It may take 21 days to make a habit but let’s start off with a simple 7 day Pilates challenge that will have you feeling more connected, stronger, taller and more energized. Pilates Mat work was created first. And, meant to be done everyday. Yep, everyday! The beautiful thing about the Mat is you don’t need more than yourself and an area to lay down. It also doesn’t require a full hour long workout to get the benefits of Pilates! Think Pilates is too good to be true? Try this 7 day challenge and see how you feel.
There are two ways to do this challenge:
- Guided by Me via my Intro to Pilates series for newbies or my 30 min OPC classes if you have some Pilates experience.
- Follow the exercise list below. Click each exercise to see a tutorial.
Option 1 will take you 15 – 30 min. each day Option 2 will take you 5 – 15 min each day.
Before you begin each, grab a journal or the notes section on your phone and write down how you feel inside your body. Do you feel strong, tired, tight, weak, disconnected? You decide. And there is no wrong answer. After each workout, check back in and write down how you feel. Track these over the next 7 days!
Day 1
- Option 1: Do Intro Class #1 or OPC Mat class
- Option 2:
- 100
- Elbow Slip
- Half Roll Back
- Rolling Like a Ball
- Swan Prep (just do the very first part)
- Single Leg Kick
- Side Kicks
Day 2
- Option 1: Do Intro Class #1 or OPC Mat class
- Option 2: Repeat Day 1 plus 2 new exercises
- 100
- Elbow Slip
- Half Roll Back
- Single Leg Circle
- Rolling Like a Ball
- Swan Prep (just do the very first part)
- Single Leg Kick
- Shoulder Bridge
- Side Kicks
Day 3
- Option 1: Do Intro Class #2 or OPC Mat class
- Option 2: Repeat Day 2 plus 3 new exercises
- 100
- Elbow Slip
- Half Roll Back, if ready replace with Roll Up
- Single Leg Circle
- Rolling Like a Ball
- Single Leg Stretch
- Swan Prep (just do the very first part)
- Single Leg Kick
- Shoulder Bridge
- Side Kicks
- Swimming
Day 4
- Option 1: Do Intro Class #2 or OPC Mat class
- Option 2: Repeat Day 3 plus 3 new exercises
- 100
- Elbow Slip
- Half Roll Back, if ready replace with Roll Up
- Single Leg Circle
- Rolling Like a Ball
- Single Leg Stretch
- Double Leg Stretch
- Spine Stretch
- Saw
- Swan Prep (just do the very first part)
- Single Leg Kick
- Shoulder Bridge
- Side Kicks
- Swimming
Day 5
- Option 1: Do Intro Class #2 or OPC Mat class
- Option 2: Repeat Day 4 plus 3 new exercises
Day 6
- Option 1: Do Intro Class #3 or OPC Mat class
- Option 2: Repeat Day 5 plus 2 new exercises
Day 7
- Option 1: Do Intro Class #3 or OPC Mat class
- Option 2: Repeat Day 6 plus 2 new exercises
So, I know by day 6 and 7 that looks like a lot! But, I promise that because you will have been doing the same exercises each day and just adding 2-3 that by Day 7 you won’t be working on your Pilates practice more than 15 – 20 min!
Pilates is a practice and our body will start to memorize the movements making it easier to transition from one exercise to the next. If you read all the way to the end and you’re like… hmm? I highly recommend you choose Option 1 and do either my Intro series or my OPC class. You can still use these links to help you see the tutorials of exercises you may not know.
Be sure to comment below or tag me on IG @lesleylogan when you do this challenge so I can help support you.
xx~LL
