Pilates and Its Impact on My Fitness Routine

They say variety is the spice of life, and that applies to your workouts too.

Although I usually try to practice what I preach as a fitness writer, my focus on training for a Hyrox event recently made my routine somewhat monotonous.

That’s why, when the opportunity to try a Pilates class presented itself, I was eager to mix things up.

By the end of the hour-long session, I was amazed. Without lifting anything heavy or moving quickly, I managed to activate muscles I tend to overlook during my regular weightlifting and running workouts.

My sore abs were enough proof of how effective the session was, and I couldn’t wait to try it again.

Since then, I’ve been doing weekly Pilates sessions (via an app) and have noticed improved mobility in my hips and spine.


Along the way, I’ve also discovered lessons I can integrate into my primary training routine to enhance its effectiveness.

Below are those key takeaways that might benefit you too.

The Class Experience

A typical week for me is packed with activity. I train at a CrossFit gym most days, mixing strength training, gymnastics, weightlifting, and high-intensity intervals.

I also fit in some runs and plenty of dog walks. Intensity is the norm for me—I like workouts that challenge me physically and mentally, but I struggle to slow things down.

Previous attempts at activities like meditation and yin yoga haven’t been successful for me, so Pilates was quite a departure.

The 60-minute mat-based class I attended was held at Reform Wellness studio on the Isle of Man, not far from where Joseph Pilates developed the method during the First World War.

This beginner-friendly session included exercises like crunch variations, planks, roll-ups, and boat poses. We moved at a deliberate pace, with a strong focus on posture, control, and holding positions.

The instructor provided helpful cues to ensure proper technique, making each movement intentional and impactful.

Lesson 1: Sweat Isn’t the Only Indicator of a Good Workout

Many people equate a drenched shirt with an effective workout. However, the better question to ask is, “Effective for what purposes?”

During the Pilates session, I didn’t sweat much, but I still felt its impact. The class wasn’t designed to push my cardiovascular system. Instead, it enhanced coordination, balance, mobility, and strength in smaller muscle groups, particularly those supporting my joints and core.

Take the Pilates roll-up, for example. Instead of performing a quick sit-up, the movement required me to lift one vertebra at a time slowly.

By the time I reached an upright position, my core muscles were trembling far more than they would during standard sit-ups.

The control and precision demanded by Pilates led to more engaged muscles, building functional strength that benefits both athletic performance and everyday movements.

Lesson 2: Move Your Body in Different Ways

The human body moves in three planes of motion:

• Sagittal (up, down, forward, and backward)
  
  
• Frontal (side-to-side)
  
  
• Transverse (rotational)
  
  

Unfortunately, most movements in and outside the gym are sagittal-dominant, like squats or push-ups.

Neglecting other planes of motion can cause our nervous system to consider them unnecessary, weakening the associated muscles.

When quick twisting or lateral movement is required in daily life, we may feel stiff or even injure ourselves.

During the Pilates class, we incorporated plenty of bending and twisting movements, activating smaller stabilizer muscles.

By the end, my body felt both stronger and more flexible. Although long-term benefits require consistency, even one session left me recognizing the importance of moving in all directions.

Lesson 3: Workouts Don’t Have to Be Expensive

The cost of exercise can often deter people from participating, particularly when trends like Pilates become popular.

Reformer Pilates classes, for example, can cost upwards of £50 per session. While balancing affordability with fair compensation for instructors is important, exercise should still remain accessible.

The mat-based class I attended cost only £12 and required no specialized equipment—I managed just fine in a t-shirt and track pants.

There are even cheaper ways to try Pilates, such as free YouTube videos or apps. During my student days, I followed an online instructor who made classes fun and budget-friendly, ensuring I could still enjoy the benefits.

Lesson 4: Individualized Coaching Makes a Big Difference

While online Pilates resources offer affordability and convenience, they lack personalized feedback. My first in-person Pilates class highlighted the value of having an instructor who could refine my movements.

Small adjustments in technique, provided through tailored verbal and physical cues, made exercises more effective and safe.

If you’re new to Pilates, I highly recommend starting with in-person classes to build a solid foundation. Once you’ve mastered the basics, online classes can become an affordable and practical option for long-term practice.

Even for experienced athletes, adopting a “student mindset” and seeking feedback from professionals can open the door to continuous improvement.

Lesson 5: Try Something Outside Your Comfort Zone

The fitness world often forms “tribes.” Runners, for instance, may exclusively run and dismiss other forms of cardio, just as weightlifters might shun non-strength-related activities. While a sense of belonging can be meaningful, narrow routines can limit progress and diminish enjoyment.

Trying new activities, like Pilates, not only encourages movement in different ways but also adds a refreshing element of fun.

Replacing my usual Sunday CrossFit workout with Pilates left me feeling rejuvenated for the week ahead, while the change of pace turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable.

The Verdict

Labels dominate the fitness world these days, with social media split into tribes of “Pilates princesses” and “hybrid athletes.” While there’s nothing wrong with aligning with a fitness identity, my Pilates experience reminded me there are many ways to stay active.

Pilates didn’t replace my beloved dumbbell workouts or strength training. Instead, it complemented them, adding variety and teaching me valuable lessons.

Since making Pilates a weekly habit, I’ve noticed improvements in my mobility, core strength, and overall performance in other sports like Olympic weightlifting and padel.

Ultimately, the best workout routine is one you genuinely enjoy. Fun is the key to consistency, and consistency is what delivers results.

If you’re considering mixing up your routine, why not give Pilates a try? You might be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Source: independent

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.