These 10 quick at-home Wall Pilates exercises are the perfect way to start your Beginner Wall Pilates Routine. This post consists of 10 basic Wall Pilates body weight focused exercises starting with bridging, core engagement, glute activation, and strengthening.

10 Beginner Wall Pilates Exercises to Try at Home cover.

10 Beginner Wall Pilates Exercises to Try at Home

These 10 quick at-home Wall Pilates exercises are the perfect way to start your Beginner Wall Pilates Routine. This post consists of 10 basic Wall Pilates body weight focused exercises starting with bridging, core engagement, glute activation, and strengthening.

This post includes affiliate links. I do earn a commission for products purchased using these links (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting PILATESBODY by Kayla, making the content you see on this blog possible.

Beginner Wall Pilates exercises demonstrated by Pilatesbody by Kayla.

Wall Pilates At Home Is Gaining Popularity

If you’re looking to add a fresh, effective element to your Pilates practice, Wall Pilates could be the perfect fit. It’s no surprise this trend is taking the world by storm—everyone has access to a wall, and it doesn’t cost a thing! Imagine using the wall as a supportive prop to enhance alignment, stability, and muscle engagement—all while working on strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Whether you’re new to Pilates or just want to try something a bit different, Wall Pilates offers an accessible, low-impact way to elevate your routine. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what Wall Pilates is, the benefits for beginners, and how to get started in the comfort of your own home.

Join the Beginner 28 Day Wall Pilates Challenge and gain access to 16 Workout Videos + Workout Calendar

Download your PDF Workout Calendar and easily access the Daily Workouts inside the Online Course Guide with Progress Tracker.

Free 28-Day Wall Pilates Challenge on YouTube - Transform Your At Home Pilates Workouts - PILATESBODY by Kayla
Free 28-Day Wall Pilates Challenge on YouTube - Transform Your At Home Pilates Workouts - PILATESBODY by Kayla

Join the Beginner 28 Day Wall Pilates Challenge and gain access to 16 Workout Videos + Workout Calendar

Download your PDF Workout Calendar and easily access the Daily Workouts inside the Online Course Guide with Progress Tracker.

You’ve probably tried Pilates in a studio or gym, but guess what? You can totally dive into Pilates from the comfort of your own home—no need for your teacher to be in person. All you need is the right gear to get started and a little know-how, and you’re all set to kick off your Pilates journey right in your living room!

What Is Wall Pilates?

Wall Pilates is a fun and innovative variation of traditional Pilates, where you use the wall as a prop to support your body throughout various exercises. The idea behind it is simple: the wall helps you maintain proper alignment, improves balance, and allows you to engage muscles more effectively. It’s a great way to get the most out of your Pilates practice, especially for beginners or anyone looking to refine their technique. The wall offers both support and resistance, which helps you focus on muscle engagement without worrying about losing balance. Plus, it’s a great tool for enhancing spinal alignment, stability and improving posture!

Pilatesbody by Kayla demonstrating the beginner Wall Pilates wall sit exercise.

Benefit of Wall Pilates for Beginners

If you’re just getting started with Pilates, Wall Pilates offers a unique advantage. The wall serves as a support system, providing stability so that you can focus more on form rather than balance. This is especially helpful in the early stages of your practice when you’re still building strength and getting used to various movements. The wall also allows you to work on deeper muscle engagement without the fear of falling over or straining yourself. Wall Pilates can help activate your core, pelvic floor, improve flexibility, and build strength in a low-impact way, making it ideal for beginners or anyone recovering from an injury.

How to get Started with Wall Pilates at Home

Getting started with Wall Pilates is simple and doesn’t require a lot of special equipment. All you really need is a sturdy wall and a comfortable mat. You can create your own mini Pilates studio at home by choosing a space that gives you enough room to move. The beauty of Wall Pilates is that you don’t need fancy props or machines—you can get started with just your body and the wall itself. Focus on mastering basic movements that help you build strength, balance, and flexibility. And the best part? You can do this from home, whenever it’s convenient for you!

Shop My Pilates Mat

This Eco-friendly Pilates mat is made of high-density soft foam with a durable surface. It is easy to clean and easy to hang with its reinforced eyelets. Available in a variety of sizes and fun colors!

Ecowise Pilates mat.
Ecowise Pilates mat.

Shop My Pilates Mat

This Eco-friendly Pilates mat is made of high-density soft foam with a durable surface. It is easy to clean and easy to hang with its reinforced eyelets. Available in a variety of sizes and fun colors!

FAQ About Wall Pilates Exercises

Is Wall Pilates suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Wall Pilates is fantastic for beginners because it helps with balance and alignment. The wall provides a support system, so you can focus on performing exercises correctly and engaging the right muscles without worrying about balance or falling.

Can I do Wall Pilates exercises every day?

Yes, you can! Wall Pilates is a low-impact workout, which makes it great for daily practice. However, like any exercise routine, it’s important to listen to your body. If you’re feeling sore or fatigued, take a rest day to allow your muscles to recover.

