Achieving a full one-hour workout is not always possible, and at times life gets in the way. We can so easily fall out of our routines, making recommitting to our fitness goals seem like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be like this if you take the right approach.
Pilates is an efficient and effective exercise system that can deliver a full body workout every time, even in 20 minutes! But before I tell you how Pilates achieves this, let me give you some tips that will help you with your mindset and have you looking forward to your workouts.
Put it in the diary – Planning ahead will help you get back into a routine. Book in your workouts like you would an important meeting. Also be mindful not to cram in too much into any given day, if you do the workout is the one thing that you are most likely ditch.
Timing – Experiment with the time of day that you workout, not everyone is a morning person!
Get prepared –Pick out your workout clothes the night before. This is a brilliant and simple trick to mentally prepare yourself and avoid the potential obstacles that rummaging for clothes could present!
Keep it achievable – Keep it short and keep it simple – Rome wasn’t built in a day! Break down your workouts into mini sessions that can be achieved in 15-20 minutes.
Be kind to yourself – We all have days that do not quite go to plan, be kind to yourself and allow some flexibility. Reschedule that day’s workout for tomorrow, or even later on that day.
Why Pilates?
Finding a form of exercise that you enjoy and that gives you everything that your body and your mind needs will help you stay consistent.
Read on to find out how Pilates can deliver a full body workout and more!
- It is a progressive exercise program that prioritises working from a connected and stable centre. From this place of alignment, the body’s structure is more organised, and the supporting muscles can activate more effectively.
- Pilates is designed to be carried out with control and precision, without requiring a high number of reps.
- Every exercise should consist of both strength and flexibility, so there is no need for a warm up or a cool down.
- The strong emphasis on breath work has a calming effect on the nervous system that leaves you feeling destressed and restores your equilibrium.
- It is fully adaptable for all ages, abilities, and levels, making suitable for everybody.
Learn the system
The Pilates matwork, reformer, and other studio equipment such as the Cadillac and Wunda Chair were designed to be used as a complete system. By incorporating all the elements and transferring what you have learnt from one area to another will gain you the most benefit. You do not just progress through the system but enhance your body awareness, strength, and flexibility. It is this that then develops your ability to achieve a full body workout in 20 minutes.
To recap – Pilates is effective, efficient, and leaves you feeling amazing. By committing the time to learning the system and to yourself, Pilates will deliver a full mind and body workout, even in just a mere 20 minutes.
In the words of Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates….
“Pilates is gaining the mastery of your mind over the complete control over your body.” Joseph Pilates
What is your experience of Pilates? Does it fulfil you or leave you wanting more? Equally if you have any questions with regards to Pilates or would like to find out more about what I offer please do visit my website www.pilatesfromwithin.com
Thank you for reading.
Karen Eccles, founder of Pilates From Within, has been teaching Pilates for over a decade; specialising in classical Pilates since 2012. From her classically equipped studio in Haslemere, Karen offers tailored Pilates training solutions. She has trained hundreds of clients on their journey to improved health and wellbeing through a combination of Pilates practice, Energy and Sound Healing; a unique blend of practices that alleviates physical symptoms, resets emotions and brings equilibrium and a sense of wellbeing.
