Thoughtful gifts for Pilates lovers
Looking for a thoughtful gift for a Pilates-loving friend, family member or even yourself? 😉 Look no further, we’ve browsed and shortlisted some great Pilates gift ideas (with links!) for you and your Pilates-loving friends.
PROPER PILATES MAT
Protect your spine with a Pilates Mat
Align-Pilates Studio Pilates Mat is available from The Mad Group
A pilates mat is generally 10-15mm thick so unlike a yoga mat, it is cushioned and protects the spine in so many of the exercises, particularly the ones that include rolling.
The Align-Pilates Studio Pilates Mat from The Mad Group is the perfect exercise mat for Pilates due to its comfortable size and excellent cushioning, which supports the back and joints while doing mat Pilates.
TOASTIE TOES
Get a good grip sock
Grip socks provide a stable foundation and traction to help prevent slipping and injuries on the mat, especially on Pilates equipment. They can help you maintain proper form and alignment, especially when performing exercises that require balance or engaging your core. They are also more hygienic. We’re big fans of Toesox (available in the studio) because they encourage a toe spread, which is important for the health of our feet. But, in colder months, your feet may appreciate these longer, warmer tube-style grip socks with a charitable ethos…
Gingko Grippies Pilates Socks
Gingko Grippies began as a little side hustle by Zoe Fisher who also runs a Pilates studio in West Sussex, but they now sell across the UK and provide socks to cancer wards up and down the country.
Banish lost Pilates socks!
A practical stocking filler to gift with a fresh pair of Pilates grip socks is a mesh wash bag so they don’t lose their partner or just completely vanish in the wash (where do they go?!) Lots of retailers stock them.
RELAXING AROMAS
Promote relaxation with aromatherapy
Aery Reed Diffusers smell divine and help set the mood for Pilates
Our busy brains quieten when we engage our senses, making it easier to let go of stress and focus on the present moment. Practicing Pilates in a tranquil space promotes relaxation and helps you unwind. Thoughtful additions to your space like an aromatic diffuser, reed diffuser or room spray can transform it to a sanctuary of calm.
You’ll have likely experienced the aroma of the Aery Living reed diffuser in our cloakroom area - we love them - Try the Aery Happy Space Reed Diffuser or shop their website for more beautiful mood-setting aromas and gift sets.
We also love the Sand + Fog Room sprays.
If you’ve missed online order deadlines, try Neal’s Yard for diffusers, or many of the wonderful independent gift and lifestyle shops around Shrewsbury.
IMMERSE YOURSELF
Deepen your practice with music
At a background level, music can create an atmosphere of ease, energy, joy, whatever suits the vibe of your Pilates session. The rhythm of the music can help synchronise your movements with your breath and encourage concentration. Slower tempo tracks can encourage mindfulness and connect with our bodies for a more holistic experience. Curated Pilates playlists are readily available, so consider gifting a subscription to Apple Music or Spotify Premium to avoid jarring advertising interruptions. Or make a playlist for someone special!
Alternatively, share the benefits of better sleep, relaxation, and mindfulness with a gift subscription to a meditation app like Calm, offering guided sessions, soothing soundscapes, and tools to support relaxation and focus both on and off the mat.
SUSTAINABLE PILATES GIFTS
Release tension from the feet up
Releasing myofascial tension in your feet, which includes the muscles, fascia and other surrounding tissues, can improve joint motion and circulation, help reduce aches and cramps, improve your balance, walking, and flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury.
Cork Massage balls - firm and sustainable
You can use a massage ball at the beginning of a Pilates session, or the end of a long day. When using a massage ball, avoid pushing it to intense pain or grimacing.
These Cork Massage Balls are a thoughtful, natural and sustainable treat for someone in need of muscle relief. Available at retailers like Yoga Matters, who also sell other sustainable cork props.
SOMETHING TO READ
Learn to Breathe
In his international bestseller Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art award-winning science journalist, James Nestor, travels the world to discover what went wrong in our evolution of breathing. Of this book, Dr Rangan Chattergee says “Who would have thought something as simple as changing the way we breathe could be so revolutionary for our health, from snoring to allergies to immunity? A fascinating book, full of dazzling revelations.”
The value of focusing the breath in Pilates makes this a useful read!
FOR THE PROP COLLECTOR
Align Your Spine
Cleverly designed to fit between the vertebra of the spine, the Spinefitter by SISSEL is an innovative physical therapy and Pilates device with 28 interconnected balls that improve mobility and massage, providing pressure on both sides of the spine relaxing the entire musculature of the spine and shoulders. Sissel the makers of the Spinefitter have also created lots of free videos which you can use for your home Practice.
FOR COMMITTED PRACTITIONERS
Learn the Lingo
An art print of the poster we have in the studio.
Enhance your Pilates knowledge by learning the lingo with a beautifully designed poster showcasing the classical positions—perfect for visual inspiration and improving your practice at a glance. There’s a good selection on Etsy, like this one.
If you’re looking for a little more colour and visual cues, the poster we love in the studio is also available as an art print.
COMFY CLOTHES
Comfort-first activewear
We can’t ignore Lauren’s absolute favourites for relaxed workouts and meditations as well as general lounging around! The Gary Yoga Pants from Sweaty Betty are just so soft and comfy. Grab a seasonal colour burgundy pair of Adanola Ultimate Leggings - seamless, comfortable and affordable! Alternatively, conscious brand BAM Clothing make leggings and tops sustainably from bamboo, providing comfort and breathability during Pilates.
STRENGTH & ENDURANCE
Hand weights
Combining Pilates with weights enhances strength, endurance and flexibility. Try the mini dumbbell from Pilates Mad or these wrist weights.
BALANCE & COORDINATION
Foam roller
Foam Rollers are great for releasing tension and working on balance in Pilates.
If you work on a screen then a foam roller could be at the top of your Pilates wish list to help you alleviate neck and shoulder tension, improve posture and decrease rounded forward shoulders. They’re readily available from many retailers from about £18 upwards, you’ll need a 90cm long foam roller for Pilates, like this Physioworx one used in the NHS, or this one from Core Balance.
GIVE THE ULTIMATE GIFT OF MOVEMENT
And for someone special in your life (and yes, that can be yourself!!) what could be more memorable than a gift that lasts a whole year and has transformative powers? We’re talking Pilates with Lauren anytime, anywhere:
Pilates At Home Annual Membership
You can buy an Annual Pilates At Home membership from Lauren Hilton Pilates to gift to someone special - email me directly for details.
QUICK TOUR
Take a look around LH Pilates At Home before you buy a membership…
I hope you’ve been inspired by some of these Pilates gift ideas. Feel free to share this blog with family and friends too! 😉
Wishing you all joy and peace into 2025!
Lauren and the team x
DISCLAIMER: Lauren Hilton is not affiliated with any of the third-party brands mentioned herein, and no financial benefits are gained through sharing this information. Lauren Hilton Pilates can take no responsibility for the third-party websites linked or the availability of products mentioned.
