Five Minute Pilates

Sometimes, life gets crazy. Right now, it’s the holidays, but it’s not unusual to find yourself overwhelmed or out of routine at any time of year. Spring Break, summer holidays, or even a sick person at home can get you off-balance in life. It’s these times that fitness often falls to the side, but in reality, these times are when you need fitness even more! It helps relieve stress mentally and physically, and will help you stay feeling good when things are nuts. So what’s my solution when time is tight but you need to take care of yourself? Five minute Pilates! 

Holiday Craziness

Right now, I’m busier than usual. With a new studio space opening in January, I’ve been painting, shopping, cleaning, and decorating. That’s already a lot, but it’s the holidays, too and we’ve been decorating the house and getting ready for when our daughters come home from university. Oh, and I’m teaching until December 21st, too! Even for me, getting around to exercise has been challenging. 

I’ve tried getting up early to exercise a few times this week, but my body told me to rest. I needed the sleep since I’ve been doing so much more than usual, so I listened. And I could have worked out rather than emptying the clean dishwasher first thing, but then dirty dishes would start piling up on the counter and it’s one of my biggest pet peeves. Seeing a messy counter stresses me out. 

The Solution: Five Minute Pilates

When life is coming at you from all directions, give yourself a much-needed wellness break and move your body. Pilates is safe enough to do every day, and if you can’t do a full routine, try just five minutes of movement. 

Try this Five Minute Pilates Workout on YouTube that I put together for you. It’s great to do before bed, first thing in the morning, or on a work break. There is no special equipment required. And if you’re still a beginner, try the Introduction to Pilates Series to learn the basics. 

There are other ways to sneak movement into your day other than Pilates. Here are my best tips to keep your body happy and moving when time is tight: 

1. Be okay with a shorter workout than usual
2. Break your workout into two shorter sessions
3. Subscribe to Sweat with Melissa for the month (or year!), and have a library of workouts that you can do anytime, anywhere, without having to think about it. 
4. It’s okay to take a day off. Rather than stress about it, think about all the extra steps you’re getting while shopping or dancing at a holiday party.
5. Go for a walk at lunch or after dinner
6. Make active plans with friends, like walking with your coffee instead of sitting in the coffee shop to visit. 
7. Schedule your workout on the calendar as a must-do, rather than a “maybe”.
8. Invite a friend to workout with you; the extra accountability will hold you to the plan.

It’s impossible to stick to your fitness routine 100% of the time, so don’t beat yourself up about finding yourself off track. Try five minutes of Pilates or go for a five minute walk; who knows – you might enjoy it so much you find yourself completing a thirty-minute workout in the end. Whatever the case, give yourself grace over the next few weeks. You’ll be even more ready to get up and go after Christmas, and set new goals for the new year!