Greetings Village,

With the surge of virtual exercise classes, I’m often asked about what one needs for my Zoom classes: Intermediate Pilates Matwork, Foam Roller Massage, Breathwork for Stress Relief, and Private Sessions.

This month I thought I’d share my favorite at-home, exercise props!

Lesley’s Favorite Things

Foam Rollers

Every Thursday at 8:30am I teach a 30-minute class completely on the Foam Roller.

The class includes movements for

Stretching your chest, shoulders, back, and hips and
Massaging your back, neck, gluts, and legs (even your feet!)

Foam Rollers come in different hardnesses depending on your needs, and I can help you decide what will work best for you. Local company OPTP in Plymouth always has Foam Rollers handy, you can call and pick them up in their showroom.

OPTP Pro-Roller Standard Firmness: https://www.optp.com/PRO-ROLLER-Standard?kw=Foam%20Roller

OPTP Pro-Roller Soft: https://www.optp.com/PRO-ROLLER-Soft?kw=Foam%20Roller

Pilates “Magic” Circle

The Pilates Circle, or Magic Circle as it is sometimes referred to, is a prop I utilize the most for stretching your hamstrings, inner thighs, and IT bands. It can also be used for arm and leg strengthening exercises, but my clients LOVE it for stretching. Almost all of my City of Minnetonka Mat Class participants use one during class when it’s time to stretch.

OPTP has my favorite circle on the market, and like the Foam Rollers, you can call and pick one up at their showroom in Plymouth. (I am more than happy to grab a Magic Circle or Foam Roller for you too if we meet in person during the week.)

AeroPilates Magic Circle: https://www.optp.com/Pilates-Magic-Circle?kw=pilates%20circle

Yoga Mats

Yoga Mats come in all types and price points. Recently I have decided that thicker mats are best for Pilates Matwork exercises, and thinner “grippy” mats are best for Yoga (personal preference). I have included a Pilates option from Target, and a specific brand I love for yoga, but it is pricey and you can always find a less expensive option.

Pilates Mat (Thick): https://www.target.com/p/fitness-yoga-mat-15mm-bird-island-blue-all-in-motion-8482/-/A-82676783?preselect=77459854

Manduka Yoga Mat (thinner): https://a.co/d/i5aqPYN

(This comes in different colors and sizes)

Weights

You don’t have to use weights, but I have found using small weights from 1 lbs - 5 lbs can be useful to tone arms, help balance, and challenge squats.

Hand Weights: 2lbs, 3lbs, and 5lbs at Target

https://www.target.com/p/dumbbell-all-in-motion/-/A-79295269?preselect=77459851#lnk=sametab

Smaller Soft Weights from Amazon:https://a.co/d/9cB3hJS

I have used these with clients that are struggling with grip strength and need the soft-grip strap for their hands and wrists.

Rollga

For a deeper massage for your back, gluts, or feet, the Rollga can be a great tool for an at-home massage. Some of my clients use the Rollga during our Foam Roller Massage classes for deeper work on tight muscles.

Rollga: https://a.co/d/j9Xo9V1

So what sounds like your favorite that you want to add to your “at-home” arsenal?

If you are looking for my personal opinion, I would start with a Foam Roller from OPTP and try-out the Thursday morning class - you will not regret it!

As always, I am here to answer questions and help guide you with your goal for better health, strength, and wellness for an enhanced quality of life.

See you on the mat!

Lesley