This article will review the best Pilates app to kick-start your Pilates training. Pilates is a popular exercise method focusing on developing core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, Pilates has gained widespread recognition for its numerous physical and mental health benefits. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, an athlete, or someone looking to improve your overall well-being, Pilates offers a versatile and practical approach to exercise.
The foundation of Pilates lies in its emphasis on proper alignment, control, and precision of movement. By engaging the deep muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvic floor, Pilates aims to improve stability, posture, and overall body strength. It is a low-impact exercise method that can be tailored to suit individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
One of the critical aspects of Pilates training is its focus on breath and concentration. Pilates’ controlled breathing patterns help deepen the connection between the mind and body, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and improved mental clarity. By incorporating mindfulness into the practice, Pilates offers a holistic approach to physical fitness, benefiting both the body and the mind.
Pilates exercises can be performed on specialized equipment such as the reformer, cadillac, chair, or on a mat using just your body weight. The equipment provides resistance and support, allowing for various exercises that target different muscle groups and challenge the body in various ways. Mat Pilates, on the other hand, offers a versatile and accessible option that can be done almost anywhere, making it a convenient choice for many individuals.
What Are the Benefits of Pilates Training?
The benefits of Pilates training extend beyond physical fitness. Regular practice can help improve flexibility, balance, coordination, and posture. It can also enhance muscular endurance, tone the body, and prevent injuries. Moreover, Pilates promotes a sense of well-being, boosts self-confidence, and improves overall body awareness.
Which Pilates Apps Should You Use?
FitOn
One of the best Pilates apps to review on this list goes to FitOn. It’s a popular fitness app that offers various workout classes and programs to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. It provides access to a diverse library of workout videos led by certified trainers, making it a convenient and accessible option for people to exercise from their homes or on the go. FitOn offers a variety of workout categories to cater to different preferences and fitness levels.
Users can choose cardio, strength training, yoga, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), pilates, dance, and more. The app provides a well-rounded selection of workouts, allowing individuals to target specific focus areas or engage in full-body workouts. One of the critical features of FitOn is its flexibility and convenience. The app offers a library of on-demand workout videos that can be accessed anytime, making it suitable for individuals with busy schedules or those who prefer to exercise at their own pace.
Whether you have a few minutes or a full hour to spare, FitOn provides a range of workout durations to fit into your lifestyle. FitOn offers personalized workout recommendations based on your goals, fitness level, and preferences. The app allows you to create customized workout plans and track your progress. This can help individuals stay motivated, set achievable goals, and monitor their fitness journey.
Pros of Using FitOn
- Convenience and Flexibility: FitOn offers the comfort of exercising anytime and anywhere. With its on-demand workout library, you can access a wide range of workouts that suit your schedule and preferences. Whether you prefer to exercise at home, in a gym, or even while traveling, FitOn provides the flexibility to fit your fitness routine into your lifestyle.
- Diverse Workout Options and Expert Guidance: FitOn offers a variety of workout categories led by certified trainers. The app provides diverse workouts from cardio and strength training to yoga and pilates to cater to different fitness goals and interests. The guidance from expert trainers ensures that you are performing exercises correctly and safely, maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts.
Cons of Using FitOn
- Limited Personalization: While FitOn offers personalized workout recommendations based on your goals and fitness level, the level of customization may be limited compared to working with a personal trainer or attending in-person classes. The app provides general workout plans but may not fully address individual needs or specific fitness challenges.
- Limited Equipment-Based Workouts: While FitOn offers various workout categories, including bodyweight exercises, yoga, and cardio workouts, it may have limited options for equipment-based workouts. If you prefer using specific fitness equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or kettlebells, you may find the selection of equipment-focused workouts on FitOn to be relatively limited. This can be a drawback for individuals who prefer or require equipment-based training for their fitness routines. However, it’s worth noting that FitOn provides some workouts incorporating minimal equipment or alternatives for household items to supplement equipment use.
Pilates Anytime
The 2nd Pilates app is Pilates Anytime. This online platform provides a vast library of Pilates workouts and instructional videos. It offers a convenient and accessible way for individuals to practice Pilates from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they have internet access. Pilates Anytime is designed to cater to a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The primary feature of Pilates Anytime is its extensive collection of on-demand Pilates classes.
The platform offers diverse classes taught by highly skilled and certified Pilates instructors. These Pilates classes cover various Pilates styles, including classical, contemporary, mat-based, equipment-based, and specialized workouts. With hundreds of classes available, users can choose from different durations, difficulty levels, and focus areas, allowing them to customize their Pilates practice to meet their specific needs and preferences.
