How to Stay Consistent with Online Pilates (Even When You're Busy)!

Do you find it hard to stick to your online Pilates workouts? You're not alone; I’ve been there too!

When I first started working out, I’d skip workouts, lose motivation, and regularly fall off track. Before I started doing Pilates, my main form of training consisted of gym sessions and outdoor runs. I had zero motivation; I would find going to the gym alone and not following a plan exceptionally boring! And don't get me started on running when the weather was bad; it just wasn't happening 😁. However, I made a few small changes, and everything clicked. Now I help others stay consistent, even with a busy schedule.

Here are 5 tips that actually work:

Set a weekly goal, not a daily one:

Daily workouts sound great, but most people quit because they set the bar too high. Start with a realistic goal: 2–3 sessions per week or whatever works for you.

Even short workouts count. I often recommend just 15–20 minutes to get you started. However, aiming for 1 long session per week will really benefit you in the long run. Once you feel like this routine works for you, you can up the intensity level and the frequency.

Follow a plan with an instructor you like:

What changed the game for me was the following:

• I found an instructor online whose style I loved! I had a schedule and a plan to follow, rather than going to the gym with zero plan, zero idea of what to do and therefore zero motivation and guidance! It felt refreshing for me to have someone else doing the guesswork for me; it's how I fell in love with fitness and what led to me becoming a Pilates instructor, because I know how powerful it can be to show up for others and to make sure they stay motivated! I recommend looking around and finding an instructor to guide you, someone who you vibe well with, whose style and intensity level you truly enjoy. This will make you feel like you are not alone and you have someone to "train" with. You will also enjoy their creative flows, which you do not have time to come up with yourself; you're already incredibly busy!

• I also mixed things up. I found that a combination of Pilates, cardio and strength sessions using heavier weights was a game changer! I would never get bored, because every session was different and varied. I listened to my body and chose a style that worked for me on that given day. I even cancelled my gym membership and fully switched to at-home workouts!

• I know for a fact I can be this person for you! Explore my free Pilates/strength/HIIT workouts: https://www.nataliapilates.co.uk/free-pilates

Set a time to do your workout:

Trying to create a schedule where you fit your workout in is so beneficial, especially for those seriously busy days! Before I became a full-time Pilates instructor, I would do my workout at 6am, before going to work, and I found this really helpful for me personally! Yes, the early mornings were difficult at times, but there was no way I was going to exercise after work (I'm a morning person), and I knew I would feel so much better afterwards for doing so. I truly believe that setting a time and sticking to this time every day is the number 1 thing you can do to stick to your routine and make sure you actually don't fall flat after a few weeks. It gets easier over time and becomes a habit.

Track your workouts:

Tracking your progress is a fantastic way to keep going! Using a tracker or other form of digital product (or even your notes on your phone) allows you to plan what you are doing on a given day and tick once completed. This also allows you to set the required time aside to do your Pilates session (or whatever you choose to do that day)! I definitely recommend finding a tracker and using that to plan your week; that way you are much less likely to fall off track!

I used to cross off every workout, and it really motivated me to keep going on busy days, even when I had all the excuses. Now I honestly no longer need to do this, as I have created the habit, but it was great for me at the start.

Celebrate your wins:

Celebrating your wins is the best way to keep you motivated! Even doing just 1 workout a week, or going for that walk, eating that extra veggie, and saying no to that extra glass of wine is an achievement! It is so important to celebrate these moments; doing so will keep you accountable, and you WILL find that time to do your workout, especially when you are seriously busy!

Final Thoughts!

I hope this article has motivated you to try a free Pilates class and then hopefully continue practising with me! If you ever have any questions, please do reach out. I am always here to answer any questions you may have, and I would love to help you if I can!

For your FREE ebook and Pilates class, click here: https://www.nataliapilates.co.uk/free-pilates

My YouTube channel for more free Pilates workouts: https://www.youtube.com/@NataliaPilatesUK – free workouts for all levels, including core, posture, and stress relief

Have an amazing week, and remember that just starting is key to feeling amazing both inside & out! 🤍✨