About a year ago, we shared an article about why we didn't really like Pilates at first.
Back then, we had a somewhat complicated relationship with the Pilates hype. Many of the classes we came across seemed to focus on performance, weight loss, and constantly changing your body. For us, that brought back a kind of pressure we had very consciously moved away from.
Yoga had taught us something completely different: presence, connection, and a loving relationship with ourselves. That's why Pilates initially felt a bit like taking a step backward.
Over time, however, we realized that it wasn't Pilates itself that we didn't like. It was much more the way it was often taught and presented. We began to discover teachers and classes that taught Pilates in a much more mindful, functional, and inclusive way. Pilates could be about building strength, supporting the joints, and feeling good in your own body, rather than striving for perfection.
And that completely changed our perspective.
One Year of Pilates
Since then, we have definitely practiced Pilates more than ever before. Yoga is still the movement practice we truly love, but Pilates has become a really nice addition to our routine.
We love how yoga grounds us, while Pilates helps us feel strong, stable, and full of energy. For us, the two complement each other wonderfully.
And that's exactly the kind of Pilates we also want to share on our YouTube channel.
We now have five Pilates classes available for you, and more will definitely be added. That's why we want to introduce you to our favorites today.
Our Favorite Pilates Classes
Pilates Flow & Glute Activation – 10 Min.
A quick 10-minute flow to get your body moving and activate your glutes. Perfect for days when you don't have much time but still want to move around a bit.
Pilates Core Workout – 15 Min.
A short and targeted class for your core. You can expect controlled movements and the opportunity to consciously connect with your center – without having to schedule a whole hour for your workout right away.
Upper Body Pilates Flow with Two Blocks – 25 Min.
Pilates isn't just about your core and your legs. In this flow, we focus on the upper body and use two blocks to create an additional challenge. A great class if you want to work on strength, stability, and control.
Barre Pilates Class – 25 Min.
Something a little different: Our barre class combines Pilates-inspired movements with classic barre exercises. Look forward to small, controlled movements, a lot of work for your legs and core, and definitely a little muscle burn.
After Pilates Cool Down – 15 Min.
And finally: Don't forget to come back to rest as well. This 15-minute cool down is all about gentle stretching, mindful breathing, and calming the nervous system after your practice.
We often rush straight back into our everyday lives after a workout. But taking time to wind down is just as important as exercising your body. This class is the perfect way to release tension and end your practice feeling grounded and balanced. And it also works wonderfully as a little independent break whenever you need it.
You can find all five classes in our Pilates playlist on our YouTube channel.
A Little Extra Challenge with Our hejhej Blocks
We also love using our hejhej blocks as light weights in Pilates. They provide just the right amount of extra resistance in certain exercises and make familiar movements feel a little different. We also love that they can be used for so much more than just yoga.
And Then There's Reformer Pilates …
Another thing we really fell in love with over the past year is reformer Pilates.
We love the combination of resistance, controlled movements, and the added awareness of stability and strength that it creates. For us, it's another wonderful complement to yoga and mat Pilates.
If you're curious about trying reformer Pilates yourself, there are two studios we personally really love: Studio Rose in Konstanz and Her Harmony Studio in Leipzig. Both are very dear partner studios of ours.
Pilates, But Mindfully
Looking back, it's kind of funny that we once wrote about why we didn't like Pilates. Today, it has become a permanent part of our movement practice.
Our perspective has changed, but our values have remained the same. We still don't believe that movement has to be about correcting or changing your body. We want movement to support us – physically and mentally.
Yoga will always have a very special place in our hearts, but we are happy to have found a form of Pilates that fits just as well with the way we want to move.
Whether you have a few minutes and want to try barre, feel like a real workout, or just want to wind down a little afterwards: We hope you find a class that feels good for you. If you want to try reformer Pilates, we would be thrilled if you stopped by our partner studios.
And of course, more Pilates classes will be added soon.
Enjoy moving and have lots of fun sweating!