In addition to the classes, Pilates Anytime provides a wealth of educational content. The platform includes tutorials, workshops, and discussions on specific Pilates principles, techniques, and exercises. These resources offer in-depth insights and guidance for practitioners and aspiring Pilates instructors, making it a valuable learning tool for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Pilates.
Pilates Anytime is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean and intuitive interface. Users can easily navigate the platform, search for specific classes or instructors, and create personalized playlists. The platform also offers features like bookmarking, progress tracking, and favoriting, allowing users to keep track of their favorite classes, mark their progress, and easily revisit specific workouts.
Pros of Using Pilates Anytime
- Convenience and Accessibility: Pilates Anytime allows you to practice Pilates anytime and anywhere. The platform is accessible from any device with an internet connection, offering flexibility to fit your workouts into your schedule. You can choose from a wide range of classes, durations, and difficulty levels, allowing you to customize your practice to your specific needs and preferences.
- Diverse and Expert Instruction: Pilates Anytime provides access to a diverse array of highly skilled and certified Pilates instructors. The platform offers a vast library of classes, tutorials, and workshops that cover various Pilates styles and techniques. You can benefit from the expertise and guidance of instructors specializing in different areas, ensuring a high-quality Pilates experience and the opportunity to learn and progress in your practice continually.
Cons of Using Pilates Anytime
- Lack of In-Person Guidance: While Pilates Anytime offers a wealth of instructional videos and resources, it does not provide in-person guidance or direct feedback from an instructor. This absence of real-time guidance can be challenging, especially for beginners or individuals with specific physical limitations or injuries. Remembering proper form and technique while following the videos is essential to avoid potential injury or ineffective workouts.
- Equipment Limitations: While Pilates Anytime offers a wide range of mat-based Pilates classes, it may have limitations regarding equipment-based workouts. Pilates exercises involve specialized equipment such as reformers, chairs, or barrels. While Pilates Anytime provides some equipment-based classes, equipment availability may be limited, especially if you do not have access to Pilates equipment at home. This can restrict your ability to explore certain Pilates exercises requiring specific equipment fully.
Alo Moves
The 3rd Pilates app on this list is Alo Moves. It’s a popular fitness app that offers a wide range of yoga, fitness, and mindfulness content. It is designed to provide individuals with convenient access to high-quality workout classes and wellness programs that can be practiced anytime and anywhere. Alo Moves aims to cater to individuals of all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners, offering diverse classes and programs to suit different needs and preferences.
The core feature of Alo Moves is its extensive library of on-demand workout videos. The app provides a vast collection of yoga classes, ranging from various yoga styles like vinyasa, hatha, yin, and power yoga, to specialized practices such as prenatal yoga or yoga for specific body areas or goals. Additionally, Alo Moves offers a variety of fitness classes, including HIIT (high-intensity interval training), barre, Pilates, strength training, and more.
These classes are led by renowned instructors who provide clear guidance and demonstrations throughout the sessions. Alo Moves also offers curated programs and challenges that allow users to embark on a structured journey to achieve specific goals. These programs can range from beginner’s courses, yoga challenges, or multi-week fitness programs, providing a comprehensive and progressive approach to help individuals improve their practice or reach their fitness targets.
Alo Moves requires a subscription to access its full range of content. The subscription offers unlimited access to all classes, programs, and features within the app. It is available monthly or annually, providing flexibility in terms of subscription duration.
Pros of Using Alo Moves
- Variety of Content: Alo Moves offers a wide variety of content, including yoga, fitness, and mindfulness practices. With diverse classes, programs, and challenges, users can explore different styles, intensities, and focuses to suit their preferences and goals. This variety allows individuals to continually progress, try new practices, and find classes that align with their specific needs and interests.
- Renowned Instructors and High-Quality Instruction: Alo Moves features renowned instructors who provide high-quality instruction in their respective fields. The app offers access to expert guidance and demonstrations, ensuring users receive accurate cues, proper form, and effective workout techniques. This level of instruction helps individuals deepen their practice, improve their skills, and maintain a safe and engaging fitness experience.
Cons of Using Alo Moves
- Subscription-based Model: Alo Moves requires a subscription to access its entire library of content and features. While the subscription provides unlimited access to classes and programs, the cost may be a potential drawback for some users, especially those who prefer free or lower-cost alternatives. It’s important to evaluate the value you will derive from the app and consider whether the subscription cost aligns with your budget and fitness goals.
