Are you looking for a way to strengthen, stretch, and tone your muscles? Want to improve your posture? Give Pilates a try. No need for a gym membership or fancy equipment. Just an exercise mat, comfy clothes, and a Pilates app, and you’re ready to start seeing results. But wait…how do you know which app is for you? StudyFinds has got you covered! We’ve compiled the data to provide you with a list of the top five best Pilates apps, according to experts.
Here in America, we have been called an “out of shape nation,” with reportedly half of Americans admitting they can’t touch their toes without straining. A recent study polled 2,000 U.S. adults to see how they’re staying active as their routines and lifestyles have undergone drastic changes over the past few years. Pilates could be the answer to helping us get back in shape with its movements that range from low to moderate-intensity exercise.
Feeling anxious or depressed? Pilates can help with emotions, too. Notably, study authors from the University of South Australia showed that exercise appears to be more effective for mental well-being than other common remedies such as prescription drugs or therapy. There are other benefits to Pilates as well. You can do it at home, on your own schedule, and in your own space. A survey of 2,000 participants showed two-thirds of participants would rather exercise at home than the gym. Sounds like a win-win!
Ready to give Pilates a try and start experiencing the benefits for yourself? Grab your favorite device and get ready to explore the top five best Pilates apps most recommended by experts. Let us know in the comments which app you like the best!
The List: Best Pilates Apps, According to Experts
1. Alo Moves
Movement is a vital part of the effectiveness of Pilates. Pilates Moves You describes Alo Moves as “a comprehensive fitness app best known for its yoga offerings, but it also features a robust selection of Pilates classes. The app’s Pilates segment is designed to cater to all levels, providing users with various workouts that target strength, flexibility, and balance. Alo Moves stands out for its high-quality video production and world-class instructors. Each class is beautifully filmed and accompanied by detailed cues and instructions, ensuring users perform exercises correctly and effectively.”
Active notes that Alo Moves is “one of the most popular and downloaded yoga and Pilates apps in the world.” Definitely worth downloading it for yourself!
“Alo Moves offers a variety of Pilates sessions to choose from, and its algorithm is excellent at tailoring its recommendations to your preferred workout styles—e.g. duration, difficulty, and class type. The instructors are cheerful, motivating, and knowledgeable, and help [you] look forward to class each and every day,” says Reviewed. So give it a try and let us know in the comments what you think!
2. Pilates Anytime
The name of this next app literally states a major benefit of Pilates, being able to exercise anytime to fit your personal schedule. The Nessie describes Pilates Anytime as a fusion with “incredibly fun classes,” and “variability in class style and length.” They go on to explain that “rather than sticking with well-known Pilates moves, most Pilates Anytime classes incorporate barre, kickboxing, and yoga. Some classes include cardio, whereas others are mat-focused.”
Want a Pilates app on your own level? Pilates Anytime app “contains routines for everyone from total beginners right up to seasoned professionals, so it’s just a case of finding your level and enjoying the challenge. With new videos added each week and many instructors teaching from beautiful outdoor locations, there’s much to attract you to this app,” adds Make Use Of.
With thousands of classes and over 200 leading industry instructors, Pilates Anytime lets you decide what meets your personal preferences and needs. “You can take mat classes that require little to no other equipment or reformer classes for those with a full at-home or studio set-up,” stated Mind Body Green Movement. They listed it among the top six for online Pilates classes, noting that “there’s also an app for Apple and Android users that’s earned a 4.9 overall rating in the Apple App Store.” Try Pilates Anytime today and let us know in the comments if you’d recommend it to others too!
3. Pilatesology
So maybe fusion Pilates isn’t your thing; maybe you prefer traditional movements instead. Very Well Fit notes that Pilatesology is “often referred to as the gold standard in online Pilates classes” with its “robust selection of beginner through advanced classes with quality instructors who focus on classical Pilates exercises.”
