a fair amount, but if you’d like to lie head to tailbone on it, which is a lovely way to use it, you’ll want the full length. The white roller is a softer density, so if you have sensitive muscles or just don’t like as firm of a roll, this would be a great choice. If you like a firm density for a more intense roll, the black roller is for you. For me, I find the black roller generally feels a little sturdier for what it’s worth.
In Closing
I hope this list has been helpful to anyone looking to set up a little home gym sanctuary! If you have any additional questions about equipment, brands, and anything that is not listed here please reach out or post a comment. I’ve worked in fitness full time for over 15 years and I’ve seen and used hundreds of different products. There’s something out there for everyone, and always remember that even without equipment you can still have a great, effective workout.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. All opinions are my own!