There’s nothing like finding a good deal on something you use daily—and exercising control over your wallet while exercising is a particularly good example. There are lots of ways to get a great workout without paying full in-studio prices. That’s where at-home options come in—offering the benefits of a solid sweat without the time, cost, or commitment of heading to a studio.
For many, the experience of getting ready and heading to the gym to work out alongside others is part of the appeal—and there are real benefits to in-person classes. For others, though, the investment (in time, money and other logistics) can be an inconvenience.
And an investment it is. Amongst gymgoers, Pilates has developed a reputation for being pricy and inaccessible—largely due to the cost of specialized equipment like reformers and the extensive certification required for instructors. Of course, its exclusivity is also a sign of its popularity—even the royal family’s eyeing it as aside hustle.
According to research in the National Library of Medicine, Pilates—a workout regime created by the German circus performer Joseph Pilates while he was detained in an internment camp during the First World War—emphasizes core stabilization, controlled movement and breathwork to enhance muscular strength, flexibility and balance through a combination of 50 repetitive exercises.
Classes can range from $30 or $150 per session—if not more still, depending on the studio’s location and how well-known the instructor is.
But who says you have to pay at all? You can take classes for free courtesy of certified instructors on YouTube and other streaming platforms. Yes, following these virtual classes would likely mean purchasing equipment like resistance bands or foam rollers that might be available free of charge at an in-person class. But the cost difference between a one-time purchase that’s yours to keep and a shared, suspiciously sweat-stained gym mat—plus repeated studio fees—makes it worth reconsidering. You could also DIY it with an old towel as a mat—the choice is yours!
You won’t get the potential one-on-one interactions with an instructor that come with in-studio attendance, but the best videos still offer comprehensive guidance to assist you with your form, and that can be a great starting point.
And there are also an abundant array of perks apparent: The ‘oh, but it takes too long to get to the gym’ excuse no longer sticks when you can take a class anywhere and everywhere—and on your own schedule. For those more self-conscious about working out, virtual classes give you the privacy that wouldn’t be afforded in a group session.
Then there’s the range of sessions available—literally—at the click of a button. Want a 10-minute morning stretch? To focus solely on your core, or on gaining flexibility? Looking for classes tailored to pregnant people, or seniors? It’s all available, and it’s much easier to experiment with different styles and instructors until you find one that truly, well, clicks.
Here’s what I’ve learned in taking a lot of these classes: three things matter in particular—ensuring instructors have a degree of versatility in their content, that they offer comprehensive guides and challenges for viewers and that there is a balance of workout intensity and recovery in their exercises. And here are five instructors whose work-outs check all the right boxes:
With over 200 videos and four million subscribers, Nicole McPherson provides versatile content from power Pilates with weights to Pilates ring workouts. If you’re planning to work out consistently, McPherson has you covered with playlists—including as many as six classes each week—to see you through a full year’s worth of Pilates growth.
Alex Langdon is a great choice for those interested in Reformer Pilates—Pilates using a rectangular machine that helps strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve flexibility. (Reformer Pilates is best undertaken by those who consider themselves at an intermediate level.) Langdon also sets herself apart from the crowd with prenatal workout videos designed for pregnant people who’ve been cleared to exercise by medical professionals. While Langdon does have a portion of her content behind a paywall, a majority of her videos are free to viewers. And her three-tier virtual subscription, however, is still a much cheaper option than going in-studio.
With over 1,000 videos, Lilly Sabri’s background as a healthcare provider makes her videos extremely detailed and targeted—perfect for beginners! Sabri is a licensed physiotherapist and APPI Pilates instructor; a Pilates curriculum fully designed, taught, and developed by physiotherapists—whose content is particularly suited for those looking for full-body workouts that leave you feeling the burn.
Mira Hassan’s easy-to-follow, short and sweet workouts are perfect for beginners or anyone looking to squeeze in a quick session after work. Hassan’s YouTube is filled with posture-fixing videos, stretching routines and full-body exercises. You can also find free Pilates challenges on her website.
Madeleine Abeid is an expert in mat Pilates, a particularly good choice for anyone seeking to exercise primarily from home. Abeid has multiple one-month, one-week, two-week Pilates plans filled with sculpt, full-body, and core workout videos.
Of course, there are a multitude of other content creators out there. Find the best fit for you, roll out that yoga mat, press play and start sweating for free. Your wallet (and your core) will thank you.
