Why I Swapped HIIT for Pilates (and What Happened Next)
Keep reading this post to learn:
How I knew it was time to shift from HIIT to Pilates (and what triggered the change)
The unexpected ways Pilates has helped reduce my stress and improve my recovery
My current weekly workout split, plus my top-recommended Pilates app!
For over a decade, I was a full-on HIIT girly. Think sprints, jumping, intense circuits—4 to 6 days a week. It felt normal…until it didn’t.
In early 2025, I decided to get my bloodwork done (yay for checking that goal off!) and what came from that appointment was the push I didn’t know I needed. My hormone levels were off, and after chatting with my doctor, I realized a big part of it might’ve been the constant, compounding stress I was putting on my body through high-intensity training.
Turns out, my body was tired. And I was, too.
My Gentle Wake Up Call
HIIT can be amazing, but too much of it, especially without enough recovery, can wreak havoc on your stress hormones, sleep, motivation, and even metabolism. Looking back, I had all the signs: constant fatigue, tight muscles, and a low-grade burnout I couldn’t shake. Add in the emotional stress of losing my Grandma in November, and I knew something had to change.
So I started searching for lower-impact ways to move my body, and Pilates kept popping up.
Trying Pilates for the First Time
To be honest, I used to think Pilates didn’t “count” as a real workout. But after just a few sessions, I totally changed my mind. Pilates challenges you in an entirely different way. It’s slower, more intentional, and works muscles I didn’t even know I had. I felt grounded after my workouts, not depleted.
Now? I’m doing three days of low-impact lifting and three days of Pilates each week, and I look forward to my Pilates days the most. Who even am I?!
What I’ve Noticed Since Making the Switch
My stress is down: I wear the Ultrahuman Ring Air (a wellness tracker), and my daily stress score has improved by 7–10 points consistently since switching my workouts. Nothing else changed in my routine—just my workouts.
More flexible: Before, I couldn’t even lie flat with my legs straight. Now? I can kick my legs out without wincing.
Better form when lifting: Pilates taught me to be more aware of my pelvic alignment and core engagement. That’s totally improved my weightlifting form.
Stronger, leaner core: My abs have noticeably leaned out and strengthened. I also suspect I’m holding less inflammation now that I’m not overtraining.
My Current Weekly Workout Routine
Now that Pilates is a big part of my movement, here’s what a typical week looks like:
MON – Lower body lift (quads) + 5 min core
TUES – Pilates
WED – Upper body lift + 5 min core
THURS – Pilates
FRI – Lower body lift (glutes/hamstrings) + 5 min core
SAT – Pilates (Reformer)
SUN – Rest day
Plus: Adam, Evvy, and I take a leisurely 2-mile walk every day, which counts as joyful movement too.
The 7 Pilates Apps I Tried
Not sure where to start? I got you! I tested a bunch of apps over March and April before finding the one I loved:
Sweaty Studio
Fit with Coco
Ladder
Form
Lean
Natal
Amanda Blauer Pilates ← my favorite!
Amanda’s app offers classical Pilates and Reformer workouts, which most others don’t. Sweaty Studio was a close second, and Fit with Coco has solid content too, but it moved too fast for me.
Links to My Pilates Equipment
2-3 lb dumbbells: https://amzn.to/42t4HZL
Thick mat: https://amzn.to/4lIodsC
Pilates ball: https://amzn.to/4lJPwCP
Small rubber resistance bands: https://amzn.to/42qylyK
Ankle weights: https://amzn.to/3YeeYq6
Pilates ring: https://amzn.to/3EpCx8R
Reformer: https://amzn.to/4jqr8F5
Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Is Pilates good before hitting a goal weight or lean point?
Pilates is amazing for sculpting, but I wouldn’t rely on it alone for fat loss. If leaning out is your goal, I’d pair Pilates with incline walking, circuits, and lifting.
Q: What equipment do I need to start?
Must-haves: 2–3 lb dumbbells, thick mat, Pilates ball, small resistance bands
Bonus: Ankle weights, Pilates ring, Reformer (if you’re ready to go all in)
I’ve got a blog post with links to everything I use [linked here].
Q: Are your Pilates workouts full-body?
Yep! I use the app’s schedule or filter by time/equipment. I stick with full-body workouts on Pilates days and target specific muscle groups on lifting days.
Q: Are you still doing HIIT?
Not regularly. I’ve taken a break, and if I do get the urge, I might do 5–10 minutes before Pilates—but never more than that.
Final Thoughts
This shift has felt like such a gift to my body and my mind. I no longer feel like I have to destroy myself to count a workout as "worth it." If you’ve been craving gentler movement or feel like your workouts are leaving you more tired than energized…this might be your sign.
And hey—if you’re tracking your HS5 movement, Pilates totally counts 😉
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GRAB A 2025 WEEKLY PEACEFULLY PRODUCTIVE PLANNER® BEFORE THEY’RE GONE!
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