Love the core strengthening side of Pilates but craving a bit more of a workout? Introducing high-intensity Pilates; a hybrid of traditional Pilates and faster-paced, dynamic movements that provides the ultimate whole body workout.
What exactly is Pilates?
The traditional method of Pilates has had quite a few facelifts since its beginnings in the 1920’s. Originally used in professional ballet, Pilates is now a mainstream form of exercise that most people have at least tried once and many are completely addicted to.
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Despite the many adaptations now available, the roots of Pilates remain consistent and regardless of the style of Pilates you gravitate towards, you can expect to work on your core stability, movement control, body awareness, posture and alignment.
What is high-intensity Pilates?
High-intensity Pilates is a faster-paced take on traditional Pilates, where the focus is on elevating your heart rate and challenging your muscles with more dynamic movements.
The exercises used in these classes tend to work multiple body parts at once, requiring more oxygen to be pumped to your muscles. Using these bursts of cardio in between strengthening exercises, you will feel your heart pumping as well as that deep muscle burn we expect from Pilates.
What are the benefits of high-intensity Pilates?
When it comes to exercise, variety is key. The slow and controlled nature of traditional Pilates offers incredible benefits, both physically and mentally. But there are many benefits to introducing some high-intensity Pilates to your routine as well:
- Strengthening different muscle fibre types: while traditional Pilates is highly effective at targeting your slow twitch fibres to improve muscle endurance, high-intensity Pilates will target your fast twitch fibres to improve muscle strength and power.
- Increasing muscle tone and definition: the use of equipment (weight and bands) and plyometric exercises (jumping/hopping) are great ways to work your muscles harder to both see and feel a difference in your muscle strength.
- Enhancing cardiovascular function: the added element of cardio-bursts raises and lowers your heart rate throughout the session, helping to improve your cardiovascular system and fitness.
- Injury prevention: practising faster-paced movements where you have less time to think about technique is a great way to train your body and prevent injuries.
- Fun/motivation: Mixing up the intensity of your workouts is a great way to boost your motivation and keep you inspired to roll out your mat. High-intensity Pilates classes might be a little sweaty but they are good fun and once you feel the endorphins flow, you definitely be back for more.
If you want to try a high-intensity Pilates workout from home, here is an equipment-free program we’ve created to build strength and muscle tone while giving your cardiovascular fitness a boost at the same time.
A high-intensity Pilates workout to get a sweat up
Complete each exercise for 60 seconds and repeat the whole set 2-3 times. Have some water and a sweat towel handy!
Commando/ pike
Mountain climber fast
Lunge hop + high knee
Squat touch + jump
Scooter fast
Wide squat – elbow to knee
Side plank – hip dip elbow/knee
Oblique leg scissors
If you would like to make high-intensity Pilates part of your exercise routine, Our Pilates have a whole new collection of classes created to take your workouts to another level. Our new Sweat and Strength category is now live and available to all members. Start now with a 7-day free trial and feel the difference!
