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The best Pilates equipment for hypermobility supports and aids your workout. As hypermobility puts you at greater risk of discomfort, it’s worth investing in Pilates equipment that helps with post-workout recovery too. Even if you just want to do basic Pilates – or mat Pilates, as it’s well-known – a good-quality Pilates mat is a must.
Pilates is highly recommended as an exercise for people with hypermobility as it can reduce pain, improve stability, and help with mental health problems caused by hypermobility.
Ready to get started with Pilates? Then, make sure you’ve got the following Pilates equipment to hand.
Thick Pilates Mat
A thick Pilates mat provides cushioning and support during floor exercises. For individuals with hypermobility, a mat helps create a stable surface for movements, reducing the risk of overstretching or hyperextending joints. The mat provides a comfortable base for various Pilates exercises, allowing individuals to focus on controlled movements, muscle engagement, and proper alignment. When it comes to protecting your hypermobile joints, we say the thicker the Pilates mat, the better. So, look for a Pilates mat that’s 15 mm thick or thicker.
Pilates Ball
A Pilates ball is also known as a small stability ball. It’s a versatile tool that adds support and challenge to exercises. For people with hypermobility, the ball can be strategically placed to provide additional support to the spine, limbs, or other joints during exercises. It encourages controlled movement and engages specific muscle groups, helping to stabilize joints and prevent overextension.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are elastic bands that add resistance to exercises. These bands are excellent for individuals with hypermobility because they provide controlled resistance, promoting muscle activation without relying solely on joint mobility. They can be used to target specific muscle groups, building strength and stability while minimizing the risk of overstretching.
Pilates Ring
A Pilates ring is also known as a magic circle. It’s a flexible circle with padded handles. It’s used to add resistance and support to exercises. For people with hypermobility, the ring can be placed between limbs or added to exercises to provide gentle resistance. This helps engage muscles and stabilize joints, ensuring controlled movement patterns and proper muscle activation.
Pilates Block
A Pilates block is a foam or cork block that can be used to modify exercises and provide support. Individuals with hypermobility can use the block to adjust the range of motion in certain exercises, preventing excessive stretching. Placing a block under the hands or feet can help maintain proper alignment and muscle engagement during movements.
Knee Pads
Knee pads provide cushioning and support for the knees during exercises that involve kneeling or pressing against the knees. People with hypermobility often find that Pilates can improve knee pain. But using knee pads offers extra protection to prevent strain or discomfort in the knee joints.
Reformer with Adjustable Springs
Reformer Pilates involves using a machine to do Pilates rather than a mat. This type of Pilates can be good for hypermobile people who find it hard to get up and down on the floor. A foldable Pilates Reformer machine with adjustable springs is a dynamic piece of Pilates equipment. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with hypermobility because the adjustable springs allow for controlled resistance. This support helps stabilize joints during movements, promoting muscle engagement and controlled motion. The Reformer’s carriage provides a controlled surface for exercises, enhancing stability and control.
Non-Slip Pilates Socks
Non-slip Pilates socks have grippy soles that provide traction on the mat or equipment. These socks are important for individuals with hypermobility as they offer stability and prevent slipping, reducing the risk of overstretching or straining joints during exercises. The grip enhances overall safety and control during movements.
Foam Roller
Foam rollers are designed to be used after a Pilates workout. It’s used for deep-tissue massage and stretching. For individuals with hypermobility, the foam roller can be used to target specific muscle groups and improve muscle activation. It can also help with postural alignment and release tension in tight muscles, promoting better joint stability.
TOP TIPS: Use a foam roller and/or massage ball for 10 minutes each evening to relax your body.
Massage Ball
A massage ball is a small, firm ball used for targeted self-massage and trigger point release. For people with hypermobility, a massage ball can be used to address muscle imbalances, tightness, or discomfort. This can help improve muscle function and overall joint stability by releasing tension in overly tight muscles.
There are a lot of different pieces of Pilates equipment for hypermobility. Some will help you perform Pilates moves with increased ease, while others will help your body to heal after your workout. So, if you haven’t yet added these pieces of Pilates equipment to your home gym, make sure you add them to your shopping list today.
