Pilates / what else?

[Hdkatznahtw125sgh]

I posted a few months ago when I first started reformer pilates and have been hooked ever since. I now (aside from sadly having to have 3 weeks off due to severe infection) do a mix of reformer and mat pilates and barre. I do reformer pilates at 3 different studios for a good mix. I average 5 sessions a week on good form, am building back up just now.

I’ve been working with a PT but as nice and good as they are I still hate the gym so have decided to finish my sessions with them shortly.

I hate the gym, hate running in the cold or rain, not into swimming and hate lifting weights. I know that reformer pilates, mat pilates and barre do lack higher resistance workouts but I really don't know how to incorporate this without hating it.

I'm just wondering if anyone has something they cross train with pilates/barre. I don't mind running in the summer. I prefer pilates to barre but it can get very expensive hence doing both.

Thanks 🙂

Pvolve?

I started using the system last year and had an annual pass included as part of my equipment bundle. It’s £15pcm normally to access the classes. Varying lengths of classes, mix of live and library and class types. It does incorporate heavy weights for class types which is what I needed. I tend to use their series suggestions as it serves up classes I probably wouldn’t do. I use it 5 x pw and would say I’m definitely stronger and more toned. It takes up minimal space in the house.

I combine this with incline treadmill walking 5x pw and racquet sports. I also don’t like the gym.

I like Growingannanas. Most of her workouts are HIIT based but she also uses dumbbells in some of them. Her workouts are very professional and well structured.

I know you said you don't like weights, but maybe Caroline Girvan might change your mind.

What do you hate about the gym and have you spoken to your PT about it? If it's to do with the workout they might be able to tweak it for you.
I would suggest yoga but go for something more energetic esp. if it has challenging poses. You can build strength if you do some of the more advance stuff (work up to a headstand for example).

F

What do you hate about weights? I have added them to my 4 x weekly Pilates and am really liking not just the physical challenge, but also the mental challenge. It definitely needs a shift in mindset though, and the breath work needed is hard after being used to Pilates breathing, but I like being able to use the core strength that Pilates gives and build on it IYSWIM?

Thanks everyone

@Semiramide I actually do like Caroline girvan kind of forgot about her so that's a good idea
@unsync I hate the gym (and I've tried multiple) more than I hate weights. I don't mind home kettlebell / dumbbell workouts or classes (not that I've found any) but I think I like pilates and barre so much because its small studios.

This is what I did this morning - nice workout at home….. about 70 minutes including warm up and cool down:

Yoga flexibility
3-minute plank (I actually did 4)
wall-sits plus squats etc
plus a bit of tabata

I love reformer, and you can definitely get a good resistance workout with the right teacher. Do any of the studios also offer calisthenics classes? It's is brilliant for strength if you don't like lifting weights, and it's a really social class, lots of good bodyweight strength challenges. Chinups require you to lift your body weight over a bar. I'm currently using a resistance band but hoping to get to being able to do one without by October when I turn 50.
I own a studio, so I do a mix of reformer (which I teach), occasional barre which is lighter weights and longer sets, strength with heavy weights, calisthenics and ride (I teach this as well once a week - been amazing for my cardio health). Oh and one hot yoga a week. I guess it depends what you think you are missing. I don't know how old you are, but I think as we get older, it's good to move your body in as many different ways as possible. I hate working out at home since the pandemic when I did loads. I just love the energy of a class and the community at the studio. But it's also my business...

OP, I wouldn't worry 😀.

And I speak as someone who loved gym - heavy weight and calisthenics (so my bodyweight) - 10 reps is a lot for me.

Yes, you don't generally build strength and muscle in the same way with higher reps, lower load BUT you are doing resistance workouts and that is a big benefit and it will build some. I'm not sure what using light weights/high reps would add to what you do already, and it may affect recovery and energy levels so frankly I wouldn't bother.

I'd add some cardio (which could be brisk walking) if you want anything more and otherwise enjoy the fact you have found something that is good for you and you enjoy!

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/