in defense of youtube pilates

Okay, let me tell you something about working out. I've literally tried EVERYTHING. Like, everything-everything. SoulCycle, Pure Barre, Tracy Anderson, CorePower, Solidcore - you name a trendy studio class, and I've probably dropped serious cash on a membership there. And after all that? I can confidently tell you that YouTube Pilates is actually the move. No, seriously.

Here's the Thing About Getting Toned

Let's get real about something: the way your body looks mainly comes down to your body fat percentage. That's just facts. So if you want to look super toned (in a healthy way, we're not doing anything crazy here), you need to focus on low-impact movements with high repetition. You literally don't need to be doing intense HIIT workouts - in fact, that might be working against you.

What actually works is this magical combo of strengthening and lengthening your muscles. Think about it: if you strengthen something and then lengthen it, it's going to be really tight. That's what gives you that snatched, toned look everyone's chasing. And YouTube Pilates, when you find the right instructors, delivers exactly this.

The Only Instructors Worth Your Time

Not all YouTube Pilates is created equal, trust me. Here are the ones that actually work:

• Dansique Physique: She's a classically trained ballerina turned Pilates instructor turned dance instructor, so she knows what's up. Her movements are very dancer-inspired, and you'll literally get that dancer look if you stick with her. Plus, the workouts are actually fun and relaxed.

• Move with Nicole: This is classic Pilates done right. Like, it's not the most exciting thing you'll ever do, but it's relaxing and you'll feel snatched afterward. Sometimes that's all you need.

• Mari Windsor: She's the OG. So relaxed, so effective.

• Tracy Anderson: Look, I know she gets a lot of hate, and yeah, she's... a lot. But her method works. I can't lie about that.

(No video on youtub but comment if you want the link!)

What to Skip (Save Yourself the Time)

• Melissa Wood Health: Pretty useless, honestly. The workouts are like 10 minutes and I don't really know what we're even doing in there.

• The Sculpt Society: It gets boring real quick. Feels too much like "working out" which is not the vibe we're going for.

• Anything super high intensity: I used to be a weightlifting girlie. Not anymore. I'm not with that life anymore.

The Real Secret? Consistency

Here's the truth that nobody wants to hear: doing Pilates three times a week isn't going to get you toned. Sorry, but it's just not. This needs to be a lifestyle thing, like drinking your morning coffee or taking a walk. It has to be consistent.

That's why YouTube Pilates is actually genius - you can do it whenever, wherever. No excuses about studio schedules or commute time. Just roll out your mat and get it done.

The Perfect Workout Formula

Here's what you want to look for:

• Maximum 45 minutes (anything longer is unnecessary)

• Focus on 2 major muscle groups

• Keep it low impact

• High reps are your friend

• It should feel like a natural part of your day, not some intense workout session

The workouts don't have to be intense to be effective. In fact, they shouldn't be. You want something that feels like a natural part of your day, like drinking lemon water or having your morning coffee. If it feels like punishment, you're doing it wrong.

Final Thoughts

Look, I've spent probably thousands of dollars trying every workout under the sun, so trust me when I say: YouTube Pilates, when done consistently with the right instructors, will get you the results you're looking for. It's not about killing yourself with intense workouts or spending a fortune on studio classes. It's about finding something you can actually stick with, that actually works, and making it part of your daily life.

Just remember: none of this works without consistency. You can't half-commit and expect full results. But when you find your groove with these YouTube instructors and make it part of your routine? That's when the magic happens.

Quick disclaimer because we have to: check with your doctor before starting any new workout routine, especially if you've got any health issues or injuries. You know the drill.