I try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, but when life gets busy it can be hard to find the time.
Even when I can’t spare more than 30 minutes, I try to do some kind of exercise. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways I’ve found to protect my mental health. Plus, if you have a desk job, inactivity can make it easier to lose muscle mass and mobility.
That’s why I was excited to see this 10-minute workout from Pilates instructor Katie Bass on Instagram. In her post, Bass wrote that it’s the kind of workout you do when you only have 10 minutes to spare, so I decided to give it a try to see if it was enough to challenge me.
How to do 10-minute Pilates with Katie Bass
The routine consists of six exercises performed in a circuit format, with Bass doing 10 repetitions of each move before performing a second exercise.
My experience swapping out my usual workout for 10 minutes of Pilates
I like to go to the gym and do weight training, but I’ve also been trying out Pilates lately, which can be done at home and is great for strengthening your core muscles, which complements the weight training.
This routine definitely challenged my core. My core muscles were engaged from start to finish and my abs were on fire by the end. It’s good to be able to challenge those muscles in just 10 minutes.
It’s also a great workout if you want to improve your mobility: the first move, the Plank Press Back, loosens the muscles in your upper body and relieves tension that builds up at a desk job.
Another thing I liked about this workout was that it was a great way to improve my coordination, as some of the exercises required my body to move as one unit.
Additionally, my lower back pain was a little less than usual, and I was able to sit at my desk much more comfortably for the rest of the afternoon. I think this is because the core exercises are so effective at supporting my spine and improving my posture, which is ideal for people like me who spend a lot of time sitting.
I was very impressed with how in 10 minutes I was able to work not only on strength but also coordination, posture and mobility.
Buy a Pilates Mat
No equipment is required for this workout, but a Pilates mat can make the seated movements more comfortable. Here are three options to consider:
Under $10 at Walmart
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Mat with Carry Strap
Prime members can get this highly rated mat ASAP.
Stott Pilates Deluxe Pilates Mat
This gorgeous option is 26% off.
