Starting something is sometimes the hardest step, but when it comes to fitness, keeping consistent can be just as difficult. Having completed the first five days of the new Pilates by Izzy challenge, fatigue and life started to kick in, but I'm determined to keep along as much as I can. Seeing Izzy diligently release each video on time really motivates me to get onto the mat. You can find the challenge playlist here, videos are uploaded daily through January 25th 2026. And if you're curious about the first five days, you can find my full review on this post. Without further ado, here's my experience with videos 6 to 10 of the challenge.
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| Photo by Junseong Lee from Unsplash |
Day 6: 20 Minutes Lower Body
Equipment required: Light weights and yoga block, optional ankle weights. Izzy uses 2 kg (around 5 pounds) dumbbells, I use 1 kg (around 3 pounds). I use a thick book to substitute the yoga block, I skip the ankle weights.
After a lower body heavy full body day, this workout with the block and a seemingly brutal side lying sequence intimidated me. Despite my fears, this workout ended up being fairly easy in comparison to other lower body workouts by Izzy. Having the block between the thighs during the bridge series is great to activate the inner leg muscles and lower core.
The side lying session ended up being not as terrible as I imagined, though I do suggest grabbing a thicker mat or folding your mat to cushion your arm. The ankle weights do seem suitable for this sequence, so I suggest trying them if you own a pair. Though I don't own ankle weights, my gluteus medium was sore for the entire rest of the day, reaffirming the effectiveness of this flow to target the area.
Day 7: 40 Minutes Full Body
Equipment required: Light dumbbells and optional ankle weights. Izzy uses 2 kg weights (about 5 pounds), I use 1 kg (3 pounds). I didn't use ankle weights.
My legs felt sore after Day 6, so I wasn't too keen on a 40 minute session. Nevertheless, I grabbed my weights and decided to take it easy. Beginning with a unilateral ab sequence with the legs at tabletop, I managed to do better than during Day 1. A bridge sequence came next, with calf raises while single bridging to spice things up even further. I got a cramp during the final pulses on my left leg, dropped my hips for a second and keep going.
After finishing the unilateral sequences in the right side, Izzy introduced a new side lying flow based on the clamshell position and finalizing with a oblique teaser. I found the teaser very enjoyable, though it is important to pay close attention to Izzy's cues during the sequence. If you've never tried a side teaser, remember to lie over your glute instead of directly placing the tailbone on the mat.
The standing work wasn't anything too complicated, though I still felt pretty wobbly, especially on my left side. And despite my fears, I actually felt less sore after this session.
Day 8: 15 Minutes Core
Equipment required: Light dumbbells and optional ankle weights. Izzy does mention you can do this workout without equipment too. Izzy uses 2 kg (around 5 pounds) weights, I used 1 kg (around 3 pounds) weights, I skip the ankle weights.
This workout is a long core flow without pauses, so keep that in mind before trying it. Keeping the legs at tabletop for about ten minutes wasn't easy, but I actually managed to complete it without dropping the legs. The upper ab portion at the beginning felt easy in comparison to the double leg drops right about the end. I actually felt my core during deadbugs, which is a first for me, surely thanks to the intense core activation beforehand. I admire Izzy and those that can do these leg drop heavy flows with the ankle weights on, I still struggle with maintaining an imprint spine even with lighter weights and no ankle weights.
Overall, I did much better than expected, my lower abs and hip flexors are feeling warm and prepared for the next day.
Day 9: 30 Minutes Full Body
Equipment required: Light weights and optional ankle weights. Izzy uses 2 kg (around 5 pounds) weights, I use 1 kg (around 3 pounds) weights. I didn't use ankle weights.
As soon as the ab sequence of the workout started, I knew this would be a killer. Though I did pretty good and managed to complete all the exercises without lowering from tabletop, my lower abs were already tired. The next sequence was a bodyweight plank sequence, and with my core already sore and tired shoulders, maintaining my upper body stable became difficult.
Moving from a plank to a crouch position may seem easy at first glance, but with a tired core and upper body, even doing a downward dog felt like torture. I ended up dropping my hips during the final shoulder taps, I pushed myself to the limit and almost finished without stopping. A pretty good outcome considering my prior experiences with Izzy's plank sequences. The finishing standing portion was challenging, with multiple unilateral pulses to finish up the legs. My shoulders, wrists and abs felt absolutely demolished after this workout.
Day 10: 20 Minutes Upper Body
Equipment required: Lights weights and wrist weights. Izzy uses 2 kg (around 5 pounds) weights, I used 1 kg (around 3 pounds). I didn't use wrist weights.
Unlike most days, I did this workout late at night after a fairly active day. Beginning the workout with a prone position sequence, I felt a pretty nice stretch through my back while doing the exercises with only my bodyweight. Followed by kneeling dumbbell exercises and a bodyweight finisher incorporating prayer pushups, this upper body workout felt easier than previous videos.
Thoughts so far:
Days 6 to 10 brought some new movements and interesting choices for the programming. I've been loving all the core focused work, noticing a slight improvement in my performance during the ab work. Paying more attention to the suggested breathing patterns has definitely helped, especially trying to focus on my technique. If you want to learn more about Pilates breathing, I suggest watching the following video by The Girl with the Pilates Mat.
Am I ready for the challenge?
If you:
- Can perform basic Pilates/bodyweight exercises like glute bridges, planks, crunches and lunges with good form
- Tried or have experience with short exercises sequences without built in pauses
- Have used light weights to work out
- Don't suffer from health issues that might be exacerbated by Pilates
You can try the challenge for yourself. Keep in mind you'll need:
- Clearance or advice from your healthcare provider if you have chronic illnesses or spinal issues
- A non slip fitness mat
- Light hand weights. Pick a weight you can manage for extended periods of time
- A small Pilates ball. Can be substituted by a small pillow or plushie
- A yoga block. Can be substituted by a thick book
- Optional ankle weights
- You can take rest days when needed
- Pause or rewind at any moment, taking breaks between sequences can also help for recovery
- If you're struggling with the weights or other props, going bodyweight only can help
- If a layer is too complicated and struggle with performing with proper form, stay in the previous layer and focus on the movement
- Stop and pause in case of severe discomfort or pain
- Try to focus on Izzy's instructions as much as possible
- Be mindful of your sleep schedule and diet, refuel and rest your body properly
- Add additional warm up and cool down exercises if needed
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