Do I need any special equipment for Wall Pilates?

Nope! All you need is a sturdy wall and an exercise mat. You don’t need any special equipment for Wall Pilates, though you can use props like a yoga block or cushion for added comfort if desired.

How does Wall Pilates differ from traditional Pilates?

Wall Pilates incorporates the use of the wall as a prop, which helps with alignment and provides extra support. This allows you to engage muscles more effectively and focus on form, especially in exercises that might be challenging without extra support. Traditional Pilates is performed on a mat without external props, which can make some exercises more challenging for beginners.

How can I modify Wall Pilates exercises for my fitness level?

You can adjust the difficulty of Wall Pilates by modifying the range of motion, holding positions longer, or adding more repetitions. Beginners should start with basic exercises that are easy to perform, and as you progress, you can challenge yourself by deepening stretches or trying more advanced movements.

10 Beginner Wall Pilates Exercises YouTube thumbnail with play button.

Prefer to Watch on YouTube?

10 Wall Pilates Exercises to Try as a Beginner

Beginner Wall Pilates Workout Instructions

Follow along with Pilatesbody by Kayla YouTube, led by Certified Pilates Instructor, Kayla Brugger of PILATESBODY by Kayla.

Fitness Level: Beginner

Overview:

  • Breathing
  • Core activation and strengthening
  • Body alignment

1. Glute Bridge

Targets: Glutes, Core, Spinal Mobility

Pilatesbody by Kayla demonstrating the Wall Pilates Glute Bridge exercise.

How to Do Wall Pilates Glute Bridge

  1. Begin laying on your back, palms down and arms long by your sides and your feet planted into the wall with your knees bent and a 90-degree angle.
  2. Exhale to lift your hips and spine off the mat feeling your glutes and core engage. Your arms should be pressing down into the mat.
  3. Inhale. Roll the spine down into the mat one vertebrae at a time until you’re back to the neural pelvis.
  4. Repeat for 1 minute.

* For a live demonstration of the Wall Pilates Glute Bridge Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!!

** To read more about Wall Pilates, check out this blog post!

2. Chest Lift Exercise

Targets: Core

Pilatesbody by Kayla demonstrating the Wall Pilates chest lift exercise.

How to Do Chest Lift

  1. Begin laying on your back, arms reaching up towards the ceiling or hand behind your head to support your neck.
  2. Begin with your knees bent and feet planted hip width apart, lightly pressing into the wall.
  3. Exhale to lift head, chest and shoulder blades up coming into the crunch engaging your abs.
  4. Inhale slowly lower back down tapping head into mat.
  5. Repeat for 1 minute.

* For a live demonstration of the Chest Lift Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

3. Double Leg Slide Exercise

Targets: Abs, Core, and Quads

Pilatesbody by Kayla demonstrating the Wall Pilates Double Leg Slide exercise.

How to Do Double Leg Slides

  1. Begin laying on your back, palms down and arms long by your sides.
  2. Begin with your knees bent and feet lightly touching the wall, legs pressed together.
  3. Exhale, start to slide the leg up the wall straight keeping your low back pressed into the mat. The wall is just barley supporting the weight of your legs.
  4. Inhale slow slide feet back down the wall to starting position.
  5. Repeat for 1 minute.

* For a live demonstration of the Leg Slide Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

4. Single Leg Circles

Targets: Pelvic Stability, Core Strength, Hip Mobility

Wall Pilates single leg circles.

How to Do Single Leg Circles

  1. Begin laying on your back, arms reaching long at your sides.
  2. Bend your knees plant feet hip width apart, lightly pressing into the wall.
  3. Extend 1 leg straight up towards the ceiling with your toe pointed.
  4. Begin to circle your leg from your hip without bending your knee.
  5. Repeat for 30 seconds in each direction, then switch legs.

* For a live demonstration of the Single Leg Circle Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

5. Double Leg Lower Lift

Targets: Abs, Quads

Pilatesbody by Kayla demonstrating the Wall Pilates double lower leg lift.

How to Do Double Leg Lower Lift Exercise

  1. Begin lying on your back, arms reaching long at your sides.
  2. Legs extended straight, resting lightly against the wall at about a 45 degree angle. 
  3. Inhale. Lift legs straight up off the wall to the ceiling.
  4. Exhale. Lower the legs back down, tapping the feet lightly against the wall without resting.
  5. Use your core to lift and lower your legs continuously.
  6. Repeat for 60 seconds.

* For a live demonstration of the Double Leg Lower Lift Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

6. Scissors Exercise

Targets: Hamstring Lengthening, Core Strength

Pilatesbody by Kayla demonstrating the Wall Pilates scissors exercise.

How to Do Scissors

  1. Begin lying on your back, both legs extended long with one gently resting against the wall and one straight up so the legs are split like open scissors.
  2. Grab hold of the leg that is lifted and pull your body up into a deeper crunch while feeling the stretch in the hamstring at the same time.
  3. Slowly lower the leg to the wall and switch, grabbing the opposite calf/ankle while pulling up and in for the stretch. Keep your chest lifted the entire time.
  4. Repeat for 60 seconds.

