You can find different versions of the popular Pilates stretch band as well as different straps here.

What is a Pilates stretch band and what can I do with it?

The Pilates stretch band (also known as flex band) is one of the newer Pilates accessories, meaning it has recently been added to the range of Pilates equipment. The great thing about the Pilates stretch band is that you can use it to perform exercises for which you would normally need a reformer or other large Pilates equipment. The stretch band adapts various exercises from equipment training for the mat, making them possible for those Pilates practitioners who do not have the corresponding, more expensive equipment. Similar to the metal springs of the reformer, the Pilates stretch band also offers resistance against which you have to work with your muscles, so that the muscles are strengthened. The range of different exercises that can be performed with the Pilates flex band is diverse and large. Here we can only outline a few examples to give you an initial taste.

• Example of exercises while lying down:
  In the One Leg Circle, you lie on the mat with one leg stretched out on the floor. The Pilates stretch band, which you hold with both hands, is placed around the foot of the other leg. You now stretch this leg upwards and slowly and carefully make circles in the air. This mobilizes the hip joint and gives the inner thigh a good stretch.
  
  
• Examples of standing exercises:
  The Pilates stretch band can be used very well for a lunge exercise, for example. You put one foot on the band (which you hold at your sides with both hands) and do a deep lunge. While you pull the band towards you using your biceps, you bring your bent knee even lower towards the floor, then you loosen and come back up again. After 20 repetitions (of course, you can do more or fewer repetitions depending on your individual needs), you switch to the other side.
  If you like to incorporate squats into your Pilates training, you can also position both feet on the Pilates Flexband and squat while pulling the stretch band up over your head on both sides. Repeat this several times.
  
  
• Example of a sitting exercise:
  Sitting on the mat, you can do the following exercise: Stretch your legs straight out in front of you so that they are lying next to each other. Put the Pilates stretch band around both feet and grab the ends with your hands. Now lean your upper body backwards and forcefully move your arms behind your body. Return to the starting position and repeat several times.
  You can even do a great arm workout while sitting on a chair by positioning the band under one of your feet, holding both ends with the hand on the same side and then pulling the Pilates stretch band up using your biceps. Many other exercises on the chair are also possible with the Pilates stretch band.

Even this small selection of exercises shows that you can train very different muscle groups with the Pilates stretch band and achieve very diverse effects. The Pilates stretch band is not only used for Pilates training, but also in the field of physiotherapy.

The Pilates stretch band is available in different strengths

Soft, medium or strong - these are the three different strengths in which the Pilates stretch band is made. The strength you choose depends on the intensity that is currently appropriate for you - if you are already well trained or the areas that you primarily want to train with the Pilates stretch band are already pre-trained, you can use a stronger band, while beginners or those who are cautiously starting training again after an injury break, for example, should initially choose a softer band.

Three Pilates stretch bands at a special price: the resistance band set

If you want to own the Pilates stretch band in all three available strengths so that you can vary it (which is very useful, for example, if you want to train some muscle groups with a higher resistance, but need medium or soft for others), then get the affordable resistance band set: This set contains all three strengths and also offers two handles that make it easier for you to handle the Pilates stretch bands if necessary and make them more comfortable to use.

The Pilates stretch band is also available latex-free

Good news for all latex allergy sufferers: PILATESSTAR also offers the Pilates Flexband in a latex-free version, which is made from the innovative material TPE, which is just as environmentally friendly as latex but does not cause any problems for allergy sufferers.

In addition to the Pilates stretch band, we recommend the Dynamic Stretching Strap

Another ingenious tool for expanding your training is the Dynamic Stretching Strap with its practical loops. As the name implies, the focus of this tool is on stretching: if you want to do dynamic stretching rather than just static stretching exercises, it can be very useful. Whether you want to do something for your shoulders or for more flexible hips, for example, the Dynamic Stretching Strap can help you.

Straps for Pilates training

In addition to the Pilates stretch bands, you will also find belts that originally come from yoga: the yogibelts. They can also be used well as part of Pilates workouts. Here is a brief overview of how you can use the yoga belts in detail:

A yoga strap is very useful when you need to bridge gaps - for example between your hands when they cannot reach each other. The yoga strap can also help you to achieve more precise alignment in the poses. You can work with the yoga strap when you want to create tension and move further into a yoga pose little by little. You can even use the yoga strap to optimize shoulder alignment. The yoga strap can also be used when stretching.

You can find more information under our “Yoga Accessories” section in the “Yoga Belts” submenu. There we have put together some examples of how you can work with the belt in various yoga asanas. Let these options inspire you for your Pilates workouts!