Great Pilates Gifts

Top Gifts for the Beginner to the Instructor

DVDs and videos are among the most popular ways of learning Pilates. They are affordable, and it's easy to find one that meets specific interests, such as beginner pilates or weight loss.

Read reviews of a variety of popular Pilates DVDs for beginning through advanced levels.

My Top Picks:
New York Style Beginners Workout
Rael Isakowitz Pilates System 17 (intermediate)
Stott Pilates Power Paced Fitness Circle

An appropriate and versatile gift for Pilates or yoga students, an exercise mat is a great way to support anyone's exercise routine. There are just a few things to consider before buying an exercise mat specifically for Pilates. Read Before You Buy and Exercise Mat to make sure you know what your options are.

You can't go wrong with good looking workout clothes. New clothes are a great way to inspire someone to workout, too. Pilates and yoga clothing are basically the same. So take a look at the reviews and photo gallery here at pilates.about.com, and then go shopping!

Not only are exercise balls fun, they really are good pieces of workout equipment. There are a couple of things you will want to know before you buy a workout ball, read: Read Pilates Fitness and Exercise Balls for more information on buying and working with fitness balls.

Books make great gifts. And there are some wonderful Pilates books available. Two of my favorites are:
For beginners: The Everything Pilates Book, by Alpers and Segel.
For the serious student: Pilates, by Rael Isakowtiz.

Pilates magic circles -- also known as exercise rings, magic rings, fitness circles -- may be my top choice for small portable pieces of Pilates equipment. They are traditional pieces of equipment and provide a very good resistance workout. Magic circles are great for toning the abs, arms, butt, legs and torso.
Read: Before You Buy a Magic Circle

For those who are ready for a bit more investment, a Pilates reformer for home workouts is gift that will certainly be appreciated.

According to posts in the About.com Pilates Forum, and emails I have received, the AeroPilates reformer is quite popular as a portable home reformer. Several of the professional Pilates equipment manufacturers, such as Peak Pilates and Balanced Body, are making high quality home reformers as well.

Lots of people are fitting their Pilates classes into busy schedules. That means they need to take their workout gear with them when they set out for the day. You can't go wrong with gifting anyone a stylish, functional sports bag.

Very affordable, a foam body roller is a gift of relaxation. They are wonderful for massaging and stretching tight muscles. Foam rollers are easy to use and popular with just about everybody. Read more in The What and How of Foam Body Rollers.

Last but not least, many studios offer gift certificates for Pilates classes and individual instruction. This is a wonderful way to help someone who has been on the fence about exercise to get in there and give Pilates a try.