It’s time to love the way you move.
“Build Your Own Practice” Back to Basics Challenge.
If you’re looking for something to help you do life just a little bit better, Pilates is where it’s at.
There’s nothing better to help you find your alignment, access your breath, and find power and stability from your center.
But even more importantly, there’s nothing better to connect to your body so YOU control what’s happening. Pilates lets you build a movement practice that works FOR you - not against you - no matter where you are in your journey.
But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.
I created this four-part challenge as a launchpad to a practice that meets you where you are.
This “Build Your Own Practice” series of quick on-demand workouts is programmed to help you master the basics so you can return to the mat again and again. Already have Pilates in your life? This is for you too! Returning to the roots of our practice is the best way to progress. It’s time to love the way you move.
(And btw, it’s free for my subscribers, but please share with your friends - they can sign up here.)
What to expect
⏰ Each class is ~20 mins
😍 All workouts are low impact and beginner-friendly.
🫶 Classes are welcoming for prenatal and postpartum - see the bonus video below to help you learn specific modifications.
🤵♂️ Fancy gym not required. You need a mat or long towel. Some classes incorporate light weights or a yoga block, but household items like soup cans and couch pillows work great.
Back to Basics: Modifications!
Repeat after me: modifying an exercise is NOT cheating. And it certainly doesn’t take away from your workout -quite the opposite, in fact! There is never a time in my practice when I don’t take a modification if it gives me what I need that day. This quick video breaks down modification options for many of the exercises you’ll see in the series. If you’re prenatal, postpartum, are brand new or returning to fitness, or have something else going on that limits your range motion, check this out before starting the first workout.
You’ll be able to confidently approach each class with ideas to modify so you can make the workout work for YOU. Reach out with specific questions!
Equipment: Mat
Part 1: 22 Min Total Body
The first class in this four-part Build Your Own Practice series is all about tuning out the noise and tuning in to you. Learn the basic movements, find your breath, and just experience how the practice feels in your body without pressure, judgement, or expectations. Pay attention to how you feel when you start and what's different when you step away. No matter what it brings up for you, keep coming back. Your body will thank you every single time.
Equipment: Mat or Long Towel, Yoga Block (optional)
Modifications: Welcoming for beginners, prenatal, postpartum, and anyone returning to fitness, but please do check out this bonus video before starting class.
Part 2: 18 Min Total Body
Layering on from Part 1, this is where Pilates starts to go from being "just exercise" to being your gateway to more trust and confidence when you pick up something heavy, clip into your bike, or just live your life!
A set of light weights (I mean it - very light!) will help you engage the muscles in your back and shoulders so they feel like part of your core. There are so many muscles and tendons that meet up right around your shoulder blades - it's like Grand Central Station back there. Think of how much power and support we can access there!
Equipment: Mat or Long Towel, Light Weights (1-2 lbs -optional)
Modifications: Welcoming for beginners, prenatal, postpartum, and anyone returning to fitness, but please do check out this bonus video before starting class.
Part 3: 20 Min Total Body
This workout puts the spotlight on activating the low body, as well as opening up the spine through rotation. Both concepts start by connecting every movement to the power and stability of the strong center body as we add new layers to the foundation built in Parts 1 and 2.
Here's the twist (literal and figurative!): you're not going to see a ton of "classic" exercises here. These are new variations to hone in on important skills to build your practice. Open your ears and focus on how each motion feels in the body. Let yourself explore how these new connections can inform how you move on your mat, in your other workouts, and in real life.
Equipment: Mat or Long Towel
Modifications: Welcoming for beginners, prenatal, postpartum, and anyone returning to fitness, but please do check out this bonus video before starting class.
Part 4: 18 Min Total Body
The final installment of this "Build Your Own Practice" series is an all-levels total body workout that lets the posterior chain shine. Yep, lookin' at you, back and booty! Throughout class, we'll explore ways to light up the muscles that line the back body while opening up the front. You'll find opportunities to create space and mobilize the spine paired with a constant connection to the security of your strong, stable core. This balance and aware of how we move is the magic of Pilates - your practice and the way you move through life only can grow from here.
Equipment: Mat or Long Towel
Modifications: Welcoming for beginners, prenatal, postpartum, and anyone returning to fitness, but please do check out this bonus video before starting class.