How To Create an Invisible Home Gym

If you love reformer Pilates but not the cost, supplementing your studio classes with home workouts could be a great option. But setting aside space for a home gym can seem impossible, especially if you don't have extra square footage to sacrifice. Here’s how to set up an invisible home gym in your small apartment. 

1. Choosing the Right Space

When setting up your home studio, the space you choose is critical. You’ll want to choose somewhere pleasant that you enjoy being in to encourage your practice. Look for an area with sufficient light and airflow to maintain a comfortable environment. The two most common places people choose are next to their bed and in front of their sofa. Personally, I prefer exercising in my living room to keep the bedroom as a restful place.

A good trick to turning your living room into an instant home gym is to add these mini wheels to the legs of your coffee table. That way you can easily move it out of the way to create space.

These Self-Adhesive 360° Swivel Wheels are a fantastic option. Make sure you get the larger ball bearings if your coffee table is heavy.

If your coffee table sits on a carpet you may want these mini rubber wheels or even 1” wheels instead.

2. Essential Equipment

While Pilates can be done with minimal equipment, having the right tools can enhance your practice.

Pilates Mat: Start with a high-quality mat. Use a thicker mat, about ½ inch, to provide cushioning for your spine and tailbone during floor exercises.


Reformer: A Pilates reformer is a transformative investment that elevates your practice, offering versatility in exercises and resistance training. While most reformers are large and bulky, something like the Somato reformer folds in half to fit into any small space.

Small Props: Include items like resistance bands, small weights, Pilates balls, and magic circles. These add variety and challenge to your routines, allowing for a more comprehensive workout.

3. Organizing Your Space

Organization is key to hiding your home studio in plane sight. Use storage solutions like shelves or baskets to keep your space clutter-free. A large basket like this could fit your exercise mat and small equipment. And if you add some throw blankets on top, nobody will know your living room moonlights as a gym.

4. Investing in a Quality Sound System

Invest in a good sound system or Bluetooth speaker. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the auditory aspect of your workout. Voice guidance is a large part of any Pilates class– especially Somato classes– so you can follow along without always looking at your screen or instructor.

For new parents or noisy households, you’ll want to invest in some good headphones to tune out the distractions. This allows you to escape and rejuvenate– to whatever extent you’re able– during your workout.

6. Technology for Virtual Classes

Having the right tech setup is crucial. Most modern SmartTVs will enable you to cast your classes from a mobile device, allowing you to follow along on a much bigger form factor.  If you don’t have a TV, your Somato has a built-in cradle that will support any phone or tablet. If you’re using a laptop, a riser like this will make all the difference.

8. Keeping It Clean and Hygienic

Maintain a clean and hygienic studio. Regularly clean your equipment, especially mats and props used on the floor. A well-kept space is not only more inviting but also a cornerstone of a healthy practice.

9. Creating a Routine

With your studio set up, establish a routine. Consistency is vital in Pilates, so schedule regular sessions. Use a planner, digital calendar, or Somato app to block out time for your workouts.

If you’ve got the space, with a little time and effort you can create the perfect sanctuary for your Pilates practice.