Over the past four years, I have dedicated myself to training multiple times a week at my local CrossFit gym. This journey has allowed me to gradually enhance my strength and conditioning, resulting in significant gains in both muscle mass and power. My training sessions have included a variety of workouts, such as Hyrox, gymnastics, and Olympic lifting, alongside traditional CrossFit classes aimed at developing a stronger, more mobile body. Throughout this experience, I have genuinely enjoyed every minute of my high-intensity workouts.
Recently, however, I faced an intense personal period that caused me to lose my passion for high-intensity workouts. In search of a drastic change—both mentally and physically—I decided to replace my typical CrossFit routine with low-impact reformer and mat Pilates. I also included some yoga, running, and weightlifting in my regimen. Now, just over 30 days into this new routine, I've noticed several changes in my body, both physically and mentally.
One of the most significant improvements I've experienced is in my core and overall stability. While I don't subscribe to the negative perception that CrossFit often receives, I do believe that injuries can stem from a combination of personal responsibility and coaching quality at your gym. Despite my CrossFit background, I now feel more injury-proof than ever after just a month of Pilates classes. This practice emphasizes slow and steady stability and control, which has been crucial for my recovery.
Unlike CrossFit, where you often leave the gym drenched in sweat, Pilates focuses on the connection between mind, body, and breath. This method teaches control, balance, stability, and coordination, while utilizing breath to guide movement. Through Pilates, I have strengthened the stabilizing muscles responsible for maintaining proper posture and preventing injury. The emphasis on alignment and controlled movement patterns has already begun to enhance my overall stability, particularly in my core, back, and glutes—muscle groups that are essential for injury prevention.
During my reformer classes, I have engaged in a lot of single-sided work, which has helped me identify and address muscle imbalances. For instance, I discovered that my left side is significantly weaker than my right, allowing me to work towards achieving better balance in my body. Surprisingly, I have found that I don't need heavy weights to achieve fatigue; even using just 2kg dumbbells, my weaker muscles tire out quickly. I'm eager to see how further practice will enhance my strength.
In a twist that may surprise some, I have noticed a slight increase in body fat. This change is not unexpected, given that I transitioned from two to three high-intensity training sessions per week to a lower-impact Pilates routine. While my diet and lifestyle have remained unchanged, I acknowledge that without a controlled environment, I can’t definitively attribute these changes to my new exercise regimen. As a woman, I also experience hormonal fluctuations throughout the month, which can influence body composition.
Despite maintaining my daily activities, like walking my dog and hitting my step count, the removal of high-intensity metabolic conditioning workouts has visibly impacted my body. While Pilates, yoga, and steady-state running offer numerous benefits, such as improved cardiovascular fitness and increased flexibility, they may not provide the same level of calorie burning or metabolic boosting as high-intensity workouts. As a personal trainer, I always emphasize the importance of a balanced fitness routine that includes progressive overload and weight lifting for optimal muscle growth and metabolism.
While I feel stronger, it's not in the traditional sense of lifting heavy weights. Instead, I have developed greater control over my body and its movements, especially before reaching fatigue. In Pilates, exercises are performed under constant tension, which enhances muscle engagement throughout the entire movement. This method highlights the importance of stability and strength derived from proper movement patterns. I believe this newfound control will significantly benefit my overall fitness journey.
Beyond physical improvements, I have also noticed a positive change in my mental state. I feel calmer and more rested, and my sleep quality has improved. While this could be attributed to various factors, I genuinely believe that the shift to a slower-paced, low-impact routine was necessary for my body, and I am responding favorably to these changes. If you're experiencing similar challenges in your fitness journey, consider a switch-up in your routine; it might be just what you need to see results.
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