It wasn’t easy getting back to it, but I was determined to get back to my health and wellness journey after dealing with major inflammation and weight fluctuations (caused by an eczema medication I was taking). I know so many others can relate, but there’s nothing worse than not liking what you see and how you feel physically. I decided to devote myself to changing the discomfort I felt in my body.
My wellness journey really started in the yoga space, where I got my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification in 2020. Naturally, the passion I had for wellness evolved into me trying reformer Pilates and eventually mat Pilates. I decided to take my first class at The Workshop Pilates in July 2024 where I struggled my way through class.
I loved the challenge and returned in December after my busy wedding, honeymoon, and move season. I knew I wanted to create a consistent Pilates routine in the new year, so getting back to classes created the momentum I needed to start 2025 strong.
The Classes
I fell in love with Workshop because of the amazing instructors, the aesthetic of the Arcadia studio, and the feeling I’d get after my classes. I have become a creature of habit and religiously go to Megan Kelly or Tiffany’s classes, but all of the Workshop instructors are amazing at what they do!
I started taking heated mat classes twice a week and worked my way up to 4 (sometimes 5) classes a week. Workshop heated mat classes are called Move 105 and are 105°F. They utilize different props like ankle weights, gliders, and Pilates balls and what’s even better is the studio provides mats and towels for you.
I also love taking their Flow 105 classes which combines yoga and Pilates movements (my two loves). They’re challenging enough while incorporating yoga poses and breath. These are not on their schedule as often, but if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend taking Flow 105.
I also did a private Move (reformer) Pilates class for my birthday with some of my closest friends and had the best experience. We decorated and had a great workout that was tailored to all levels which was perfect for my group.
The Progress
In the beginning of my heated mat classes journey, I would struggle to keep up the entire class. I’d drop my weights and sometimes not ditch the ankle weights just so I was able to get through class. I always try to avoid jeopardizing my form. I was relieved to find that going consistently even just for 2-3 weeks helped me increase my stamina and endurance.
I switched my mindset from being motivated or ‘in the mood’ to workout, to devoted and disciplined. By the time March hit, I was feeling changes in my body and although I couldn’t see results yet, I was already feeling so good!
Not only was my routine locked in, but I was learning how to fuel my body with nutritious, yummy meals that worked for me. I also learned about which teachers I really enjoyed learning from at the studio and focused on getting 1% better everyday.
Some days, I’d feel upset that I couldn’t see progress the way I’d feel it, but I remember scrolling on TikTok one day and hearing someone explain how normal this was. First you’ll feel it, then you’ll start to see it yourself, and finally, other people will start to notice and tell you too. Progress is quiet and takes time.
Throughout 2025, even on the days I was exhausted or unmotivated or felt poorly about myself, I didn’t let myself give up. The mental shift I had from keeping a consistent routine and feeling the benefits was enough to keep me going back to my classes.
The Results (so far)
Once October hit, I really started to see results and so did my loved ones around me. My planks and form were so much stronger in classes. I’ll never forget the day someone complimented my planks in class. It felt like my hard work was paying off to the point that strangers are starting to notice – grateful is an understatement!
I do not book classes based on my mood, I book in advance to stay disciplined and consistent with my routine. I also recommend trying out different instructors to see who works best with your workout style and music taste.
Since I mainly take Tiffany’s heated mat classes, I found myself able to finish the entire class strong and she’s a tough instructor (iykyk!). I push myself to my limits and embrace the challenge, all while listening to the best music.
Fun fact, Tiffany was actually my yoga instructor before this! She taught some of my Yoga Teacher Training classes and I’ve taken her hot yoga classes before, too. It’s been so special to share this journey with her and she always celebrates my victories!
As of February 2026, these are my notable improvements:
- Increased muscle definition – strength in core, back, arms, and legs
- Increased stamina + endurance
- Improved breath control
- Increased mind-body connection
- Improved mindfulness + resilience
- Decreased stress + anxiety
- Improved self-confidence
These two photos are from March 2025 (left) and October 2025 (right). I haven’t been tracking my physical improvements as much as I wish I could have, but when I re-wore this pink CSB set, I was excited to see small improvements and how much comfier I felt in it!
The Future
By the end of 2025, I made it my goal to hit 100 Pilates classes. I managed to hit #100 even through all of my travel and days I couldn’t make classes. I underestimated how good that accomplishment was going to make me feel – my small goal felt like victory! It’s been amazing seeing how far I’ve come in just 100 classes.
Here’s what class #100 was like:
I continue to set the bar higher to create goals that better align with each chapter of my life. After all, my wellness journey is a marathon, not a sprint and we’re constantly evolving. I have much more form improvements, weight training, and core tightening to do!
The Workshop has become such a safe space for me, and a studio’s ability to do that for their clients is what makes all the difference.
Taking heated mat Pilates classes has been such an amazing reintroduction to exercise and getting back into the wellness space that I’m so passionate about and it has transformed me completely.
After completing 100 classes, incorporating more mindful movement throughout the year, and 2025 coming to an end, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come! I’ll continue to share my journey and all that I learn along the way on my blog and on my socials, including TikTok.
See you on the mat! Xo!