- Limited Personalized Feedback: One of the limitations of using Alo Moves is the lack of personalized feedback from instructors. Since the classes are pre-recorded, users do not have direct interaction or real-time instructor guidance. While the instructors provide clear instructions, adjustments, and modifications within the videos, the absence of individualized feedback can make it challenging for beginners or individuals with specific alignment concerns to receive customized guidance and corrections.
Pilatesology
Pilatesology is an online platform that offers a comprehensive collection of Pilates classes and resources. This app is dedicated to preserving the original teachings of Joseph Pilates and providing access to authentic Pilates workouts that stay true to his principles. Pilatesology aims to be a go-to resource for individuals looking to deepen their Pilates practice, enhance their teaching skills, or enjoy the benefits of classical Pilates exercises. The core feature of Pilatesology is its extensive library of Pilates videos.
The platform provides a vast collection of professionally filmed classes and tutorials led by highly skilled and experienced Pilates instructors. These videos cover a range of Pilates exercises, including mat- and equipment-based workouts. Pilatesology focuses on offering authentic and classical Pilates sessions, ensuring that users receive instruction and guidance that align with the original principles and intentions of the method. The instructors featured in Pilatesology are experts in the field and often have direct lineage to Joseph Pilates himself.
They provide clear, detailed instruction, emphasizing proper form, alignment, and breath control. The videos are designed to cater to individuals of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with modifications and progressions provided to accommodate different abilities. In addition to the workout videos, Pilatesology offers educational resources to support both practitioners and Pilates instructors. The platform provides tutorials, workshops, and in-depth discussions on various Pilates topics, including anatomy, teaching techniques, and the history and philosophy of Pilates.
These resources serve as valuable tools for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of Pilates and enhance their teaching skills. Pilatesology aims to create a community-driven experience, allowing users to interact and engage with fellow Pilates enthusiasts and instructors. The platform offers features like comment sections, forums, and the ability to ask questions, providing a space for users to connect, share experiences, and seek guidance or support from the Pilatesology community.
Pros of Using Pilatesology
- Authentic and Classical Pilates Instruction: Pilatesology is dedicated to preserving the original teachings of Joseph Pilates and offers authentic Pilates workouts that stay true to his principles. The platform provides access to videos led by highly skilled instructors with expertise and lineage in classical Pilates. This ensures that users receive instruction and guidance that align with the original intentions of the Pilates method, allowing them to experience the full benefits of the practice.
- Comprehensive Video Library and Educational Resources: Pilatesology offers a vast collection of professionally filmed videos, including mat-based and equipment-based pilates workouts. The platform also provides educational resources such as tutorials, workshops, and discussions on various Pilates topics. This comprehensive library allows users to explore different exercises, learn about Pilates principles, deepen their understanding, and continually progress in their practice.
Cons of Using Pilatesology
- Requires Subscription for Full Access: Pilatesology requires a subscription to access its full video library and educational resources. While the subscription provides unlimited access and value for individuals committed to regular Pilates practice, the cost may be a potential drawback for those who prefer free or lower-cost alternatives. It’s important to consider the subscription cost and evaluate whether it aligns with your budget and commitment to practicing Pilates.
- Limited Variety of Instructors and Teaching Styles: While the platform offers videos led by highly skilled instructors, the selection may not encompass a wide range of teaching styles or perspectives. This can limit the exposure to different teaching methods and approaches within the Pilates practice. Individuals who thrive on experiencing a variety of teaching styles or prefer to explore different approaches to Pilates may find the limited variety of instructors in Pilatesology to be a potential drawback.
Peloton
The 5th best app is Peloton. It’s a fitness platform that offers a comprehensive range of workout classes and equipment designed for home use. It combines live and on-demand workout classes, community engagement, and technology to create an immersive and interactive fitness experience. At the heart of Peloton is the Peloton Bike and Peloton Tread, high-quality exercise equipment with integrated screens. Users can stream live and on-demand classes directly on the screen, allowing them to participate in various workouts from the comfort of their homes.
The classes cover various disciplines, including cycling, running, strength training, cardio, yoga, stretching, meditation, and more. One of the standout features of Peloton is the live class experience. Users can join live classes streamed from Peloton’s studios in New York City to interact with instructors and compete with other participants virtually. This real-time engagement creates a sense of community and motivation, simulating the atmosphere of a group fitness class.
In addition to the live classes, Peloton offers a vast library of on-demand workouts that can be accessed anytime. Users can choose from a wide range of classes, instructors, durations, and difficulty levels to suit their preferences and fitness goals. The platform also provides curated workout programs, challenges, and personalized recommendations based on individual preferences and workout history. Beyond the workouts, Peloton offers additional features to enhance the fitness experience.
