- What you bring to Pilates can enhance your workout experience and ensure you feel comfortable and confident.
- If you’re not sure what to bring to your next class, explore this guide for a breakdown of the essentials.
- Sol and Selene can also help you find the best Pilates bags to help you experience better mat or reformer classes.
Whether it’s your very first Pilates session or you’re an experienced Pilates-lover who goes several times a week, there are always new methods for enhancing your studio experience. If you’re wondering what to bring to Pilates or which is the best Pilates bag for your needs, the team at Sol and Selene has answers. Follow along with our blog as we review Pilates bag essentials and more here.
How to Prep for Class
Preparing for your class the night before can help you save time and reduce stress before you head out. We recommend choosing your workout clothing and packing your essentials ahead of time so you don’t spend the last few minutes before leaving the house in a flurry of activity trying to find missing water bottles, socks, or hair ties. Better to be overprepared than struggling at the last minute over what to bring to Pilates!
Clothing Options
The best clothing for Pilates is form-fitting with full coverage. We recommend wearing leggings and a slim-fit tee to minimize the chances of getting caught on the reformer and to ensure the instructor can clearly see your body movements. Avoid baggy sweats and oversized tees. You may also be required to wear grippy socks.
Hydration Needs
Drinking water during class is important, but making sure you’re fully fueled before class even starts is also crucial. If you’re going to be out all day before class, make sure you pack a few snacks among your Pilates bag essentials to keep your energy up throughout the day. You can even carry your water bottle in a mini crossbody to stay hydrated all day long.
Arrive Early
Whether you need to change or you like to stretch before class starts, arriving a few minutes early gives you the time you need to settle in. Rushing into class late usually negatively affects your class experience, impedes the work of the teacher, and distracts other students.
What to Pack
Now let’s talk about what to bring to Pilates that will ensure you have an amazing workout! Read through this checklist to make sure you have all of these Pilates bag essentials.
- Grippy Socks: These are specialized socks with rubberized soles that provide you with extra traction and stability when you’re on a mat or a reformer.
- Water Bottle: Pilates is a tough workout, so make sure you hydrate periodically with a durable, reusable, leak-proof water bottle.
- Hair Ties: Keeping your hair out of your face will prevent distractions at crucial moments. Store a few in your best Pilates bag in case you or others forget one.
- Personal Hygiene Products: Deodorant, face spray, and hand sanitizer can all help you refresh after a difficult workout.
- Towel: Even though Pilates is a low-impact workout, you’ll still be sweating a ton. Wipe away drips to prevent slippery surfaces.
- Dry Bag: If you plan to change out of your sweaty clothing after class, make sure you have a dry bag to store them away from your other essentials.
- Snacks: Eating before Pilates fuels you up, while eating after helps revive you after class.
With this list of what to bring to Pilates, you’re ready to go — except for a bag! If you don’t have a Pilates bag, we recommend exploring a few different options that provide the most comfort and convenience.
Best Types of Pilates Bags
Depending on whether you’re attending a mat class or a reformer class, your preferred bag selection may change. A mat class may require you to bring your own yoga mat, while reformer classes may require blocks or elastics. Most studios will provide some equipment, but double-check what they have so you know what to bring to Pilates. Here are a few of the best Pilates bag recommendations to help you choose!
Pilates Mat Bag
If all you need is a mat and a water bottle, we recommend a Pilates mat bag to keep your carrying lightweight. You can fit a rolled-up mat and water bottle, as well as a few other essentials. These bags typically have extra zippered pockets for socks, hair ties, and snacks.
Crossbody Tote
If you prefer more of a duffel bag situation, we recommend our medium-sized crossbody tote that will hold anything and everything. These are duffel bags, but we made them fashion! They feature a woven, textured exterior available in a variety of colors, as well as adjustable straps, an open interior, and a removable zipper pouch.
Backpack
Not everyone has a bag for each part of their life. For a bag that offers the most versatility between workout classes, work/school, and other parts of your life, we recommend a backpack. Our backpacks come in so many sizes and colors, we’re confident that you’ll find one that can handle everything life throws at you.
What to Expect From Your Pilates Studio
So we’ve talked about the best Pilates bags, what to bring to Pilates, and a little bit of what you can expect from class. Now it’s time to review all the things a Pilates studio will provide for you when you attend a class.
Part of vetting a new studio means making sure they’re providing quality instruction and facilities. Check that your studio provides the appropriate equipment, including reformers, cadillacs, chairs, blocks, balls, bands, and other essentials. You also want to work in a comfortable space, so changing facilities, bathrooms, air conditioning, and lockers or cubbies are must-haves. Finally, your Pilates instructor should be certified to ensure they know how to lead a class, how to adjust students, and how to modify exercises for injuries.
Time to Work Out!
Now that you know what to bring to Pilates, you can proceed to your next class with confidence. Even if class is hard and you need to modify exercises for your skill or strength level, you should feel proud of yourself for exploring new types of workouts and pushing your limits to grow and improve.
For more workout prep tips, Sol and Selene is always here to help. Shop our selection of bags to find new arrivals and iconic favorites, and visit our blog to discover more guides.
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