Strengthen your entire body in just 15 minutes with this equipment-free Pilates workout

Forget the gym—try this at-home routine instead

man wearing a blue long sleeved top and grey shorts performing a pilates core move like a bird dog in a home setting on an exercise mat on a wooden floor in front of a laptop.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Finding the motivation to exercise during the winter months can be a challenge. But here’s the good news: you don't need to brave the cold for a run or spend hours commuting to the gym to get a good workout.

Low-impact workouts like Pilates are an excellent way to build strength while improving your mobility, balance and coordination—all without leaving the house.

Pilates instructor Madeleine Abeid has shared a quick and effective routine that proves just how powerful this style of movement can be. In just 15 minutes, without equipment, this workout promises to engage your entire body all from the comfort of a mat.

How to do this 15-minute Pilates workout

15MIN Full Body Pilates || strengthen & tone (intermediate) // madeleineabeid - YouTube 15MIN Full Body Pilates || strengthen & tone (intermediate) // madeleineabeid - YouTube
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To follow along, perform each move for 30 seconds as demonstrated by Abeid. You may want to do the routine on an exercise mat to cushion your knees and back.

What are the benefits of Pilates compared to weight training?

If you’re new to Pilates, it's a form of exercise that involves small, controlled movements that strengthen muscles including the smaller stabilizing muscles that are often overlooked in traditional weight training.

One standout benefit of Pilates is the emphasis on core engagement. Even when focusing on other areas, such as leg lifts from a plank position, your core will be working hard to stabilize and support your body.

Pilates also improves balance and coordination, skills that translate to better movement in daily life.

Unlike weight training, Pilates is also low-impact, making it a joint-friendly option, which is ideal if you're recovering from an injury or new to exercise.

Finally, Pilates workouts like Abeid’s don’t just strengthen the body—they encourage mindful movement and breath awareness, making them a great way to find a moment of calm in your day.

Contributor

Alice Porter is a freelance journalist covering lifestyle topics including health, fitness and wellness. She is particularly interested in women's health, strength training and fitness trends and writes for publications including Stylist Magazine, Refinery29, The Independent and Glamour Magazine. Like many other people, Alice's personal interest in combining HIIT training with strength work quickly turned into a CrossFit obsession and she trains at a box in south London. When she's not throwing weights around or attempting handstand push-ups, you can probably find her on long walks in nature, buried in a book or hopping on a flight to just about anywhere it will take her.