No need to skip Pilates on the holidays! Here are 4 quick Pilates Christmas workouts for the busy you
It’s the holidays again and with it comes the holiday rush. The chaos that it brings to our orderly schedule is just… exhausting!
So don’t be surprised when you feel your mind and body resisting the idea of going near a Pilates reformer to workout.
But don’t be disappointed with yourself either. Because this is a natural reaction when you’re overstimulated by your environment.
The only question here is… will you give in and stop working out during the holidays?
We know that your answer is a resounding no!
It won’t be easy but we’re here to help you stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle while feasting and enjoying the holidays.
Why You Shouldn’t Take A Break…
You’re probably thinking that it’s silly to write a list of reasons why you need to keep working out during the holidays when the reasons are obvious.
Well… our purpose here is not to point out the obvious.
But to help you condition your mind so that you’ll be able to have the mental strength not to give in to the temptation of skipping your Pilates holiday exercises.
Creating a list will help you remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, even if your mind and body don’t want to.
So the next time you feel like ignoring your Pilates machine, read this blog… It will help you get into the right mindset.
1. Your heart needs it
Evidently, right?
However, what we meant was that your heart needs Pilates more during the holidays than at any other time of the year.
This is because according to the American Heart Association, there is an increase in cardiac mortality around Christmas and New Year’s.
And one of the possible reasons is the sudden change in diet and increased alcohol consumption.
So imagine consuming a lot of carbohydrates, saturated fat, and alcohol then going to bed without sweating it all out… Plus, this will not just be a one-night event.
You might find yourself eating unhealthy foods every night for a week!
So be kind to your heart and do Pilates.
2. Winter can increase your cholesterol level
Yup, it can!
So increased cholesterol + potential cardiac problem = a big health problem!
Take our advice, spend just 5 minutes in an Elina Pilates elite wood reformer machine a day… Because it could save your life.
3. You’ll find peace amidst the chaos
Let’s be honest for a moment…
As much as we love our family, spending too much time with them can induce anxiety and stress.
So finding a quiet place to practice Pilates for stress relief can give you peace of mind and a better perspective on the events you’re experiencing.
4. Don’t waste those muscles
Do you really want to throw away the hard work you’ve put in to achieve the physique and strength you’ve always dreamed of?
Only two weeks without exercise can reduce your muscle strength and build belly fat.
4 Quick Pilates Workout To Stay In Shape
1. 2-Minute Meditative Pilates Workout
We’ll begin with a series of meditative Pilates workouts as preparation for your body and mind.
Our intention here is to balance and center your emotions.
Pilates steps:
a. Kneel on your Pilates equipment, place your hands on your thigh, then take a deep breath
b. When you’re ready, gently roll your head clockwise and then counterclockwise. Do this 8 - 10 times
c. Pause for a while and take a deep breath. When you’re ready, cross your leg and place the palm of your left hand on the carriage for support
d. Extend your right arm, palm facing the ceiling and move it overhead towards the left side. Extend your right arm as far as you can while bending your left elbow
e. Do the same to your left arm. Repeat each movement 8 - 10 times
f. Take a deep breath before you move to the next workout
2. Pilates Core Workout
Now that you’re all warmed up, balanced, and centered, it’s time we activate your core muscles.
Pilates steps:
a. Lie on the carriage of your AeroPilates machine, hold the straps and place your arms parallel to your trunk and bend your elbows to 90 degrees
b. Then bend your hips and knees to 90 degrees to form a tabletop position
c. Extend your elbows while simultaneously flexing your neck, slightly lifting your upper shoulder to engage your core muscles. Make sure that you keep your hips and knees bent and your back in neutral or flat on the carriage
d. Slowly bring your shoulder and head back on the carriage and your elbows to a flexed position
e. Repeat 10 - 15 times
3. Triceps And Upper Back Workout
Let’s keep your heart pumping with an upper extremity workout!
Pilates steps:
4. Thigh Workout
For our last workout, we’ll focus on your lower extremity.
Steps:
Pilates Is The Serenity Amidst The Chaos…
We know that the holidays can be hectic and overwhelming but this shouldn’t stop you from working out.
In fact, this should inspire you to devote time and energy to exercise more. Because amidst the chaos of the holidays, Pilates can give you the peace of mind you direly need.
Pilates is not just about gaining physical strength, it’s about unifying your body, mind, and spirit…
So when you feel like skipping your workout, just remember…
- Your heart doesn’t take a break, so sweat with it and for it!
- Meditative Pilates is more than just a fad, it calms your mind, body, and soul
- You’ve worked so hard to achieve your dream body, don’t let it dwindle
Do you want to keep your peace of mind during the holidays? Check our Pilates Reformer catalogue and enjoy your holidays stress-free and healthy!