These include performance tracking, leaderboards, music playlists, fitness apps, and wearables integration. Users can track their progress, set goals, and measure their achievements over time. The platform also fosters a sense of community through social features, allowing users to connect with fellow members, participate in group challenges, and share their accomplishments.
Pros of Using Peloton
- Diverse and Engaging Workout Options: The platform provides engaging and professionally led workouts that can be customized to suit individual fitness levels and preferences, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable exercise experience.
- Immersive Community and Motivational Features: Through its interactive features, Peloton fosters a strong sense of community and motivation. Users can join live classes and compete with other participants on leaderboards, fostering a friendly and competitive atmosphere. The platform also offers virtual teams, challenges, and social features that allow users to connect with fellow members, share achievements, and find support. This sense of community and motivation can enhance accountability, engagement, and enjoyment throughout the fitness journey.
Cons of Using Peloton
- Potential Monotony: While Peloton offers a diverse range of workout classes, some users may experience a sense of monotony or repetition over time. The format of the classes, particularly for cycling and running, follows a structured routine with similar elements in each session. This predictability can lead to a lack of variety for individuals who prefer frequent changes in their workouts or enjoy exploring different fitness modalities.
- Limited Flexibility in Scheduling: Peloton’s live classes adhere to a specific schedule, which may not always align with individual time constraints or preferences. If you have a busy schedule or prefer the flexibility of working out at any time, the fixed class schedule may be a limitation. While Peloton does offer a vast library of on-demand classes that can be accessed at any time, the real-time engagement and community experience associated with the live classes may be compromised.
Best Pilates App: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are FitOn, Pilates Anytime, Alo Moves, Pilatesology, and Peloton?
FitOn, Pilates Anytime, Alo Moves, Pilatesology, and Peloton are popular fitness platforms offering various workout classes, programs, and resources to help individuals stay active and achieve their fitness goals.
Are these platforms free to use?
FitOn, Pilates Anytime, Alo Moves, and Pilatesology offer free and paid options. While they provide some content for free, accessing the full range of features and classes often requires a paid subscription. On the other hand, Peloton is a subscription-based platform that requires a membership fee to access its workouts and features.
What types of workouts are available on these platforms?
FitOn offers many workout styles, including cardio, strength training, yoga, pilates, dance, and more. Pilates Anytime focuses specifically on pilates workouts, while Alo Moves offers a variety of yoga, fitness, and mindfulness classes. Pilatesology specializes in pilates workouts taught by expert instructors. Peloton provides cycling, running, strength training, yoga, meditation, and other classes.
Can I access these platforms on my mobile device or smart TV?
Yes, FitOn, Pilates Anytime, Alo Moves, Pilatesology, and Peloton all offer apps that can be downloaded on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Additionally, these platforms can often be accessed through web browsers on computers. Some platforms also have options to stream the workouts on smart TVs using compatible devices or built-in apps.
Can I customize my workouts based on my fitness level and goals?
Yes, these platforms typically offer options to customize workouts based on your fitness level, goals, and preferences. They provide various class durations, difficulty levels, modifications, and specialized programs to accommodate different fitness levels and objectives.
Do these platforms offer live classes or only on-demand workouts?
FitOn primarily offers on-demand workouts, while Peloton provides both live and on-demand classes. Pilates Anytime, Alo Moves, and Pilatesology offer pre-recorded videos and classes but do not provide live class experiences.
Are there community features or ways to interact with other users?
Peloton, FitOn, and Alo Moves offer community features that allow users to connect with fellow members, share achievements, and participate in challenges. Pilates Anytime and Pilatesology do not have extensive community features but focus more on instructional content.
Are there free trial options available?
FitOn and Peloton offer free trial periods for new users. However, the availability and duration of free trials may vary, so it’s best to check their respective websites or apps for the latest information. Pilates Anytime, Alo Moves, and Pilatesology may offer limited free trial options or introductory content.
Can I use these platforms if I’m a beginner or have specific fitness needs?
Yes, these platforms generally offer workouts suitable for beginners and modifications to accommodate different fitness levels and specific needs. However, it’s essential to assess each platform’s level of instruction, modifications, and guidance to ensure it aligns with your requirements.
What are the pricing options for these platforms?
FitOn offers a free basic membership and a premium subscription option. Peloton requires a subscription fee and the cost of their exercise equipment. Pricing for Pilates Anytime, Alo Moves, and Pilatesology typically involves.