As my clients start to feel the benefits of Pilates creeping into their daily lives, they will often ask me how often they can do Pilates. Can you do it every day? Yes, you can. Should you do Pilates every day? Absolutely, if you want to. Can you come to the studio every day? Yes, but you don’t need to. It’s all about finding the right balance for you!
Pilates Through Your Day
Joseph Pilates lived and breathed Pilates (then called Contrology). He even had a bed with a tower and springs on it so he could wake up and do a workout right then. I’d be guessing, but I bet his wake-up-Pilates routine was more of a short stretch and mobility session rather than an intense sweaty workout.
The wonderful thing about Pilates is that you don’t need any fancy equipment to do a workout. All you need is a mat; and if you don’t have one, there are still exercises you can do standing or against a wall. As you start to learn more Pilates you’ll know enough exercises that you can do in just five or ten minutes to work out the kinks, warm up your joints, and even build strength. For example, by sitting up taller and focusing on your “Pilates breathing” while sitting at your desk or driving, you’ll be working on strengthening your core.
Fit More Pilates In
You can do short Pilates routines every day to keep your body moving well, but I’d recommend doing three or four 45-minute to 1-hour Pilates sessions a week to feel the best. Of those, I’d love to see you in the studio 1 to three times, especially if you’re a beginner. Still, I know there are things making it hard for you to commit to four days of full Pilates workouts, like:
- I’m not good at doing it at home alone. That’s ok, I wasn’t either at first! Before you put pressure on yourself to do Pilates 4 days a week, start with one or two sessions in the studio. As you get more comfortable with the exercises, you’ll be more confident doing your own workouts at home.
- I need time for my other fitness activities. I get that you don’t want to trade your runs, rides, lifting, or HIIT classes for four Pilates workouts. While I do Pilates most days in some form, some days it’s as a warm-up or cool-down for my other activities. Take what you know from the mat work, being sure to incorporate moving through all of the spine shapes (round back, tall back, extension, rotation, and side bending).
You can also find guidance for your at-home Pilates practice with online classes like those in Sweat with Melissa. Lesley Logan Pilates also has flash cards to inspire you. It’s not about choosing Pilates over other activities; Pilates goes with everything and will improve your performance in everything else you love to do.
Find Your Balance
From lifting to running, gardening to housework, walking on your vacations to lifting your children or grandchildren, Pilates is going to help you with all of it! When it comes to general fitness, though, I’ve learned that you’ll make the best progress with a good balance of activities. What that looks like will vary from person to person.
If you’re an athlete, obviously it’s important for you to do a lot of that activity, especially if you have goals. Running a marathon is going to be really difficult if you don’t train enough for it. On the flip side, if you over-train you might end up with injuries that prevent you from doing your best or competing at all. This is true for any activity!
I love hearing clients tell me that they’re doing a mixture of activities. Sometimes they may be focusing on one activity more than another, either because of a goal or just because it’s what they love to do! I love even more to hear clients tell me that they’re seeing the benefits of Pilates in those very activities. A better golf swing, fewer running injuries, or less back pain while gardening have all been attributed to a regular Pilates practice. It’s amazing how good movement can spill over into all other areas of your life.
The Final Word on Daily Pilates
Doing Pilates every day isn’t necessary, but if it feels good to you, do it! Whether it’s a full workout or a simple morning or evening routine to loosen things up, at home or in the studio, you can’t go wrong with moving your body. If you’re looking for ideas on how to fit more Pilates into your regular routine, just ask. I’m happy to help.