Review: Pilates with Sara Colquhoun on the Sweat app
Pilates with Sara on the Sweat app - convenient, on-demand workouts!
My approach to exercise has always been about consistency and finding workouts I enjoy.
For the last few years, I've really enjoyed Pilates and yoga. Pre-pandemic, there was a great studio around the corner that offered all kinds of yoga classes and both mat and reformer Pilates. The instructors were superb, the studio had a lovely, zen vibe, and I became friendly with a few other regular attendees. It was wonderful!
And then, COVID hit. And whilst the studio remained open for a while, it was only a short time before developers came knocking. Suddenly, the strip of shops and restaurants where the studio once stood was demolished. The studio decided to close rather than relocate.
So, I was left with an opportunity to revisit my exercise routine. But, unfortunately, all the other Pilates and yoga studios were within driving distance rather than walking distance - and as this was mid-pandemic, only some studios were open, too.
I downloaded the Sweat app a few years ago but hadn't used it for a while. (I also own Kayla Itsines's original PDF version of her bikini body guide workouts ... early adopter right here!). However, once the studio closed, I opened the app again, knowing they'd introduced a few different training programs. And that's how I discovered Pilates by Sara Colquhoun.
Suppose anyone reading this has never done Pilates and assumes it is the lazy girl's exercise and isn't a good workout. In that case, I am here to tell you otherwise!
Sara's Pilates program on the Sweat app is an on-demand, 12-week program, plus a four-week intro program for those who have yet to do Pilates. For those of you not familiar with Sara, she is an incredible Australian Pilates instructor. She is trained in mat and reformer Pilates and comes from a dance background (think: strong, lean and flexible!!) She's constantly posting great content on Instagram, including workout tips, healthy recipes, and other bits and pieces.
Each week of her program includes two strength and conditioning classes, two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes, an express class and a mindful movement class. I aim to do 3-4 classes per week and do the mindful movement class a couple of times per month.
The app can be used on either a laptop or your phone.
What I love about the Sweat Pilates program from Sara Colquhoun:
I've been doing the program for about 18 months, and it still challenges me.
The diversity (i.e. having both strength and conditioning classes and HIIT).
Minimal equipment is required: a yoga mat is essential, and throughout the 12 weeks, you might use: light dumbbells, sliders, a resistance band, a chair, a skipping rope and a towel. That's it! This means it's easy to keep doing the program even while travelling.
Depending on your level, there are options to modify some of the movements to make them easier or harder.
On-demand program: this makes it easy to do workouts whenever suits you. Me, I love to do it first thing in the morning. During the week, that means 5.30am - but on the weekend, that might be 8am! The good news is, you don't need to worry about missing a class because of bad weather, sleeping in, or getting stuck at work - you can do them whenever suits you.
Affordable: The Sweat App costs $120 per year. Per year!! And in addition to accessing Sara's program, there are a bunch of other on-demand workouts from other trainers that you can access for no additional fee. This includes HIIT training, stretching, yoga, barre, and strength - something for everyone! While I miss the vibe of a studio and the interaction with an instructor and other attendees, I love that this has made my exercise routine more affordable.
Room for improvement:
At the start of each workout, a list of equipment required is listed. Sometimes it's inaccurate, and you'll be mid-workout and realise that you need a pair of dumbbells for the next exercise.
She doesn't always give audio cues to swap sides: so often you'll do an exercise on one side (for example, leg lifts on your left side) - and she doesn't always say to swap sides. Unless you are always watching the videos, you may miss the change to the other side.
There is only one mindful movement class version, so it can get boring.
These minor issues aside, I love this Pilates program from Sara. It will continue to be a staple part of my morning routine in 2023.