I Tried Only Pilates and Walking For a Month

As someone who was looking for a new fitness routine this summer, I stumbled upon the perfect combination: Pilates and walking. With the heat of summer and my travel-heavy schedule in mind, I wanted something that would build strength, keep me cool, and be easily accessible no matter where I was. And that’s exactly what I found with this dynamic duo.

Pilates has been gaining popularity recently, and for good reason. It not only builds strength but also can be done with just your body and a mat. It’s a low-impact exercise that doesn’t make you sweat like crazy, making it perfect for those hot summer days. Plus, it’s a great way to improve core strength and overall body awareness.

Walking, on the other hand, is a simple and accessible form of cardiovascular exercise. It’s a great tool for active recovery, meaning it aids in the repair process that follows muscle strengthening. So combining Pilates and walking creates a well-rounded fitness routine that offers both strength and cardiovascular benefits.

To incorporate this routine into my life, I would generally practice Pilates in the morning before work and then go for a walk when I got home. However, I would sometimes switch it up depending on my schedule or the weather. Consistency was key for me, and if I couldn’t fit in both exercises, I would always make time for at least one of them.

For Pilates, I used a subscription service called Pilates With Ashlea, which was accessible and affordable. This service provided me with plenty of workouts that were challenging and effective, even without a Pilates reformer. The app offered visual and audio cues to help me learn proper form, and the variety of workout lengths and focus areas allowed me to customize my workouts based on how much time I had or how sore I was feeling.

To enhance my workouts, I invested in ankle weights, resistance bands, and occasionally heavier weights. Treating myself to new gear from brands like Bala and Vuori made my workouts more enjoyable and exciting. The gorgeous ankle weights and resistance bands from Bala, along with the comfortable material of Vuori’s activewear, motivated me to hit the mat every day. And my trusty Hoka Bondi 8 sneakers made every mile of walking a breeze.

After a month of consistently practicing Pilates and walking, I was amazed at the results I experienced. Not only did I build a stronger core, but I also became more mindful of my body and the world around me. Pilates encouraged me to slow down and feel every movement, which translated into increased mindfulness during my walks. Instead of wearing headphones, I observed my surroundings and paid attention to my thoughts. It was a great way to decompress after work and notice the beauty in my neighborhood.

The strengthening of my core was evident not only in my Pilates practice but also in everyday activities. I became more aware of engaging my core and saw significant improvements, particularly in my lower abs. I could feel my lower abs activating and properly supporting my movements.

One of the best parts of this routine was its adaptability and accessibility. I could do Pilates and walk anywhere, whether I was at home, visiting my parents, or traveling. I added weights and resistance bands when I wanted to intensify my workouts, and I could easily modify based on how I was feeling that day.

As the fall season begins and routines settle into place, I’m not exactly sure what my fitness routine will look like moving forward. However, I know that I will carry the lessons and benefits of Pilates with me. I have a deeper understanding of my core and how to activate it, which has improved my overall strength and posture. I plan to continue incorporating Pilates and walking into my routine, especially when I need a break from high-intensity workouts or when I want to focus on my lower core.

The combination of Pilates and walking has been a game-changer for me. It offered a versatile, effective, and enjoyable fitness routine that met all my needs. Whether you’re looking for a low-impact workout, want to build core strength, or simply need a break from high-intensity exercises, I highly recommend giving Pilates and walking a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it.