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IGlutes

Best Pilates Equipment for Glutes

A Pilates ring (magic circle) is the single most glute-specific piece of equipment on this list — it's built for the exact squeeze-and-release motion that targets glutes and inner thighs. Sliders and a thick mat round out a setup that covers nearly everything mat Pilates asks of you.

By I Love Glutes EditorialPublished Editorial process

How we picked

Same approach as our other gear guides: we rank equipment types, not specific brands, since brand lineups change constantly and the type of tool matters far more than the label for how it performs. Each pick links to a live Amazon search for that category so you can compare current listings and reviews yourself.

The picks

1

Pilates ring (magic circle)

$15–25

Best for: Inner-thigh and glute squeeze work — the single most glute-specific Pilates tool

Pros

  • Purpose-built for the squeeze-and-release motion that targets glutes and inner thighs
  • Doubles for arm and core exercises, so it earns its shelf space
  • Compact — stores flat, unlike a reformer

Cons

  • Padded handles wear out before the ring itself
  • Too much resistance for some beginners at first
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2

Sliding discs (sliders)

$10–15

Best for: Glute activation moves — curtsy lunges, mountain climbers, lateral slides

Pros

  • Works on carpet or hardwood with the right side down
  • Adds instability that recruits stabilizer muscles
  • Very cheap for what they do

Cons

  • Takes a session or two to get used to the balance demand
  • Cheap plastic ones crack faster than foam-core
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3

Thick Pilates mat

$25–45

Best for: Any floor-based glute bridge, clamshell, or side-lying work

Pros

  • Extra cushioning matters — Pilates spends more time on your back/hips than yoga does
  • Wider and longer than a standard yoga mat for full-body positions

Cons

  • Bulkier to store and travel with than a thin mat
  • Overkill if you already have a supportive yoga mat
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4

Mini loop bands

$8–15

Best for: Layering extra resistance into bridges, clamshells, and leg lifts

Pros

  • Same bands that work for standard glute training — no separate purchase needed
  • Easy to add or remove mid-workout to change difficulty

Cons

  • Not Pilates-specific — see our resistance bands guide for the full breakdown
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5

Ankle weights

$15–25

Best for: Adding load to leg lifts and donkey kicks without extra equipment bulk

Pros

  • Strap on and forget — no form changes required
  • Adjustable weight on most models (1–5 lb per ankle)

Cons

  • Can shift during fast movements if straps are worn loose
  • Not a substitute for a Pilates ring or band on squeeze-based moves
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Building a setup in order

  • Start with a mat. Nearly every exercise begins on the floor — get a supportive one before anything else.
  • Add a ring next. It's the highest-value single purchase for glute-specific work and covers moves nothing else on this list does well.
  • Sliders and ankle weights are optional add-ons. Worth owning once the basics feel easy and you want more variety or load, not before.

Frequently asked questions

Does Pilates actually build glute muscle, or just tone it?

Both, depending on load and volume — same as any other resistance training. Bodyweight mat Pilates builds endurance and activation well; adding a ring, bands, or ankle weights gives it enough resistance to build real strength and size over time, not just 'toning' in the vague sense that word usually gets used.

What's the difference between a Pilates ring and a resistance band for glutes?

A ring gives constant, even resistance through a squeeze-and-release motion — good for inner-thigh and glute medius work that bands do less naturally. A band is better for larger, longer-range movements like hip thrusts and lateral walks. Most people training glutes seriously end up with both; see our resistance bands guide for that side of it.

Do I need a reformer, or can mat Pilates build glutes?

Mat Pilates with a ring, sliders, and light ankle weights covers the same muscle groups a reformer does for a fraction of the cost and zero storage footprint. A reformer adds spring-loaded resistance and more exercise variety, but it is a want, not a need, for glute-focused results.

How often should I do Pilates for glute results?

Two to three sessions a week is a common, sustainable starting point, same as strength training. Pilates recruits smaller stabilizer muscles that fatigue differently than heavy lifting, so daily sessions are more tolerable than daily heavy squats — but muscle still needs recovery time to actually grow.