As we reach mid January, the Pilates by Izzy new Year challenge reaches its midpoint too. The videos so far have been quite challenging, with the following uploads probably raising the difficulty even higher. The challenge's programming of having shorter workouts between days allows for some flexibility, so I'm trying to keep along with it every day by implementing extra mobility training to unwind my body. If you're interested in trying the program, you can check out the YouTube playlist with all the uploads so far. And for more information about the challenge and my experience so far, feel free to check my posts for Days 1 to 5 and Days 6 to 10. Without further ado, here's my experience with part 11 to 15 of the challenge.
Photo by Samantha Sheppard from Unsplash
Day 11: 40 Minutes Full Body
Equipment required: Light weights and optional ankle weights. Izzy uses 2 kg (around 5 pounds), I used 1 kg (around 3 pounds). I didn't use ankle weights.
To be completely honest: I almost skipped this workout. My right knee had a terrible bruise, so I didn't want to stay on my knees for long. This workout consists of a roll up flow for the core, a long four point sequence with knee pushups and leg lifts and standing work with lunges to knee drives. It just seemed like the worst choice for a bruised knee, but I decided to give it a try.
The roll up sequence was a nice change to the usual crunches, I really loved the addition of leg lifts at the top of the roll up. For the second part of the workout, I started with the left side so didn't have to worry about my knee for the time being. The sequence itself felt a little bit long, with my sweaty hands preventing me from performing the final side plank pulses due to constant slipping. Shoot backs are a side plank variation with a bend that Izzy has done in previous videos, though it can get really messy if your mat moves easily or if you struggle with sweat.
The standing portion of the workout was similar to previous days, incorporating a lunge/hip hinge/lunge/knee drive superset that gets wobbly quickly. At the end, I didn't notice severe discomfort when performing the exercises with my right leg, so I managed to complete the workout without much trouble aside from a slippery mat.
Day 12: 30 Minutes Lower Body
Required equipment: Light weights and a small Pilates ball, optional ankle weights. Izzy uses 2 kg (around 5 pounds) weights, I use 1 kg (around 3 pounds) weights. I use a round plushie to substitute the Pilates ball, don't use ankle weights.
After yesterday's long session, having a lower body day didn't seem too appealing, but my right knee was already painless and I wanted some movement. Beginning with a glute bridge flow using just the ball to activate the core and inner thighs, my muscles felt a nice burn without being too strained. Still using the ball as the only prop, an unilateral donkey kick/fire hydrant combo came next to activate the glutes even further for the standing sequence.
Squat variations and lunges with elevated heels were the unilateral standing exercises, now holding the weights and using the ball to raise one foot. Keeping stable with both heels off the ground is a challenge, making holding the weights over the chest a little bit awkward. An elevated narrow squat sequence was the short finisher for this workout, a nice way to wrap around one of the gentler workouts so far in the challenge.
Day 13: 20 Minutes Full Body
Equipment required: Light dumbbells 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.
My legs were still sore from the previous day, but at least this workout was shorter than I expected. First, an ab sequence in tabletop position with leg lowers and deadbugs went by quickly. My double leg lowers still need work, but I tried to focus on maintaining an imprint spine and breathing laterally to keep the core active. The second sequence consisted only of one exercise (kneeling back lean), which is way harder than it looks and can be pretty intense on the quads. My legs and right knee were not feeling that well, so I avoided pushing to the limit. Holding the weights during the lean back still made my quads burn a lot.
The last sequence was a wide squat complex including calf raises and side crunches, very similar to those in Izzy's previous challenge. Having the squats placed directly after the lean back definitely targeted the quads, a wise choice to finish off the lower body.
Day 14: 15 Minutes Core Workout
Equipment required: Yoga block. I use a thick book to substitute the yoga block.
This short workout uses the block in creative ways to activate the lower core. In the first sequence, the block is held between the hands while the legs are progressively elevated to target the entire core. The block is then placed over the shins while extending the legs from tabletop to a straight position. Keeping the block stable during the leg extensions was very difficult, though I managed to finish the sequence without dropping the legs or the block.
A progression of a bear crawl while keeping the block between the thighs was the final flow of this workout. My abs were already tired from the previous sequence, I struggled to keep my knees up but the sequence ended quickly with some spicy pulses.
Day 15: 30 Minutes Full Body
Equipment required: Light dumbbells. Izzy uses 2 kg (around 5 pounds) weights. I use 1 kg (around 3 pounds) weights.
This full body flow starts with a core focused series as usual, this time only requiring one dumbbell. Progressively advancing through leg raises, the dumbbell is used to put more more tension on the upper ab exercises. Finishing off with some pulses, this core sequence was just the right amount of ab work to awake my muscles. Side planks were next, and as Izzy mentions in the video, you should be careful if you're still working on your wrist strength. The sequence overall was fairly difficult, with a side pike to plank combo that made my face turn run. I somehow managed to keep myself up for the entire flow, an improvement from last plank sequence.
After the unilateral side plank sequence came another unilateral flow, this time standing and using both weights. Combining lunges with upper body movements, my front leg soon started to burn after a few sets. And the best part? I still had to switch sides and do this and the previous flow again. I got the Pilates shakes on my right leg for the first time in a while, but at least I made it to the end.
Thoughts so far:
I'm officially halfway done with the challenge and I've been feeling more confident about my Pilates ability, especially when it comes to core exercises. Taking slower breaths and trying to sync with Izzy's suggested breath pattern has helped improve my engagement with my ab muscles. My lower body has been feeling pretty sore this last few days, which could be attributed to the multiple lower body focused flows.
As for the upper body, the side plank sequences in Day 10 and Day 15 were definitely the highlights in terms of difficulty, but I hope next week includes more variety. And yes, I could try changing my dumbbell size, but I want to focus on maintaining proper form as much as possible. Though I've tried using the same weights as Izzy in other workouts, I fear my upper body and core are not strong enough to sustain good form with that weight.
My goal for the next batch of workouts is to keep consistent and strive for the same goals as in previous weeks. As for expectations for the upcoming videos, it would be nice to see a deload workout with no equipment like Day 24 from last year's challenge. Every workout so far has been pretty tough, a nice change of pace would be great too.
Would I recommend the challenge?
With only ten workouts of the challenge left, I think Izzy's 2025 New Year Challenge is the best choice if you're new to Pilates or to Izzy's workouts. The 2025 challenge had some beginner friendly days, something not present in the 2026 challenge, with workouts aimed at intermediate learners and beyond. If you do have some experience with Pilates and its basic props or want to level up from the previous challenge, the 2026 challenge has been more cohesive in the structure of its flows and even includes longer 40 minute videos to challenge you further. Nevertheless, both challenges are extremely well crafted, with Izzy's meticulous instructions and perfect form being present in every single video.
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