If you’ve been wondering how to maintain a regular yoga or pilates routine, then this post is for you! Yoga and pilates are amazing to add to your fitness routine, but it can be tough to find the time for them when you’re busy.
If you’re struggling to maintain a regular routine, here are some things to consider.
Set realistic goals. Don’t try to go from zero to seven days a week overnight. Start with one or two days a week, and gradually increase the frequency and duration as you get stronger and more consistent.
Make it a priority. Schedule your yoga or pilates sessions in advance and treat them like any other important appointment. If you have to skip a practice/workout, make it up later in the week.
Find a routine you enjoy. There are many different types of yoga and pilates classes available, so find one that fits your fitness level and interests. If you’re not sure where to start, try a few different classes to see what you like best.
Make it convenient. Find a yoga or pilates studio that is close to your home or work, or work out at home if possible. This will make it easier to fit your workouts into your schedule so be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
Don’t be afraid to modify. If you’re new to yoga or pilates, or if you have any injuries, don’t be afraid to modify the poses and exercises. There are many ways to make them work for you in alignment with your individual needs.
Now if you have tons of different things going on each day, here are some tips to maintain a regular yoga or pilates routine:
- Wake up early to practice/workout. If you’re not a morning person, try setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding time later in the day. Alternatively, do yoga and/or pilates as soon as you have finished work for the day. When I’m working from home I put on my workout gear first thing and as soon as I’m finished, I’m out the door (if it’s my Third Space day). If not, I do mat based pilates or yoga from home as soon as I’ve logged off.
- Work out during your lunch break. This is not my jam, but I know a lot of people who do this and love it! It does depend on how flexible you can be during your working day and how close a gym/studio is (if applicable), but either way it’s an option.
- Find a workout buddy. Having a workout buddy can help you to stay motivated and accountable. If you have a friend or family member who is also interested in yoga or pilates, try working out together a few times a week. A friend of mine started jogging with a friend in the morning around their area once the children are at school which is a great way to maintain a regular yoga or pilates routine. Think about the different options that are available to you as everything is figureoutable!
Now if you’re feeling stuck in a rut, here are a few things you can do to get your practice back on track:
- Set new goals. What do you want to achieve with your yoga or Pilates practice? Do you want to improve the connection you have with yourself, strength, confidence, balance or something else? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start to develop a plan to reach your goals.
- Mix things up. If you’ve been doing the same routine for a while, try mixing things up. I absolutely LOVE strength training and cardio so do those things alongside yoga and pilates.
- Find a mentor or teacher. If you’re serious about your yoga or pilates practice, consider finding a mentor or teacher who can help you to learn new poses and techniques. A good teacher (like me 😝) can also help you to stay motivated and on track.
Remember, everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different tips and strategies to find what works best for you. And most importantly, be patient and consistent. It takes time to see results, but if you stick with it, you will be glad you did.
Maintaining a regular yoga or Pilates routine can be challenging, but it’s worth it! The benefits of these forms of exercise are numerous, and they can help you to live a healthier and happier life.
Do you have any tips to share on how to maintain a regular yoga or pilates routine?
Photo via Canva.
