Just because your regular Pilates classes might be taking a break this summer doesn’t mean you have to. With a few simple pieces of Pilates essential kit, you can keep moving, stay strong, and support your running wherever the summer takes you.
✨ Why summer is a great time for Pilates
Whether you’re travelling, juggling family plans, or just changing up your routine, doing just 10 minutes a day can make all the difference. Staying consistent helps prevent injuries, maintain strength, and boost your confidence even with a more relaxed summer schedule.
And the best bit? You don’t have to go it alone.
🎥 The Pilates for Runners membership continues all summer (July & August 2025), with live classes and a full library of on-demand videos to keep you moving, motivated and mobile.
💼 My Top 3 Pilates essentials kit for summer
These are my go-to pieces of kit lightweight, versatile, and easy to pack:
1. Loop Bands
Small but mighty! Loop bands are brilliant for adding resistance, especially for runners. They come in different strengths, so you can progress over the summer, and they’re super portable.
2. Weighted Balls
These come in various weights start with 0.5kg or 1kg. They’re brilliant for shoulder strength and core work, and they make a big impact in exercises like “The 100.” Easy to use at home or take in the car. Give this video ago using the weighted balls
3. Mini Ball / Soft Ball
Great for improving alignment, challenging balance, and assisting with stretching. If you use it often, pop it in your suitcase deflated many moves can be done with a cushion as a substitute.
🛠️ Other Pilates essential kit you might like
Pilates Ring: Adds resistance and intensity. Great for at-home challenges.
Theraband: Handy for support or resistance. Often used in rehab, it’s a great travel-friendly option for your holiday workouts.
🏃 Pilates for Runners: Summer kit workouts
Here are some example exercises you can do using your kit mix and match based on time and how you feel.
With Loop Bands
Swimming (standing)
Band around ankles
Step one foot back, shift weight forward
Engage core and glute
Lift back leg using the glute, body stays still
10 reps each side
The Clam
Band just above knees
Lie on your side, feet together, elbow propped
Open and close knees slowly
6 reps each side
🏋️♀️ With Weighted Balls
Lunge + Shoulder Press
Lunge with one arm holding the ball
As you return to standing, press the ball overhead
Great for balance and upper body strength
1 Leg Stretch + Biceps Curl
Hold a ball in each hand
In the stretch, lift arms and curl towards shoulders
A full-body challenge!
⚖️ With Mini Ball
Squats
Ball between knees
Squat with weight back through heels
Strengthens inner thighs, supports knee alignment
Back Extension
Lie on your back, ball between shoulder blades
Support head, gently extend over the ball
Excellent upper body opener
(If dizzy or uncomfortable, come out of the movement immediately)
🌞 Keep Pilates going this summer
Whether you’re at home, by the coast, or jetting off taking your Pliates essential kit with you means you can stay strong, injury-free and ready to return to class feeling amazing.
💪 What if your summer looked like strength, confidence, and consistency… instead of guilt and pressure?
Join the Pilates for Runners membership and let’s move through summer together.
Live classes, on-demand videos, and a supportive community to keep you motivated wherever you are.