Is there anything more popular than Pilates right now? The celebrity-purveyed workout, loved by everyone from Hailey Bieber to Harry Styles, has quickly become his class of 2024. From reformer to classical to physically driven, there’s a Pilates class for everyone, and it’s pretty impressive. No wonder it has a variety of health benefits. But the question remains, is Pilates at home as effective as a studio class for increasing muscle tone and strength?
good question. While it’s tempting to work out in a fancy studio with state-of-the-art equipment, many coaches say you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars (or more) on an IRL class to reap the benefits of Pilates. I claim that. Post-pandemic, accessing high-quality workouts from the comfort of your home has never been easier or cheaper. A Pilates workout is one of the more accessible sweat sessions you can try from the comfort of your living room. All you really need is some form of mat and you’re good to go.
But can a 20-minute Pilates workout or a 30-minute Pilates workout at home really offer the same benefits as IRL in a class where an instructor can help you fine-tune your positioning, form, and provide motivation? ? We’d like to think so too, but we weren’t sure.? That’s why we asked top Pilates experts for their honest opinions.
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Is Pilates at home as effective as attending a class? Experts weigh in
What is at-home Pilates?
It probably doesn’t need to be explained in detail, but for the uninitiated, at-home Pilates is literally a Pilates practice that takes place at your home/office/here of your choosing.
Pilates at home can be done as easily as you like. You don’t need any equipment or special clothing to get started.
“At-home Pilates refers to practicing Pilates exercises in the comfort of your own home,” explains Pilates instructor Alexandra Warburton. “This is typically taught through online classes, pre-recorded videos, or individual routines set by your favorite instructor. It’s primarily practiced using a yoga mat, but you can also use a softball, resistance band, or hand-held You can also develop your practice further using support equipment such as weights, and perhaps even a home Pilates reformer.”
@briannajoye_fitness ♬ Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell
What are the benefits of home Pilates?
Indeed, it’s never been easier to access the benefits of Pilates (or any number of other exercises) at home. The growing popularity of home workouts has led to a proliferation of online apps, platforms, and streaming services for those who want to exercise at home, and the benefits are countless.
1. Convenient
There is no doubt that the benefits of removing travel and time barriers to attending classes cannot be underestimated. You can roll out of bed and be “in class” in less than 5 minutes without worrying about subway strikes, traffic jams, or getting lost on your way to your new studio.
“Firstly, one of the main reasons why at-home Pilates is so popular is its convenience,” Warburton agrees. “You can fit a workout into your schedule without having to go to the studio, which means you have time and space to practice even when your life is super busy.”
2. Cost-effective
Needless to say, we’re still living in a cost-of-living crisis, with expensive gym memberships and class fees just out of reach for many of us at the moment. Gone are the days of paying monthly direct debits that you never use. Most streaming platforms offer at least a free trial period, if not a free subscription.
“The cost of Pilates classes varies, but on average they cost between £7 and £45 per class,” says Warburton. “This means that attending many in-person classes can quickly add up in costs, and not everyone can afford this additional cost. Enjoy your exercise form, maintain your results, and further develop your practice. Pilates at home can be more economical than studio classes, especially when you factor in one-off fees, membership fees, and travel costs.”
3. Comprehensive and accessible
As much as we’d love to channel the confidence of our inner Meghan Trainor, we all have those days when we feel low and hibernating is the only realistic option. Honestly, there’s nothing scarier than trying a new class knowing what everyone else is doing.
Step right into the stage and do Pilates at home – no one will see you or care about how you look (aside from your partner, pets, etc.), no gym tension here.
“Accessibility is a huge benefit for people doing Pilates at home,” Warburton agrees. “Some clients may feel nervous or shy about exercising in a group, but trying Pilates-specific exercises at home for the first time removes the barrier to the unknown. .”
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Is Pilates at home as effective as attending an IRL class?
This is the million dollar question. We’ve seen the benefits of Pilates at home are undeniable, but does it really work? Really Is it as effective as attending a physical class with an instructor?
Well, as you might have guessed, the answer is “it depends.”
“With advances in technology and the availability of high-quality online instruction, at-home Pilates is becoming increasingly effective for many people who want to maintain or improve their strength, flexibility, and overall fitness levels. ” says Warburton. “However, practicing Pilates at home inevitably has some disadvantages. “In the absence of a trained instructor, those who practice Pilates at home run a high risk of performing the exercises in the wrong way. It can also be difficult to know exactly which muscle groups to work and where to burn with spicy Pilates.”
In addition to this, there are reasons why tuition fees are so high. Instructors are highly trained and can provide modifications depending on your injury or specific symptoms. It’s worth remembering that home classes assume a certain level of fitness and ability, so if your needs don’t fit this, you might be better off taking a home class (at least initially). there is. ) I’m going to class.
As with all things, there seems to be a need for balance. We know that the most effective exercise is the one that actually sticks, and this applies to home exercise as much as any other exercise.
“All forms of exercise can be effective and beneficial,” Warburton said. MC UK. “I think the sweet spot is the fusion of home practice and studio practice. Pilates that you can do at home can It can be just as effective as attending classes in person, but it depends on a variety of factors. With proper guidance from experienced instructors, either through online classes/videos or pre-set exercises, individuals can achieve great results at home. ”
So if you’re already reasonably fit, have attended a fair number of Pilates classes IRL, and are motivated to work out at home instead, you’ll do just that. However, if you’re not confident in your technique or just love the atmosphere of training with others (not to mention the motivation of having friends waiting for you in class), we recommend sticking with live classes.
Whatever practice you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy it. Now let’s do the rollup.
3 at-home Pilates workouts to try today
1. Home Pilates for Beginners
what? Easy-to-understand flow of Pilates at home for workout beginners.
why? New to Pilates and not sure where to start? This simple yet effective sweat session is the perfect place to start. All you need is a good sports bra and 20 minutes of free time. And…breathe.
how long? 20 min.
2. Full body workout with bands
what? A short but fulfilling 20-minute session that requires only a training mat and resistance bands.
why? Don’t underestimate how impactful Pilates’ small movements that target specific core, leg, and arm muscles can be. Utilizing resistance bands, this low-impact workout from Pilates instructor Lottie Murphy promises to build muscle and tone.
how long? 20 min.
3. 30 minutes full body Pilates
what? A slightly longer full-body Pilates workout with clear instructions for each movement.
why? Want to take your at-home sessions to the next level? Move With Nicole is one of the best coaches to guide you through a spicy yet fun sweat session. This workout is certainly challenging, but it also makes time for breathing exercises to ensure muscle recovery.
how long? half an hour.
Buy MC UK’s classic workout kits now:
Sweaty Betty Pilates Socks 2 Pair Pack
No matter where you practice, you’ll want Pilates socks with good grip. And this two-pack of hers from cult favorite Sweaty Betty is a great option. Extremely soft and non-slip, it supports free movement.
When you’re working out at home, you may need some simple equipment to raise the bar. This Pilates set from John Lewis has everything you need to get started, including a resistance ball, band and Pilates ring. What’s more, it’s a great deal!
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