The world of Pilates is no stranger to using apparatus such as the Pilates circle or Swiss ball. In 2024, the apparatus that’s taking the industry by storm is the Pilates slider, also known as gliders or slide discs. If you’re a Pilates enthusiast or an instructor, you’ll want to get acquainted with this game-changing device.

WHAT ARE PILATES SLIDERS?

Pilates sliders are small, versatile apparatus designed to enhance your clients’ Pilates workouts. They typically consist of smooth discs or pads that you place under your hands or feet to create a sliding surface. These discs are used on various types of flooring, allowing for a wide range of low-impact, full-body exercises.

Sliders are not a traditional piece of Pilates equipment and were not invented by Joseph Pilates, however you can easily incorporate the sliders into the traditional Pilates repertoire to challenge stability and coordination.

BENEFITS OF THE PILATES SLIDER

Low-Impact, High-Intensity Workouts:
Pilates sliders provide a low-impact way to increase the intensity of workouts. The sliders can help engage your clients’ muscles, leading to enhanced strength, coordination, balance, and stability. These sliders are ideal for clients of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced.

Versatility in Movement
Pilates sliders are incredibly versatile, offering a multitude of exercises that target different muscle groups. You can use them to work your clients’ core, improve stability, and enhance your range of motion. Sliding movements challenge the muscles to control the glide, resulting in effective muscle engagement and toning.

Compact and Portable
One of the standout features of Pilates sliders is their portability. They’re lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making them perfect for home workouts, travel, or taking to your Pilates classes. 

Engaging Core Work:
Pilates is known for its core-strengthening benefits, and Pilates sliders take this to the next level. The sliding movements force the core muscles to work harder to stabilise the body, leading to improved core strength and stability.

ELEVATE YOUR PILATES CLASSES WITH SLIDERS

The slider can be a low-cost, but effective apparatus to introduce to your classes. Depending on what type of flooring you are using for your workout, you may need to adjust what type of slider you are using. For example, while plastic discs are the most common form of sliders available, sliders can come in many shapes and materials. The plastic discs with foam on one side are a fantastic option when using a carpeted or wooden floor, as you can use the plastic side on carpet and the foam side on wooden floors.

However, if you have wooden floors, a great low cost alternative to the plastic sliders is using a fabric slider such as a face washer, hand towel, microfibre cloth, or tea towel. Alternatively, if you have carpet floors, a plastic plate or coaster can work well too.

The Pilates sliders can take your clients’ workouts to the next level. These small, unassuming accessories bring a whole new dimension to your classes. Whether you’re a seasoned Pilates enthusiast or an instructor looking to add variety to your programs, Pilates sliders are a must-have apparatus.

CHECK OUT OUR 3 FAVOURITE SLIDER EXERCISES

To see the slider in action, here are a few of our favourite exercises:

PLANK ON THE FEET + ARMS PRESSING

SET UP: Coming up into a plank position. One long line between the shoulders, hips, and knees. Neutral spine.

INHALE: T-Zone, take most of the weight through one hand

EXHALE: slide the other hand forward

INHALE: draw the hand back in under the shoulder

Alternate sides

SWAN

SET UP: Lying on the stomach with the legs out straight and the arms out overhead. Chin tucked in, forehead on the mat. Neutral spine.

INHALE: glide the shoulder blades down and back, extend through the upper back raising the upper body, then continue to raise up and extend through the lower back, the sliders move toward you

EXHALE: lower the body back down to the floor, releasing the shoulder blades, the sliders move away slightly

SINGLE LEG SQUAT PULSES

SET UP: Standing with feet hip width apart and facing straight forward. Hands on the hips, shoulders down and back. Squat down bending the knees, raise the heel of the foot on the slider slightly. Arch of the other foot lifted. Pelvis square to the front, neutral spine.

INHALE: T-Zone and squeeze the buttocks

EXHALE: press the slider out to the side, straightening the knee

INHALE: draw the slider back in and bend the knee, staying in the squat position

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