I’ve talked a little bit about the various types of exercise that I do from home. Mr. Handsome and I belonged to a gym before we had our son, but it’s just so difficult to make the time to go in this stage of life. Perhaps someday we can belong to a facility that has childcare, but those can be so expensive.
Between my treadmill and exercise DVDs, I am able to get my cardio in pretty easily, but I have struggled to find a method that is somewhat enjoyable for strength training. Just a few weeks ago, I decided to dive into Pilates, and it has been life changing. I’ve been able to find some great YouTube videos that are 30 to 40 minutes long, and I’m so pleased with how it’s going. It’s a great way to work the whole body without too much intensity.
Have any of y’all done Pilates?
Anonymous
Hi Ellie,
Thanks for sharing. When you run on the treadmill, does little buddy try to join you too or is he pretty good with playing independently while you run? Any tips with this?
Ellie
That’s a great question. He isn’t great at playing independently right now at all. LOL. I have my treadmill in a little nook area, and I bought a 5-foot baby gate to go in front of it, so it’s completely closed off. The gate is mesh, though, so he can stand right beside me and see me. I have seen larger baby gates that would perhaps work if your treadmill is in a big room. How old is your child?
Gabrielle :)
I have never done the Pilates but have been trying to find something to workout to! Do you have any other recommendations? Thanks 🙂
Ellie
Blogilates is great, although it can be kind of intense. Sometimes I modify exercises. For Pilates, I just go into YouTube and search “Pilates” or “Pilates Core,” etc.
Paula
I do enjoy my at home workouts. I love Leslie Sansone and Walk At Home, some Pilates. I use Beachbody on Demand for all sorts of workouts.
Ellie
I love Walk at Home!
Anonymous
😉
Ellyn
I have never tried Pilates but now I’m interested and might give it a try!
Abi Pomerantz
Hi Ellie,
I’ve been attending Pilates classes on the recommendation of an osteopath. It calms me, strengthens my core and my back problems have improved dramatically (I teach pre-school, small chairs are not good!).
I’m so glad you have discovered this fantastic exercise routine. We are in another lockdown over here in England so our instructor pre-records classes but I also found lots of good ones on YouTube.
Exercise is so good for our mental health it’s good to know you are making time for this self care after such sad times.
Hello from England!
Ellie
Hi Abi,
That’s wonderful to hear how much it has helped you. And it definitely makes me want to keep up with it to hear a professional say that it’s it’s a worth doing.
Sorry to hear that England is on another lockdown. How has it been going? How is morale?
Ellie
Abi
Hi Ellie,
It’s been very tough to be in a strict lockdown in January. It’s a difficult month most years and this year it’s been especially tough. I would say that morale is very low and it’s been so hard for children, they are greatly missing school, church, grandparents and seeing friends.
I hope that you don’t have to go through another lockdown.
Kind regards
Ellie
I’m so sorry, Abi. Yes, I bet January is the worst month to be cooped up at home, especially for children. I sure do hope it ends soon for you!
Abi
Thanks Ellie.
LOL
I’ve never tried pilates before, but I think I’m going to have to check it out.
Mary Lou Meiser
I’m 73 years old and have been doing Pilates for 18 years. My daughter is an instructor, so she trained me on mat and the reformer, which we have at home. My husband, who is 74, has been doing Pilates for years as well. We are in very good shape!!
Ellie
That’s amazing, Mary Lou! You must be quite good at it after 18 years.
Nicole
Hi, Ellie!
I love pilates too! Two of my favorite workout DVDs are 10-Minute Solution – Pilates Perfect Body and 10-Minute Solution – Slim & Sculpt Pilates. Slim & Sculpt Pilates uses a resistance band, which gives an extra challenge. Suzanne Bowen is a fantastic instructor. I also love the 10-Minute Solution format, because you can choose one segment if you’re short on time, or you can mix and match a few of them, or do them all!
This is my first time leaving a comment, but I really enjoy reading all three of your blogs! Thank you for all the work you put into them!
Ellie
Hi Nicole! Thanks for leaving a comment. I’m glad to have you as a reader! And thank you for the workout suggestions. 🙂
Mona
Hi Elly!
Been following your blog for some time and have loved all the sharing from you as you have walked through different seasons of life. Thank you for your honest, heart felt reflections.
I am most intrigued by the Pilates videos you’ve been watching! Are there any particular videos you’d recommend?
Ellie
That’s so kind of you, Mona! Your words made my day. Right now, I’m doing workouts on YouTube by Sarahs Day and Move with Nicole.
Anonymous
Good idea! I think I’ll add Pilates to my home workout routine. I had a little bit of abdominal separation after my last pregnancy 6 months ago so I’ve been hesitant to do much in the way of strength training. How many days a week do you do Pilates?
Ellie
I had that too and saw a physical therapist to help heal it. Have you tried looking online for specific exercises? I usually do Pilates 2-3 times per week and the treadmill 2-3 times.
Sally
Love Pilates! And so gentle on your joints. I used to have a Pilates reformer machine..that was amazing but unfortunately I had to give it away due to space and not having the time to use it anymore. I need to start exercising again. I’m a first time mom and my bubs is 6 months. I’m also a teacher working from home which is SUPER difficult. And I am trying to get my masters degree (although I am starting to fall behind). I don’t know how all of the super momma’s out there do it and find time to exercise!
Ellie
Sounds like you’re juggling a lot! I’m sure you’re doing a great job. Have you tried trying to work out with your son? it can take a little extra work, but it can be fun. At 6 months, he can just be beside near you and you can be interacting with him. At age 2, they really try to climb all over you, and it can be really challenging. Lol. But still fun.
Natalie
Pilates workouts are so nice, minimal sweating for those hair-wash-free days. 😊
Anyone who knocks their difficulty has NOT felt the burn after a 30-40 minute core focused session. 😧