Pilates Bar with Resistance Bands

A Pilates bar turns an ordinary pair of resistance bands into something you can press, row, curl and rotate with both hands at once, which opens up a large range of exercises that loose bands handle awkwardly at best. The rigid bar keeps both arms moving through the same path, so one side cannot quietly take over from the other the way it tends to with independent handles.

The bands detach from the bar, which means resistance can be swapped as strength improves rather than being fixed at the moment of purchase, and it also lets you run lighter bands for rehab-style work and heavier ones for strength. Foot straps anchor the bands for lower-body, glute and hamstring work. The whole assembly breaks down into a bundle roughly the size of a rolled towel, which is the real advantage over fixed equipment.

It suits home Pilates and barre routines, hotel-room training while travelling, and stretching or mobility sessions. Check the bands for nicks, cuts or wear before every use, and keep the bar clear of your face while it is under tension.

• Detachable resistance bands
• Foot anchor straps
• Breaks down for storage
• Suits upper and lower body work