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This blog documents my experience with Pilates by Izzy’s 25 Day Challenge, starting with my thoughts and reflections on Day 1 of the workout.
Why I’m Starting This Challenge
Today is Day 1 of Izzy’s challenge, but Day 2 of my overall at-home Pilates journey. I began yesterday with a YouTube video by Move With Nicole, a beginner-friendly Pilates instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed her class. It’s calming, accessible, and beautifully instructed. But I found myself craving a bit more intensity.
Yes, I’m new to Pilates, but I’m not new to movement or hard work. I’m a fast learner and like to challenge myself. If you’re reading this and about to start your own Pilates journey, I encourage you to take it slow and stay safe. I still plan to return to Nicole’s videos because they’re fantastic, especially for refining form and breathing. Link to Move with Nicole below!
Why Pilates?
I’m doing this challenge to push myself out of my comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve tried skating, roller skating, snowboarding, paddleboarding, jump rope, gym workouts, and I’ve worked physically demanding jobs involving heavy lifting and hours of active labor.
But I’ve been searching for a form of movement that feels good, something I truly enjoy. Pilates might be it.
For the first time, I felt challenged, energized, and even emotional. The burn was real, but it felt empowering, not punishing. By the end, I shed a few tears in complete awe of what my body had just done. I didn’t think, “That was too hard.” I thought, “That was hard, but not too hard for me.” And that mindset shift means everything.
Day 1 – Expectation vs. Reality
I first heard about Izzy on TikTok while researching yoga routines. At first, I wasn’t interested in Pilates. The equipment looked intimidating. But the more I learned about mat Pilates, the more I realized it was exactly what I needed. That’s when I stumbled across Izzy’s 25 Day Challenge.
The first 3 minutes of the workout felt totally manageable. I even thought, “Okay, this isn’t bad.” But I was wrong. The next 22 minutes had me regulating my breath, shaking through holds, and silently cursing my early confidence. At one point, with a 4 lb dumbbell tucked behind my knee, I seriously questioned whether I’d make it through. But I did.
How Did It Feel?
Izzy’s workouts feel like being lovingly tortured, in the best way. If boot camp came with sweet encouragement and pastel workout sets, this would be it.
She’s respectful, upbeat, and incredibly motivating. Just when you’re ready to quit, she somehow gets you to hold on for five more reps. It’s as if she’s right there with you. I don’t want to let her down. She even jokes that she can see through the screen, and honestly, I’m not taking any chances. I’ve seen The Ring.
The burn was intense but purposeful. I didn’t feel wrecked afterward. I felt restored, like my body had been craving this exact kind of movement. If my body were a plant, Izzy would be the gardener with a hose. In the moment, it may feel like waterboarding, but once it’s over, the sense of accomplishment far outweighs the 25 minutes of struggle.
What I Want to Improve
More than anything, I want to improve my breathing technique. That was my biggest challenge during the workout. Move With Nicole emphasizes breath a lot more, which is helpful for beginners, so I plan to keep integrating her workouts for balance.
Technique will improve with time, but breathing is the foundation. Once I master that, I know everything else will come together more smoothly.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
Tomorrow is Day 2, and I plan to show up for myself again. I won’t push beyond my limits, but I will challenge myself to keep learning and growing.
Before starting this challenge, I looked up the equipment Izzy uses throughout the 25 days to make sure I was prepared. For Day 1, you’ll need:
- A yoga or Pilates mat (What I’m using)
- A 4 lb dumbbell (My Choice)
- A lot of dedication
If you’re also doing the Pilates by Izzy challenge, I’d love to hear about your experience! Feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me directly—I’m always excited to connect with others on this journey.
