Newcomers to Pilates are advised to tackle these four YouTube workouts recommended by trainers.
Tackle the thrilling, yet a little nerve-wracking world of Pilates from the comfort of your own home with these beginner-friendly challenges. Picture this: you're mastering the fundamentals, building unshakable confidence, and reaping the rewards of Pilates – all while enjoying a fitness journey tailored to your schedule.
"Pilates is a progressive practice that sets the stage for a strong foundation," says Jill Drummond, director of programming and education at BODYBAR Pilates. "Beginners should start by nailing the basics – often referred to as 'shapes' in Pilates – which serve as the foundation for more complex exercises. As they develop strength and control, the intensity and challenge level naturally escalate."
Ready to jumpstart your home Pilates journey? We've teamed up with certified instructors to present four beginner-friendly challenges that will help you conquer the mat like a seasoned pro.
1. Jessica Valant's 10 in 10 Pilates Challenge
Duration: 10 days, 10-minute workouts
With more than 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, licensed physical therapist and Pilates teacher Jessica Valant is a well-respected figure. In this 10-day Pilates challenge, each 10-minute workout targets a distinct area of the body, such as back pain relief exercises, core workouts, and arm exercises.
"Jessica Valants 10 in 10 is fantastic because she's particularly attentive to users who need modifications," says Pilates instructor Lesley Logan, the owner and founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com. "She goes slow and steady and has ten workouts that last only 10 minutes each."
2. Isa Welly's Beginners Pilates Challenge
Platform: https://stottpilates.com/en-us/instructor/isa-wellyDuration: 10-day challenge, 25-minute workouts
STOTT Pilates instructor Isa Welly has whipped up a 10-day challenge that puts the spotlight on the basics. This challenge features workouts without any equipment and with sessions lasting no longer than 25 minutes, making it an ideal fit for beginners.
"The [instructor] provides thorough instruction and set up, which is crucial," says Denton.
3. Lottie Murphy's Pilates for Beginners
Duration: 11-day challenge, 8 to 24-minute workouts
UK-based Pilates instructor Lottie Murphy's YouTube channel boasts over 350,000 subscribers with her mix of quick sessions and calming, core-focused flows. Her Pilates for Beginners series streamlines fitness integration into your daily routine with options like a chair Pilates workout, side-lying practice, and an eight-minute session to unwind before sleep.
"This challenge is inviting for beginners and those progressing in their practice," qualified Pilates instructor Eloise Skinner asserts. "It covers traditional sequences and more tailored classes like 'Pilates for flexibility.'"
4. Rachel's Fit Pilates' Beginner Pilates for Strength 28-Day Challenge
Duration: 28 days, 10 to 28-minute workouts
Certified Pilates instructor Rachel at Rachel's Fit Pilates has concocted a 28-day challenge aimed at bolstering strength.
"I believe these workouts are an optimal choice for beginners wanting to develop strength, improve flexibility, and cultivate a consistent routine," says Victoria Repa, certified Pilates instructor, health coach, and CEO and founder of BetterMe. "The challenge format provides motivation and a fantastic entry point. The videos deliver clear instructions, modifications, and increasing difficulty levels."
Remember, these challenges can be carried out anytime, anywhere – no fancy equipment or elaborate studio setup required, just a mat and a wall.
So, dive right in and transform your mat into a stage for personal growth and fitness triumphs with these beginner-friendly online Pilates challenges. #PilatesForEveryone
- Jessica Valant's 10 in 10 Pilates Challenge focuses on specific body areas like back pain relief, core workouts, and arm exercises, making it a suitable choice for beginners, as emphasized by Pilates instructor Lesley Logan.
- Isa Welly's Beginners Pilates Challenge, available on STOTT Pilates' platform, offers no-equipment, 25-minute workouts, which are highlighted for their thorough instructions and suitability for beginners by Pilates pro Denton.
- Lottie Murphy's Pilates for Beginners series, accessible on YouTube, provides a range of short workouts easy to integrate into daily routines, suitable for beginners and folks progressing their practice, according to Pilates instructor Eloise Skinner.
- Rachel's Fit Pilates' 28-day Beginner Pilates for Strength Challenge aims to bolster strength, improve flexibility, and help beginner exercisers establish a consistent routine, as stated by certified Pilates instructor, health coach, and CEO Victoria Repa.
