The 5 Best Free Pilates Channels I Found on YouTube
Even though Pilates classes at a reformer studio here in Manhattan cost me next to nothing, I’m willing to pay because I love Pilates so much. And even though I’m lucky enough to work at a gym that offers free mat-based Pilates classes, I still want more, which is why I’ve been scouring YouTube and my beloved Peloton app for at-home, instructor-led classes. I’m sick, but that’s okay.
Luckily for my fellow psychopaths (and more level-headed Pilates fans), there are plenty of great free Pilates instructors on YouTube. You can use these classes to get acquainted with Pilates if you’re a beginner, save money if your local studios are getting too expensive, or stick to your routine when you’re not taking a traditional class.
Move in with Nicole
The channel has 5 million subscribers, which is a pretty solid endorsement. I love Move With Nicole because the instructor creates such varied, quality content. The title of each video tells you right away whether it’s easy or hard, how long the workout will take, and whether you’ll need equipment. (I personally don’t have a lot of Pilates equipment at home because I can’t justify buying it when I have access to so many in-person classes that provide it, so I always look to YouTube for workouts that don’t require anything fancy.)
Nicole McPherson is certified to teach Pilates and yoga, both of which are available on the channel, which is a nice addition to the offering. On those days when you’re more in the mood for a gentler stretch, she offers that option through her yoga, without having to look elsewhere. She speaks in a calm, soothing tone, gives clear instructions (which is very valuable, especially for beginners), and as a bonus, you get to see some gorgeous footage of her surroundings in Thailand.
Stream with Mira
On the Flow With Mira channel, you’ll find videos organized by skill level, as well as equipment-based routines, so if you have a magic circle or a Pilates ball, you can use them here. The videos are also organized by muscle group, making it easy to build a weekly routine around the channel.
Mira Bassan teaches her 244,000 followers with clear, straightforward instructions and no fuss. She usually gets straight to the exercises, explaining which muscle groups will be worked, and her delivery is so precise that you can clearly see what she’s doing as she explains.
Trifecta Pilates
Trifecta Pilates , with 209,000 subscribers, is a great place to take the guesswork out of choosing a class. Beth Sandlin offers workouts for all fitness levels, meaning just about anyone can watch her videos and benefit from them. Instead of creating workouts for different skill levels, she offers ways to modify them so everyone can follow the same video.
In addition to offering classes of varying lengths and using different types of equipment, she also provides educational materials to other instructors or people interested in Pilates, hosts discussions with other experts, or gives overviews of the history of Pilates.
Blogilates
No list of at-home Pilates channels would be complete without mentioning Blogilates , perhaps the best-known name in the space thanks to the workout apparel and equipment lines the instructor offers through Target and her Popflex brand. Cassie Ho has nearly 11 million subscribers, and she’s been at it for a long time . (I watched her videos 14 years ago.) Though she’s moved on to vlogging about her entrepreneurial journey, nutrition, and other standard YouTube content, even the older Pilates videos are good. (You can see how the quality has improved over the years, but they were always good workout videos, even when the quality wasn’t that great.)
Ho has carefully structured her channel. Every day there’s a new workout playlist, so you can just click on the playlist you want and jump right into her routine. Her instructions are clear, and she’s incredibly upbeat, which is a contrast to other, more zen-like instructors on the platform.
Jessica Valant
Jessica Valant has over a million followers and is a top-notch instructor who really knows her stuff. Not only is she a certified Pilates teacher, but she is also a physical therapist. She has a great understanding of the female body and builds workouts based on her experience.
Her channel is easy to navigate, with videos categorized by duration, exercise type, muscle focus, and more. Valant strives to make her programs accessible, so her approach is both educational and motivating. She provides clear instructions, safety tips, and modifications so you can easily replicate them.