When trying to determine which class is best for you, Pilatesology has you covered. Mind Body Green adds that the “site has a detailed filtering system that allows you to find the workouts that are right for you, and searching by equipment is easy. You’ll also have access to workshops and tutorials to deepen your practice, both of which are included in a monthly subscription. Pilatesology is also one of the best places to go for online reformer Pilates classes, whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced student. Pilates teachers even use the content to refresh their skills.”
Working out at home can sometimes feel lonely compared to going to a gym. Pilatesology provides a solution for that problem. It “hosts a bi-monthly book club—a fun way to meet fellow Pilates lovers and connect with a health-focused community,” as stated by Active.
4. FitOn
Looking for a free Pilates app? FitOn fits the bill (or lack of bill unless you decide to upgrade to their in-app purchases or Pro subscription). Pilates Moves You says, “FitOn is a comprehensive fitness app offering a variety of workout plans, including Pilates. The app’s Pilates segment provides workouts that strengthen the core, improve flexibility, and promote full-body fitness. FitOn’s personalized fitness plans and live workout sessions featuring celebrity trainers stand out. Users can join workout challenges for extra motivation and compete with friends to reach fitness goals. In addition to Pilates, FitOn provides access to other workouts like HIIT, dance, yoga, and strength training, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded fitness routine. The app also includes features like meal plans and mental health resources.”
Need help maintaining a workout plan? Reviewed (part of the USA Today Network) suggests that “those who struggle to stick to a regular exercise routine will want to check out FitOn. The app’s motivational workout plans, calendar reminders, and social features make it exciting to open and use every day—and it has a wide selection of Pilates sessions available so you can hit the mat at home.”
Prevention adds, “If you’ve ever wanted to work out with celebs, consider downloading FitOn. This fitness app offers free exercise videos and customizable workout plans led by notable trainers and celebrities such as Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, and more. Workouts range from cardio and HIIT to strength training and Pilates. The app also features guided meditations for relaxation. And with over 200,000 ratings on iTunes, FitOn is loved by customers, who rated it 4.9 out of 5 stars. The best part? The app is free to download.”
5. 5 Minute Pilates
Most of us stay busy with work, family, friends, and various activities. Who has time for a long workout every day? Even a quick exercise routine can lead to numerous health benefits. Available for Apple and Android, “5 Minute Pilates Workouts is an app designed for those who want to fit Pilates into their busy schedules,” says Pilates Moves You. “With concise, effective workouts that take only five minutes, this app makes it easier than ever to maintain a consistent fitness routine. The app offers a range of exercises targeting different body parts, including the core, legs, and arms, all demonstrated with clear video instructions. You can customize workouts to suit your fitness level and goals and track your progress. Despite the quick workouts, 5 Minute Pilates doesn’t compromise on quality. Each routine offers maximum benefit within a limited time, helping improve flexibility, strength, and posture. This app is free to download, with in-app purchases available for additional features and exercises.”
It may be number five on our list, but according to How To Geek, “this app prides itself on providing fast and easy Pilates workouts that strengthen your core while improving your flexibility. Each day, you can select one or more workouts from a list of more than 70 sessions. Each exercise includes a clear description and 3D animation, so all you have to do is roll out a mat and follow along until the five-minute timer runs out.”
So, what’s the price tag on this quick workout app? Active explains that “5-Minute Pilates Workouts is free to download, but you can upgrade to a premium level by paying for a monthly or yearly subscription. The app is very simple to use and has a straightforward, minimalistic design that we like.”
Check it out for yourself, along with all of the other top Pilates apps. Let us know in the comments which app you like the best and if there are others you think should be added to our list!
You may also be interested in:
- Best Yoga Apps
- Best Personal Training Apps
- Best Home Workout Equipment of 2023
- Best Dumbbells for Home Gyms
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic
- Alo Moves
- Pilates Moves You
- Active
- Reviewed
- Pilates Anytime
- The Nessie
- Make Use Of
- Mind Body Green Movement
- Apple App Store Review
- Pilatesology
- Very Well Fit
- FitOn
- Prevention
- How to Geek
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.