* For a live demonstration of the Scissors Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

7. Teaser Exercise

Targets: Spinal Articulation, Core Strength, Hamstring Mobility

Pilatesbody by Kayla demonstrating the Wall Pilates teaser exercise.

How to Do Teaser

  1. Begin lying down on your back with your legs extended out about 45 degrees up the wall.
  2. Exhale, lift your head and chest, engaging your abs while rolling your spine up off the mat, reaching your hands towards your feet. You can gently assist yourself up by grabbing the backs of your legs.
  3. Inhale. Slowly roll the spine back down into the mat to reset.
  4. Repeat for 60 seconds.

* For a live demonstration of the Teaser Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

8. Wall Push-Up Exercise

Targets: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, Back, Core Strength

Pilates wall push-ups.

How to Do a Wall Push-Up

  1. Begin standing with your hands pressing against the wall. Take a giant step back so you are on your toes and your body is at a significant angle that feels like a plank.
  2. Inhale. Bend your elbows down and back while you lower your chest towards the wall.
  3. Exhale. Push into the wall so you return back to the starting position. Make sure your body stays straight as a board and you are engaging your core and glutes the entire time.
  4. Repeat for 60 seconds.

* For a live demonstration of the Wall Push-Up Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

9. Wall Sit Exercise

Targets: Quads

Pilatesbody by Kayla demonstrating the Wall Sit exercise.

How to Do a Wall Sit

  1. Begin standing with your back against the wall. Walk your feet a foot or more way from the wall as you bend your knees towards a 90-degree angle.
  2. Hold your arms straight out in front of your chest as you push your feet through the floor. Engage your abs as you keep pressing your back into the wall.
  3. Hold for 60 seconds.

* For a live demonstration of the Wall Sit Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

10. Pilates Roll Down Exercise

Targets: Spine and Hamstring Mobility

The Wall Pilates roll-down exercise.

How to Do a Wall Sit

  1. Begin standing with your back against the wall. Walk your feet slightly away from the wall as you softly bend your knees so your back can press into the wall.
  2. Hold your arms straight out in front of your chest and begin to tuck your chin as you slowly roll your spine away from the wall one vertebrae at a time, reaching as far down as possible without your knees bending or bottom pulling away from the wall.
  3. Engage your abs as you tuck your naval up and in while re-stacking your spine back up the wall one bone at a time.
  4. Repeat for 60 seconds.

* For a live demonstration of the Pilates Roll Down Exercise, watch the workout video at the top!

Wall Pilates Accessories

These leggings are soft, squat-proof, and come in multiple styles and colors, making them a favorite for moms on the go. Affordable fitness gear Amazon shoppers rave about, these leggings are a must-have.

This adjustable spaghetti strap bra tank is crafted from soft Lycra with a buttery feel, offers unmatched elasticity and breathability for cool, distraction-free comfort. Featuring a built-in shelf bra with removable padding, it pairs perfectly with high-waisted leggings or a cute skort for low-impact workouts or casual wear.

A high-quality sports bra is essential for comfort and support during workouts. This pick is designed for medium support, full coverage, and breathable for a perfect fit.

The perfect at-home Pilates mat! It is thick, but not too thick. This exercise mat has just enough support under the knees, wrists, and is soft on the spine. The material is environmentally friendly and does not have a strong chemical smell when it’s first unrolled. It’s grippy so it doesn’t slide, which is super important for stability in Pilates.

The Simple Modern 40 oz Tumbler is a versatile stainless steel water bottle, designed to keep drinks at the perfect temperature. Its durable construction makes it ideal for everyday hydration and on-the-go use.

10 Beginner Wall Pilates Exercises YouTube thumbnail with play button.

Ready for a fully guided Beginner Wall Pilates workout? Check out the 10 Beginner Wall Pilates Pilates Exercises to Try at Home workout and follow along with the workout on YouTube!

Share your favorite exercise below in the comment section! If you haven’t tried any yet, I’d love to chat with you on how to start!

Your Friend & Pilates Expert,

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Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla
Founder of PILATESBODY On-Demand

Looking for more Advanced Wall Pilates? Join the Beginner 7 Day Wall Pilates Strength Challenge and Gain Access to 7 Workout Videos + Workout Calendar

Download your PDF Workout Calendar and easily access the Daily Workouts inside the Online Course Guide with Progress Tracker.

free-badass-wall-pilates-challenge-for-beginners-full-body-strength-deep-core-abs-at-home-what-is-wall-pilates-PILATESBODY-by-Kayla
free-badass-wall-pilates-challenge-for-beginners-full-body-strength-deep-core-abs-at-home-what-is-wall-pilates-PILATESBODY-by-Kayla

Looking for more Advanced Wall Pilates? Join the Beginner 7 Day Wall Pilates Strength Challenge and Gain Access to 7 Workout Videos + Workout Calendar

Download your PDF Workout Calendar and easily access the Daily Workouts inside the Online Course Guide with Progress Tracker.

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Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.

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