The Rise of At-Home Pilates: Your Guide to Practicing in 2025
As of 2025, the Pilates and yoga studio landscape in the UK has blossomed to a staggering 5,227 studios. This boom is particularly noticeable in bustling areas like southeast London, where a flurry of new studios has recently opened their doors. However, if you’re not ready to shell out £15 or more per class, there’s fantastic news: Pilates is entirely doable from the comfort of your home. Simply searching “Pilates workout YouTube” yields an astounding 52.7 million results, with options catering to every fitness level, time constraint, and personal goal.
Joseph Pilates, the founder of this transformative fitness discipline, famously declared: “In 10 sessions, you’ll feel the difference; in 20 sessions, you’ll see the difference; and in 30 sessions, you’ll have a whole new body.” You don’t need to spend a fortune on studio classes to gain these benefits—consistent practice at home can yield the same results. Below is a curated list of some of the best at-home Pilates workouts, alongside tips on how to effectively perform Joseph Pilates’ original exercises.
15 Best At-Home Pilates Workouts
Home Pilates Workouts Under 10 Minutes
1. Blast Your Core in Five Minutes | Isa Welly
Less really is more, as pro-dancer turned Pilates instructor Isa demonstrates in this concentrated five-minute session.
2. Challenge Your Core in Ten Minutes | BodyFit By Amy
Get ready for some serious “delayed onset muscle soreness” (DOMS) as you follow along with LA-based instructor Amy Kiser Schemper.
3. Advanced Pilates in Ten Minutes | The Live Fit Girl
Instructor Deanna ensures you won’t rest on your Pilates laurels; be prepared for a challenge!
Home Pilates Workouts Under 20 Minutes
4. 13-Minute Pregnancy Glute Workout | Pilates PT Hollie Grant
Designed for serious glute activation, this session is beneficial for both expecting moms and those simply seeking to strengthen their posterior.
5. Feel-Good Pilates in 15 Minutes | Freshly Centered
Instructor Tracey guides you through an intermediate-level workout that targets every muscle.
6. Total-Body Pilates Flow in 18 Minutes | Lottie Murphy
A feel-good flow that quickly becomes a favorite among Lottie’s followers.
7. Pilates for Sculpted Arms in 20 Minutes | Blogilates
Target your biceps and triceps without even using free weights, thanks to the innovative approach of instructor Cassey Ho.
8. 20-Minute Full-Body Intermediate Pilates Class | Move with Nicole
A rigorous session aimed at more seasoned Pilates enthusiasts, this class requires no equipment.
Home Pilates Workouts Under 30 Minutes
9. Beginners Pilates in 23 Minutes | Isa Welly
A welcoming session tailored for beginners, led by the talented Isa.
10. Pilates for Your Bum in 25 Minutes | BodyFit By Amy
This intense session is designed to help you grow your backside.
11. Pilates for Solid Glutes in 25 Minutes | Fiit
Lottie Murphy demonstrates multiple angle approaches to maximize glute engagement.
12. Cardio Pilates in 26 Minutes | Jessica Smith
Elevate your heart rate with this dynamic, fast-paced session.
Home Pilates Workouts 30 Minutes or Longer
13. Pilates PT Method™ 30-Minute Workout | Pilates PT Hollie Grant
For those who like to finish drenched in sweat, this session combines HIIT exercises with core-strengthening Pilates.
14. 30-Minute Weighted Pilates Total Body Workout | Isa Welly
Grab some dumbbells and get ready for a challenging full-body workout.
15. Fat-Burning Pilates in 60 Minutes | Pilates With Hannah
For those in search of a robust challenge, Hannah’s one-hour routine will certainly push your limits.
34 Original Pilates Exercises to Try at Home
The foundational exercises developed by Joseph Pilates are critical to developing a deep and lasting understanding of the discipline. Below are 34 exercises you can incorporate into your practice:
- The Hundred
- The Roll Up
- The Roll Over with Legs Spread
- The Single Leg Circle
- Rolling Like a Ball
- Single Leg Stretch
- Double Leg Stretch
- Spine Stretch
- Rocker with Legs Wide
- The Corkscrew
- The Saw
- The Swan Dive
- The Single Leg Kick
- The Double Leg Kick
- The Neck Pull
- The Scissors
- The Bicycle
- The Shoulder Bridge
- The Spine Twist
- The Jackknife
- The Side Kick
- The Teaser
- The Hip Twist
- Swimming
- The Leg Pull – Front
- The Leg Pull – Side
- The Kneeling Side Kick
- The Side Bend
- The Boomerang
- The Seal
- The Crab
- The Rocking
- The Control Balance
- The Push-Up
How to Do 5 Common Pilates Exercises at Home
1. The Single-Leg Circle
Difficulty: Beginner
How to:
- Lie flat on your back with arms and legs straight.
- Raise one leg in the air, exhaling as you do. Focus on keeping the pelvis stable.
- Draw your leg across your body and trace a circle in the air.
- Repeat in the other direction, and then switch legs.
Modification: Bend both knees to make it easier.
2. Spine Stretch
Difficulty: Beginner
How to:
- Sit with legs extended in front of you.
- Spread your legs slightly wider than mat width.
- Raise both arms to shoulder height and inhale. As you exhale, curl your chin to your chest, reaching forward.
- Inhale to return to a straight-back position.
Modification: Bend your knees for ease.
3. The Roll-Up
Difficulty: Intermediate
How to:
- Lie flat on your back with arms overhead.
- Inhale, and as you exhale, lift your arms and head, peeling off the mat to a seated position.
- Roll back down to the mat, reversing the movement.
Modification: Use momentum or bend your knees if needed.
4. The Shoulder Bridge
Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
How to:
- Lie flat on your back with knees bent and feet hip-distance apart, pressed into the mat.
- Exhale, tilting your pelvis to lift your hips, creating a straight line from knees to shoulders.
- Hold for a moment and then roll back down.
Modification: Hold the bridge longer for more of a challenge.
5. Single Leg Stretch
Difficulty: Intermediate
How to:
- Lie on your back, drawing both knees to your chest.
- Lift your head and shoulders off the floor while holding one leg.
- Alternate between legs in a controlled manner, maintaining stability.
Modification: Extend your leg lightly above the ground for an easier version.
5 Tips for a Successful At-Home Pilates Workout
1. Clear a Space Big Enough
Ensure you have enough room to stretch your arms fully without hitting walls or furniture. An inch of space can make all the difference in your practice.
2. Invest in the Right Equipment
A decent exercise or yoga mat is essential for cushioning your body. A thicker style can protect your spine during exercises and enhance your comfort.
3. Breathe, Rather Than Brace
Proper breathing techniques are essential in Pilates. Avoid holding your breath, as that results in bracing rather than engaging the proper muscles.
4. Put Your Phone on Silent
Distraction can hinder your concentration, so make sure to silence notifications or leave your phone in another room while you practice.
5. Shut All Pets Out of the Room
While furry friends can be lovely companions, they can also disrupt your balance and focus. Keeping them in another room ensures a distraction-free session.
Can You Do Pilates at Home?
Absolutely! While some forms of Pilates reference equipment like the reformer or Cadillac, many workouts utilize just your bodyweight, allowing you to practice at home with minimal gear. All you need is an exercise mat, and you can embark on your Pilates journey without breaking the bank.
By incorporating these insights and exercises into your routine, you can unlock the full potential of Pilates right from your living room. No studio? No problem!