Foldable reformers

How to Set Up a Pilates Reformer Studio in Your Home: A Step-by-step Guide

Pilates is a fantastic way to improve your core strength, flexibility and overall well-being. And with home workouts now a massive part of our daily routines, why not set up your own home Pilates studio? It could be a game-changer for avid practitioners or beginners who want to make the habit stick. Whichever group you belong to, this guide is for you — we’ll lay down some tips on how to build a home Pilates studio to help you get set up in no time.

Why practice Pilates at home?

It’s hard to reap the benefits of Pilates without regular practice. And whether your favourite studio closed down or your job has become hectic, there are many reasons stopping you from habitually showing up to a Pilates class. The solution could lie in a home Pilates studio! Even without the fancy setup of a commercial studio, doing your Pilates exercises at home can offer you the following benefits: 

  • Convenience — The beauty of a home Pilates studio is the ability to practise whenever you have the time. Eliminate the hassle of commuting to the gym and avoid missing classes altogether due to your busy schedule. 
  • Personalisation — Customise your Pilates reformer routine to suit your individual needs, goals and level. Whether you want to focus on core strength and stability or spend more time on flexibility exercises, you can. 
  • Privacy — It can be intimidating to join a class when you’re new to Pilates. If you’re the type of person who prefers to have privacy when you workout, try doing Pilates at home in your very own space.

5 steps to setting up a Pilates studio at home

1. Find a space for your home Pilates studio

A relaxing space is a hallmark of any Pilates studio. If you’re building your version at home, consider the area where you’ll practise. It could be an open space in your living room where you plan to unfold your Pilates reformer as needed — or a spare bedroom you can permanently convert into a home Pilates studio. Regardless of the size, choose a space that provides good lighting, ventilation and serenity. These factors help you breathe well, see properly and feel grounded throughout your home practice.

2. Invest in quality home Pilates equipment

Besides space, equipment can make or break your at-home Pilates practice. Depending on your level or the type of Pilates you prefer, you need to invest in the essential tools. These could range from basic exercise mats and blocks to fully-kitted Pilates reformer machines. If you have limited space, opt for foldable reformers, which you can store in a cabinet or under your bed after use. But if you have the budget and the luxury of space, consider getting the complete range of Pilates equipment. Add ladder barrels, spine correctors and sitting boxes to your home Pilates setup.

3. Create a conducive atmosphere for at-home Pilates

The ambiance within your home studio can impact your practice. To create a space that resonates with commercial studios, consider decorating with soothing, calming colours. Add motivational posters or even some nature-inspired artwork. Or, better yet, fill up your home Pilates studio with indoor plants! These add a pop of colour and improve the air quality. Lighting is also crucial, so opt for soft, diffused lighting to set the mood. And don’t forget the extra details, from essential oil diffusers to background music.

4. Organise and store your Pilates essentials

Organisation is crucial to maintaining your equipment and a vibe that’s conducive to your practice. Set up designated storage for equipment and accessories, from your Pilates reformer machine to your resistance bands. After each Pilates workout at home, put everything back in their designated shelves and cabinets. That way, the space is tidy and ready for the next time you’ll use it, with tools you can conveniently access.

5, Maintain your home Pilates equipment 

To keep your Pilates equipment in shape, carry out regular cleaning and maintenance. Wipe down the surfaces of your Pilates reformer and accessories with a damp cloth and a gentle disinfectant. Do this after each workout to remove sweat and prevent buildup of residue. Periodically, inspect the machine for any loose parts or signs of wear and tear. Tighten or replace them as necessary.

Extend the same care to your home Pilates studio. Wipe the floors to prevent sweat from staining the carpet or wood. Also, spray a deodoriser or use a scent diffuser machine to keep bad odours away.

Is it worth building your own home Pilates studio?

You might be wondering if the effort, time and investment required to build your own home Pilates studio is truly worth it. The answer largely depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle and dedication to the practice. If the convenience, personalisation and privacy of Pilates workouts at home resonate with you, then it could be worth the effort.

And while it’s nice to have a fully-fitted home studio, you don’t have to go all out with the build! You can start small, with an exercise mat and some resistance bands, which could cost as little as $20 to $50. Then, work your way toward investing in sitting boxes until you can consider the value in buying a Pilates reformer. The price of reformers range from $1,500 for basic machines to $6,000 for complex models. If you are committed to the workout, getting your own starter machine could be more cost-effective than a membership in a boutique Pilates studio!

Shop high-quality Pilates equipment for home use at Pilates Direct

When it comes to home Pilates equipment, you deserve nothing but the best. At Pilates Direct, we bring you home Pilates equipment that not only looks good but functions exceptionally well. Our range includes commercial-sized Pilates reformer machines and foldable reformer machines perfect for home use. We also have additional Pilates equipment to complete your home studio, such as sitting boxes and spine correctors. To help you budget, we offer our Pilates reformers for home studios on a payment plan!

Shop our Pilates equipment for home use online or test them out in our Sydney showroom! We ship in-stock products as soon as 2 to 3 business days to NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD locations and 4 to 7 business days in other areas. You can also have your order shipped to a depot. For more information, check our FAQ page or get in touch with us.