A home Pilates kit does not need to be elaborate. The setups that get used most are usually the simplest: a mat, one or two accessories, and everything stored close enough to bring out without effort. If the kit takes time to set up or takes up more space than your room allows, it tends to stay packed away.
This guide covers what to include, what to skip, and why keeping it simple tends to work better than building a full studio at home.
Quick Summary
- A mat is the only essential. Everything else builds from there.
- Resistance bands and a Pilates ball add the most variety for the space they take up.
- Grip socks make a noticeable difference on smooth floors.
- A setup that is easy to access is one you will actually use consistently.
- The best kit is the one you will actually use.
What is a home Pilates kit?
A home Pilates kit is a small collection of equipment that lets you do mat-based Pilates at home. No reformer needed. Most Pilates movements work with a mat alone, and a few well-chosen accessories can add variety and resistance when you are ready for them.
The goal is a setup that fits your space, stays accessible and does not require a dedicated room to store.
What should a home Pilates kit include?
A supportive mat
The mat is the most important piece. Kneeling, seated work and floor-based exercises put more pressure on the knees and hips than standing yoga poses, so thickness and cushioning matter. Six millimetres gives you enough support for most movements without feeling unstable underfoot.
Storage is worth thinking about too. Flat storage takes up far less space than a rolled mat propped in the corner. The abit.of foldable yoga mat folds to 310x310mm and weighs 650g, which makes it easy to store on a shelf or pack away after use. To see how it compares to a standard roll-up, our foldable vs roll-up guide covers the key differences.
Resistance bands
Resistance bands are the most versatile Pilates accessory for home use. They add load to clamshells, glute bridges and leg series without taking up any meaningful storage space. Getting a set at two or three resistance levels covers a wide range of movements and suits most fitness levels without the cost of larger equipment.
Pilates ball
A small Pilates ball (typically 20 to 25cm) adds challenge to core work, inner thigh exercises and spinal mobility movements. Easy to store, deflates flat if needed. Worth adding once you have a consistent weekly practice rather than from day one — it is a more focused tool than bands and gets more value once the basics feel familiar.
Grip socks or small accessories
Grip socks improve stability on smooth floors and are a small upgrade that makes a real difference during balance work and standing exercises. Beyond that, most people do not need much else to start. Rings, weights and rollers can come later if your practice develops in that direction. The abit.of Pilates accessories range covers the essentials without overfilling your space.
Why a simple setup works best
The most common reason home Pilates practice falls away is not motivation. It is friction. If the mat is awkward to get out, the equipment is spread across different spots, or the setup takes more than a minute, sessions get skipped. A simple kit with a clear home for each piece removes that friction.
From conversations with our customers, the people who practise most consistently tend to have fewer pieces stored more accessibly, not the other way around. Start with the basics and add pieces only when you find yourself wanting them.
Who is a home Pilates kit best for?
A home Pilates kit works well for anyone who:
- Wants to practise Pilates without going to a studio
- Has limited space at home and needs a setup that stores neatly away
- Is new to Pilates and wants to start without a big upfront investment
- Travels regularly and wants a portable practice that fits in a bag
- Wants to supplement studio sessions with movement at home between classes
If you practise across different locations, a foldable mat and resistance bands give you a full practice in a setup that fits in most bags. See our guide to the best travel yoga mats in Australia for more on choosing a mat that works away from home too.
Building your kit
The best home Pilates kit is not the one with the most pieces. Start with a mat that feels comfortable and stores well. Add resistance bands when you want more load in leg series and glute work. A Pilates ball is worth considering once you have a consistent weekly practice.
Keep everything together in one spot and the kit becomes easy to use. The abit.of home Pilates kit is built around that idea.
Common questions
What equipment do I need to start Pilates at home?
A mat is all you need to start. Most foundational Pilates exercises are mat-based and require no additional equipment. Once you have a regular practice, resistance bands are the most useful first accessory to add. They are versatile, affordable and take up almost no storage space.
What size mat is best for Pilates?
A standard full-size mat at 1830x610mm gives you enough room for leg circles, rolldowns and full-length stretches. Thickness matters too: 6mm provides enough cushioning for kneeling and seated work on hard floors without feeling unstable during standing exercises.
Can I do Pilates in a small apartment?
Yes. Most mat Pilates exercises fit within a standard mat footprint. The main consideration is storage: a mat that packs flat (like a foldable mat at 310x310mm) is much easier to live with in a small space than a rolled mat that needs a corner or basket. See our small spaces mat guide for more on this.
Do I need a special Pilates mat or will a yoga mat work?
A good yoga mat works well for Pilates. The key is thickness: look for at least 6mm for adequate cushioning during floor work. Some mats marketed specifically as Pilates mats are thicker (8 to 10mm), but 6mm is sufficient for most home practice, especially if you are doing a mix of yoga and Pilates.
How do I store Pilates equipment in a small space?
Keep everything together in one spot: a shelf, a small basket or a dedicated drawer. A foldable mat sits flat on a shelf. Resistance bands roll up small. A Pilates ball deflates for storage if needed. The easier the kit is to access and put away, the more likely it is to get used.