If you were to say that Pilates cannot make someone sweat, you might want to reconsider your thought. The other day I had a try at a 30-minute Pilates abs and glutes workout at home. Trust me, the results I got totally took me aback. I got the deepest muscle burn without having to use any gym equipment and jump and it was the first time in a long while. Why I Picked Pilates from My Normal Gym Workout People in fitness would opt for weightlifting and cardio as I do. Nonetheless, I was in search of something that: a) had no immense impact and therefore didn’t make me too tired to complete the rest of the day’s schedule, and b) would not require me to dismiss the core (namely the abs and the glutes). It was precisely the time when I came across a Pilates session conducted by Nicole, a Move With Nicole YouTube channel instructor. The set of exercises is mainly targeted at the glutes and abs and takes only 30 minutes to complete, and only body weight is needed as resistance tool. I took my yoga mat and gave it a try. The easy-to-follow, slow, and yet super challenging workout The organization is simple but at the same time it is quite effective: precise low-impact movements with pulsing holds that help you efficiently work your gluteus and core muscles. The set of exercises includes such activities as kicks, planks, glute bridges, lifting your body on the one side, and twists of the core. Each of these exercises is to be performed on both sides with almost no break in between. There was no weight, no extremely sweating jumps implemented, yet every movement made my muscles tremble. These were caused by the excessive work of the muscles that are usually left out in most heavy weight lifting workouts such as the outside gluteus and the core stabilizers. The Thing that Totally Got Me Apart from the mentioned, the most surprising thing of all was after the exercise had reached its halfway point. In detail, I was actually concentrating on all the muscles in the core, which include those that are usually less attended to, like the pelvic floor and the spinal stabilizers. My gained equilibrium, the warmth of my thighs, and the rhythmic nature of the repetitions together made me feel like minutes lasted forever. No doubt I also got sweat; I never thought a floor workout could make me perspire.
The workout was really simple. The serene voice and very relaxing yet rhythmic music that’s playing made it extremely convenient. Even, beginners can join in but are not limited to adding resistance bands or ankle weights to challenge the more experienced participants.
The Next Day: Muscle Pain in the Most Unexpected Areas
Early on the following day? Well, let me just tell you that going up the stairs did not bring back friendly memories. The areas hit were my glutes and my lower abs were so sore but in such a good way that it reminded me that bodyweight workout done in proper form is indeed effective. As a result, I was left with the realization that you can go light on the weights but it doesn’t mean the workout will be any easier for you.
What I Learned: A Workout That Can Be Performed Again And Again
This Pilates exercise can be very beneficial to those of you who are running out of time, coming from a high-impact sport, or just trying to find the connection with your body through conscious movement. I’m definitely sticking with it—especially on days when I’m feeling low but want to be very challenging.
It’s a clear sign that not only are a gym or equipment or an entire hour necessary for a tough and productive workout but also a mat, your breath, and 30 minutes of focused effort can give you the desired result.
