

The gym isn’t the only way to keep fit throughout the festive season. If you’re looking for a more gentle approach to building your strength without pumping iron, then this 8-move Pilates workout is just what you need. In just under 30 minutes you'll feel stronger all over, more focused, and ready to tackle the holiday hustle. No equipment is necessary, just a little space and a mat.
Pilates is renowned for its focus on controlled movements and core engagement, making it a perfect option for those who want a low-impact yet highly effective workout. But it’s not just beneficial for our bodies. According to Les Mils, studies have shown Pilates can improve our sleep quality, boost immunity and even better our sex life. Not too bad, if you ask us!
A post shared by KAYLEIGH JAYNE PILATES (@kayleighhjaynefit)
A photo posted by on
This is a floor-based workout, so grab an exercise mat, or something soft to go beneath you. Kayleigh hasn’t specified reps or sets for this workout, so we’d suggest aiming for three sets of 8-10 reps for each movement. Rest for 30-40 seconds between exercises and 90 seconds to two minutes between rounds. “Take your time to give attention to your form, technique and breathing,” says Kayleigh. Also, make sure you watch the short video above to see how to do each exercise correctly, as their names are a little ambiguous. Here are your exercises:
- Full roll up
- Leg pull and lift leg
- Double leg stretch
- Quick toe taps
- Side leg lift
- Side leg circle
- Inner thigh lift
- Hip and glutes release
Want more Pilates workouts to add to your fitness routine over the festive break? Here’s a brilliant beginner-friendly three-move core routine, a great alternative to boring sit-ups that you don’t need any equipment for either. For those wanting a full-body focus again, this 25-minute workout will give you a great posture boost.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Bryony’s T3’s official ‘gym-bunny’ and Active Staff Writer, covering all things fitness. She recently completed her Level 3 PT qualification with the PFCA to bring a deeper understanding of training techniques, fitness trends, and wellness advice to her writing. In her spare time, you will find her in her natural habitat - the gym - where her style of training is a hybrid of bodybuilding and powerlifting. Bryony loves writing about accessible workouts, nutrition and testing innovative fitness products that help you reach your fitness goals and take your training to the next level.
-
I love Nintendo for bringing back kooky gaming cameras for the Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is mad
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I tried Sony's new Sonos Arc rival – the Bravia Theatre Bar 6 goes big on bass
Sony's Bravia Theatre Bar 6 replaces the G700 soundbar system – and I got to test it out at a private listening session
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Tired of a bad lower back? Bulletproof it with these three simple exercises
A fitness expert shares three easy moves you can do straight from the comfort of your home
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
You don’t need the gym – build boulder shoulders with this dumbbell-only workout
You’ll have delts for days after doing these five exercises
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Two dumbbells and these four exercises to build a stronger lower body if you’re a beginner
This simple four-move workout shows that weight training doesn't need to be complicated
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Try these 7 standing Pilates exercises to help build better balance and stability
This low-impact standing routine is ideal if you struggle with floor-based exercises
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Last updated
-
Skip the gym – this 20-minute standing dumbbell is low-impact and strengthens the entire body
It's ideal if you have limited mobility too
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Pass the gym – build strength all over and boost your metabolism with this 20 minute dumbbell workout
Get strong, build muscle and burn fat with just a pair of dumbbells
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Forget burpees – this 20-minute workout boosts your metabolism with no jumping
Get your heart pumping with this no-jump workout
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Two dumbbells, 30 minutes, and six exercises to build muscle all over and a stronger core
A simple home workout to add muscle all over and boost strength
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published