Find out what Pilates can do for you.
Fair warning: you’re probably going to like it.
Featured Workout of the Week!
Check back every Wednesday for a brand new, FREE on-demand workout - each class is expertly programmed to challenge you, energize you, and - quite simply - help you move better throughout your whole life… no matter where you are in your fitness journey. There’s always a way to keep moving.
This is exactly the type of class I turn to as a warm up for almost any workout I do - try it on its own or tack it on to a lower body lift, a hike, or a run to get postured up and totally connected to your powerhouse. The whole workout is done standing and we add a heavy(ish) weight to up the ante and kickstart the core.
The format is simple: we repeat a short sequence 3 times, adding variations in each round that increase the balance challenge and progress the work for the core. No exercise is an exact repeat, but you will see the same shapes and motions come up many times. Repetition builds muscle memory and confidence, my friend!
This type of work is a game-changer for posture and building a sturdy "3D" core that you can TRUST. Take your time and work from the strong roots of your legs - you'll be amazed at what you feel in under 20 minutes.
(2 min intro)
What to expect: You won't see "classic" Pilates exercises today, but core principles like alignment, centering, coordination, and breath are integral to this workout. The first sequence is just bodyweight and you have the option to add your dumbbell the second time through. The final round uses the weight again as we work unilaterally, challenging balance on one side at a time. It's tough, but trust that your body has been in those shapes before. It knows what to do!
Equipment: Mat (optional - Just find some space to move!); Medium Weight (10-15 lbs max; you could certainly go lighter - even a little extra weight will trigger the core response we're looking for here)
Modifications: Appropriate for all levels and abilities, including prenatal, postpartum, and anyone new/returning to fitness. If you feel unsteady or something doesn't feel right in your body, go back to an earlier variation, put down the weight, or keep both feet down in balance challenges. The goal is to root through the lower body and tap into your strong, stable core. If you're pregnant, minimize or eliminate rotation if it doesn't work for you right now.
Ready for more?
I have hundreds more Pilates and Pilates-inspired workouts on my Vimeo page, but sometimes too much of a great thing can be overwhelming. Here are a few of my absolute favorites - hand-picked to help you see why I love Pilates so much and to give you exactly your body needs TODAY.
Welcome to your express train to the pelvic floor - aka more stability, strength, and POWER! This all levels class uses a yoga mini ball to find the connection to the midline as we work through a series of deep abdominal and inner thigh focused exercises... lots of sneaky oblique work in this one too!
If you don't have a ball, grab a small pillow, folded up towel, or roll of TP.
The flow of this class is quick, but comprehensive. After a quick warmup to find the breath and active the core stabilizers, you'll work allllll the abs (duh), glutes, and back body.
It’s ideal for days when you want to get the work in but only have a few minutes to move OR to tack on to another workout. Either way, it’s a celebration of movement and time for YOU.
No special equipment is needed, but if you have wrist weights, throw them on to turn the heat up a notch.
As the seasons start to shift, take a moment to get back to your body and reset. This all levels class focuses on simple, controlled movements to open up the body and draw your focus inward.
Taking this time to center the body and use your breath to create energy will pay dividends as you jump into whatever's up next. Have a strap or Pilates ring to help stretch, if desired!
Bookmark this all levels class for the days where you have zero time but still want to move - you'll strengthen and mobilize the full body in just over 15 mins. There are plenty of challenging exercises with just your bodyweight, but throw on a pair of wrist or ankle weights to up the ante on your core (or for a longer workout, take it back to back - once with wrist weights and once with ankle weights!)
Week 33 of the 2021 Pilates Challenge feature Bicycles. This challenging abdominal exercise requires a combination of core strength, flexibility, and use of the upper body. BUT - don't be intimidated by this advanced exercise! The 28 minute class is comprehensive and built for beginners - you'll learn how to build into the exercise safely and progressively. A yoga block or ball is recommended to help build into the exercise, but no props are required.
Get on your feet for this energetic class focused on building lower body and core strength to improve balance. After a quick core warm up, the remainder of the class is done standing - while many of the exercises aren't usually found in a Pilates mat class, all of the same principles apply: stabilization, breath, alignment, and tapping into the core. No special equipment is needed, ,but a chair, stool, or countertop may be helpful to help balance in some exercises. All levels and abilities are welcome, including pre/postnatal.
For Week 32 of the 2021 Pilates Challenge, we have a therapeutic series of exercises focused on the lower back - specifically the SI (sacroiliac) joint. This class is designed to re-align the spine and pelvis, and mobilize, stretch, and strengthen the key muscles that surround the joint. It's ideal for anyone struggling with lower back pain or seeking to prevent it from recurring! All levels are welcome- modifications are given for injury or prenatal/postpartum.
This well-rounded ab workout will work every part of your core in just over 15 minutes. Using exercises from the classic Pilates mat repertory plus a few fun variations, you can count on this workout to fire up those abdominals anytime, anywhere. All levels are welcome, no props necessary.