Holiday Gifts for Pilates Lovers

What better holiday gift for a Pilates lover than something to help them in their Pilates practice? For those not in the know, Pilates is a core-strengthening discipline with foundations in yoga, and developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20^th century. While most yoga clothing and mats work well for Pilates, there is some specialty equipment that your favorite Pilates student would love to receive as a Christmas gift.

Pilates Clothing: A Thoughtful Holiday Gift

Ethnic prints are very trendy right now. Title Nine has a Print Momentum Tank ($49) in a beautiful blue tribal print. It's a cotton knit, cooling for those challenging Pilates sessions, and features cute crossover back straps. For a great gift duo, pair the tank with Title Nine's Not So Tight Fitness Capri, $56 and also made of a cooling cotton/spandex blend. From Athleta, consider giving the gorgeous Tattoo Tank with intricate lotus swirl print in a wicking poly/spandex blend, $64. Athleta also offers a collection made of their special Pilayo fabric, an antibacterial nylon/spandex blend. Perfect for Pilates, the Lotus Capri is fitted, not baggy, for easier leg movement. These pants feature a special hem detail -- a scalloped notch to show off those muscular legs. Put one of these outfits under the Christmas tree and watch the delighted reaction!

Pilates DVDs: Great Christmas Gifts for the Budget Challenged

Pilates DVDs are great for mat Pilates workouts at home. These two picks make great inexpensive gifts, and given the price of Pilates sessions at most gyms, will save money for the recipient as well. Mari Winsor, the queen of Pilates DVDs has a new routine out, "Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge," ($14.95). Available at Collage Video, the session features an upper body and 3 core segments. This is two gifts in one, as sales of the DVD help to fund breast cancer research. For newer Pilates students, or those who wish a refresher on correct form, "Pilates for Beginners with Kristin McGee", also $14.95, is top rated and includes clear cuing and excellent tips on correct form. More complex and challenging options for the intermediate exerciser are given.

Pilates Equipment: A Fun Holiday Gift

Pilates students can always use another mat. Gaiam has a great selection of yoga and Pilates mats in all colors, and some fabulous prints including a cream Tree of Life on a green background and a red-hot Koi fish, both available with matching water bottles and mat totes, allowing you to put together your own gift set. Direct from Gaiam they run about $22 each, but can sometimes be found for less at Target. Gaiam also offers a premium mat that's PVC-free rubber and cotton ($49.98) for a greener Pilates gift.

One specialty piece of Pilates equipment is a Magic Circle, a resistance ring with handles on it for building strength. The affordable Stamina Pilates Magic Circle, $28.99 at Amazon, would make a great holiday gift. The soft rubber ring comes with an instructional DVD. If money and space are no object, every Pilates student covets their own Reformer, a special Pilates exercise machine. The Stamina Aero Pilates Pro XP556 Reformer, $899 at the Pilates Equipment Superstore, is rated 4 ½ stars out of 5, with over thirty reviews.

Pilates Session Gift Certificates

Pilates is best learned from a qualified teacher, and gift certificates for sessions are a great holiday present. To find qualified instructors and Pilates studios in your area, check with the Pilates Method Alliance. This is a certifying organization for Pilates teachers and allows you to search for a PMA Pilates Certified Teacher. Prices run from $15 for group mat Pilates classes to $90 and up for private sessions. Purchase a gift package of 5-10 lessons for your Pilates lover, and wish them a very Merry Christmas!

Resources:

Title Nine

Athleta

Collage Video

Gaiam

Amazon

Pilates Equipment Superstore

Pilates Method Alliance