The winter weather can hit your fitness routine hard. Rainy days, colder temps, and dark nights. It’s not the one.
If you don’t wanna head outside to get your sessions in, look to some low-impact indoor workouts like yoga, Pilates or barre.
Need to know more about these ones? We’ve got you. Doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out this year, or levelling up on the last one. Here’s the stuff you want to know before stepping to the next class.
Pilates
Pilates might be seen as a new trend with the rise of reformer Pilates and loads of sleek new studios. But actually, it’s been around for almost 100 years.
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that puts the focus on body conditioning and core strength.
You can customise your Pilates routine for exactly what you want. That’s part of the reason it’s so popular.
It’s all about improving flexibility while toning muscles and building strength.
History of Pilates
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in early 20th century Germany. He originally worked on the exercise as a recovery method for dancers.
There’s a big emphasis on controlling your breathing, and connecting your mind and body when you take part in Pilates.
Reformer Pilates
Pilates can be performed just on a mat, but you can use specialised equipment to elevate your workout.
Instead of using only your body weight during a Pilates workout, you can use spring-based resistance machines called reformers.
The reformer machine uses a sliding platform to add adjustable resistance and support.
Both the mat and reformer types of Pilates have benefits, and neither is really better than the other. Just different.
Yoga
A lot of people compare yoga and Pilates. Truth is, they both work in different ways.
Yoga is a different type of low-impact workout, using your bodyweight as resistance. Yoga combines a group of spiritual practices that focus on connecting your mind and body.
Deep breathing and mindfulness are big parts of practicing yoga, so it can sometimes be linked with meditation. It was developed over 5,000 years ago in India. And since then, a lot of different iterations of yoga have come about.
Hot yoga
One of the different types of yoga that has grown in popularity is hot yoga.
Hot yoga studios usually set their temperatures between 29 and 41 degrees Celsius. A heated yoga session has some extra benefits to a standard class. Once you adapt to the heat, it can give you a cardiovascular boost, increase your flexibility, dial in your focus, and help you control stress.
After a hot yoga class, it can give you a boosted endorphin rush, and could even help with clearer skin and a bigger calorie burn.
If you’re looking to calm your mind, move your body, and connect with both, then yoga might be the one for you.
Barre
Barre is another type of low-impact workout, inspired by ballet.
It also blends elements of both Pilates and yoga, concentrating on strength training, lengthening and toning your body, and improving balance.
This type of workout uses a ballet barre, and sometimes equipment like resistance bands, exercise balls and weights can be added to the routine.
A barre workout tends to focus on repeating small movements, honing in on balance and strength, and engaging your core.
It’s always good to treat yourself to a workout class in a cute studio, and barre classes are no exception. But if you wanna practice barre at home, you can get the same results using something like a chair or worktop. You stay in one spot, so you don’t need loads of space or stuff for a barre workout.
You’ll get the most from your Pilates, yoga or barre sessions when you combine then with other kinds of exercise like cardio.
So, if you’re thinking of swapping your HIIT class or running session for something a little less intense, these are the workout classes we’re shouting up.
And if you’re after a new gym fit for your next class, you know we’ve got you covered.
What to wear for Pilates, yoga, or barre
You want to be cool and comfy at your workout. We’re looking at names like Nike, adidas, AYBL, Under Armour and more to get some outfit inspo for your next class.
Something like Nike’s Indy Swoosh Sports Bra delivers light support for low-impact workouts. Wear it under a baggy AYBL tee so you can look cute and move freely.
An AYBL outfit’s always a go-to. This one’s perfect for showing up to a class and grabbing a coffee after.
A cute zip-up top and flared yoga pants? We’re into it. New Balance and Under Armour always deilver on new workout fits. And with a big Swoosh tote over your shoulder, you’re set for the session.
Ready to go? You can shop all our women’s training gear from Nike, adidas, AYBL, and loads more right here.
