Table of Contents
by Jae Marie
I'm all about trying a new workout.
Pilates is a low-impact workout that combines strength training, proper breathing and control. It's been on my radar to check out for quite some time, so when I found out about The Pilates Class by Jacqui Kingswell, I was ready to give it a go.
Day 1
The program offers a one-week free trial with classes easily available via an app that you can cast to your TV. Originally, I started off with a 21-minute beginners intro class with Jacqui herself to ease in. She led the session through breathing and technique to build upon as you progress. The class started with some standing exercises, down to the mat and eventually onto our backs for a full body workout.
(via The Pilates Class)
I then realized there are collections of hand-picked classes to choose from based on the length of the program and intensity. I chose the Weekly Chill to Satisfying Challenge, which gives you a playlist of videos to take each day. Monday was the nine-minute Oblique Burn. It was an intense, jam-packed class, but perfect to take if you're short on time.
I definitely felt the sweat, and ended with a stretch to gear up for the following day.
Days 2 and 3
I woke up feeling the previous day's workouts but jumped into the day's class after a quick warm-up. This class was Full Body With a Pilates Ball, a 52-minute session with trainer JT in the "satisfying" intensity. I don't have a pilates ball, but it was easy to modify and do the exercises without. The first portion focused on the lower body before moving into abs and some stretching.
This day I felt stronger, knowing that I got through a longer workout without giving up. The knowledge that the next day was scheduled for cardio also helped. For that, I ended up doing a 45-minute walk through a local park, bringing day three to a close.
(via The Pilates Class)
Also read about: If You're a Pilates-Lover, Here Are Some Accessories and Clothes You NEED
Days 4 and 5
Next up was a 16-minute satisfying and chill full-body recovery workout designed for anyone who might be injured or sick. It wasn't too challenging, and working through some of the breathing techniques from previous classes definitely helped focus on form without rushing through. Day 5 was another cardio day, and this time, I opted for a stair climber sweat fest at the gym.
Day 6
Day 6 was a 21-minute satisfying and chill stretch class. By this time, it was definitely needed. Staying loose is essential when working out to keep from injury and help with recovery.
(via The Pilates Class)
Day 7
The last day of the challenge was quite possibly both the easiest and hardest day at the same time. The task was to rest and restore. When working out, I always tend to think that more is better, but having a rest day is just as important to avoid over-exertion.
Overall, I can say pilates is definitely not for the weak. It's a calm workout that will deliver results not just physically but also mentally over time. As someone who is always on the go, it was great to have options that catered to a busy schedule but also weren't always the same to work up a sweat.
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