Unable to hit the gym? Give Pilates on demand a shot

Joanna Kriehn, MS, RDN, CDCES - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

If you're looking to shake up your home workouts, then Pilates on demand may be just the ticket!
Many people think you need fancy equipment and a hefty, boutique price tag to enjoy Pilates, but with on-demand options, you can get the benefits using just a sticky workout mat. Here’s what you need to kickstart your pilates journey, along with some of our favorite workouts.

Pilates on demand at home: A simple way to feel stronger and more energized

Ready to mix up your home workout routine? Pilates could be exactly what you need.

While many picture Pilates as something you do on high-end machines with a private instructor, that’s not the whole story. Today’s on-demand options let you soak up many of the same benefits right from your living room–just grab a mat and device for the videos and you're good to go!

Let’s break it down and get you started.

What exactly is Pilates?

Pilates is a low-impact workout all about strengthening your core while improving posture, flexibility, and overall movement. Typical mat exercises are based on the moves developed by Joseph Pilates.

There are two main styles:

• Mat-based Pilates: Uses your body weight for resistance.
• Equipment-based Pilates: Uses machines like reformers with springs and pulleys.

If you're new to this, mat Pilates is a fabulous way to begin—anytime, anywhere, no equipment required.

Why people love Pilates

Pilates isn’t just about sculpting your abs (though your core will definitely thank you). With regular practice, you might notice a bunch of benefits, such as:

• Better flexibility
• Improved posture and balance
• Boosted overall strength
• Easier everyday movement
• Faster recovery after injury
• Stronger mind-body connection
• Support for weight-loss goals

It’s one of those workouts that quietly makes everything else in your life feel a bit easier.

Pilates vs. Yoga: What’s the difference?

Both Pilates and yoga are excellent low-impact workouts, but they bring different vibes:

• Pilates focuses on core strength and improving your day-to-day movement.
• Yoga leans more into relaxation, flexibility, and mindfulness.

If you aim to strengthen your core, feel stronger, and transform your everyday posture and movement, Pilates is a solid choice. If you're looking to unwind and de-stress, yoga might be more your speed.

Can Pilates help with weight loss?

Absolutely—especially when paired with cardio like walking, cycling, or swimming.

To maximize your results:

• Pick up the pace as you get comfy with movements.
• Aim for 3–4 sessions per week.
• Add light weights or resistance bands for an extra challenge.

It’s not about going all out—it’s about consistency.

Easy Pilates workouts to try

Here are a few beginner and intermediate-friendly Pilates-on-demand workouts:

Tracking your progress

If you’re using MyNetDiary, you can easily log your Pilates workouts:

• Tap "Exercise"
• Search for “Pilates”
• Choose your level and duration

When to level up

Online workouts are uber-convenient, but if you want to refine your form and progress faster, consider working with a certified Pilates instructor. They can spot when one part of your body is overdoing it while another is falling behind, something that’s tricky to do on your own. Finding the right studio and the best instructor to match your fitness goals might take a little time, but the right one will keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals faster.

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