Pilates 2 Month Update + Fall Workout Gear

Ok you guys, a post that’s still pretty far out of my comfort zone. There were many many times writing this where I seriously questioned myself for intentionally putting photos of myself in a sports bra up on the internet for all to see, but the reality of it is that you guys have always been on this journey with me and I owe you some results from my time at IM=X Pilates! I’m so so happy with how pilates has changes my workout mindset and how it’s re-sculpting my post baby body.

I started working out at IM=X Pilates here in Charlotte towards the end of June and went it not really knowing what to expect, other than it coming highly recommended for PP recovery. I shared my initial post HERE talking about the actual studio and what can be done on the Xercizer machine.

I shared it in more detail in the previous post, but I was in a workout rut post baby. I was exclusively running and feeling very defeating when my body just didn’t respond. I knew in my heart that I needed to change things up, recruit my muscles differently and totally shake up the way my metabolism was functioning.

So I went from cadio intense running to a much more core-focused, less cardio pilates studio. In all honesty, it took me a solid 6-8 classes to adjust to the different spectrum of working out and recalibrating my expectations of what I thought a workout *should* feel like. The workouts are 55 minutes long, but I never leave sweating (even though most times my legs are shaking they’ve been worked out so hard). The studio is beautiful and calm, there’s music but it’s never super loud and the instructors are really focused on your breathing so that you’re getting the deepest level of your abs really engaged. All things that I was not used to at all.

I kept with it and began to really really look forward to my hour there. I try really hard to let go of the day when I’m on the Xercizer and totally zone in on my body and making it stronger. As cheesy as it sounds, me being present through the entire workout has really changed my body and my mindset. Once I really started using the machine and the pilates movements to recruit all of my muscles, I started to notice rapid changes.

My goal has been to do 3 classes a week (+ only running once on the weekends) and I’m proud to say that I’ve hit that goal all but one week (last week when we were on vacation). I’ve been to about 25 classes total and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my body. Below are before and after pics (taken about 5 weeks apart). I feel like my body is overall longer and leaner, and I’ve noticed the biggest difference in my thighs and booty (which are historically the hardest areas on my body to re-shape)! I’m back in all of my size 28 jeans and have even been able to wear a 27 in some (which is crazy because I’ve never been a 27). Since last time I checked in, I’ve lost another 6lbs taking me to 148. Since beginning, I’ve lost 9lbs and have started to see lots of muscle definition come back.

*Quite a few of you have asked how I make workout classes since I don’t have a babysitter for the girls. I always try to attend the 6:35pm class twice a week. This takes lots of planning and coordination with my husband and it’s definitely not always easy (lots of driveway hand offs where he pulls in and I leave), but it’s been 100% worth it. Along with these two classes, I ALWAYS sign up for the Saturday 8:15 interval class which I LOVE. 

Before + After | Arms / Shoulders

Quite a bit more tone in my arms and shoulders. To be fair, these are the parts of my body that slim down the quickest, but I am so glad to have my arms back where they used to be.

Before + After | Booty / Legs / Core

You can really see how much my silhouette has changed here. Lots of slimming through the core and booty and things are just longer and leaner.

Before + After / Core

I wish there were better before and after pics because this is really one of my major wins. Not only is my core thinned out but it’s SO MUCH STRONGER. I feel very confident in that it can really sustain and support me after baby and my posture has also really improved.

Before + After | Legs

What I’m Wearing // Before Photos: Nike Tank | Alo Leggings

What I’m Wearing // After Photos: Zella Sports Bra (40% off!!!) | Zella Leggings

So there you have it…18 weeks postpartum and 10 weeks in to pilates at IM=X!!! I’m so so happy that I stepped out of my comfort zone and into the doors of IM=X, it’s been amazing to see what my body can do. If you are interested in trying out a class, they offer two free intro classes each week! All you have to do is view the schedule HERE and sign up!

Now that things are cooling down (it was 52 degrees when I woke up yesterday!), it’s time to think about some light layers for Fall Athleisure wear! Here are a few of my favorite pieces to throw on over your workout tank. They add some extra warmth and are easy to shed if the day warms quickly.

There are also TWO other athleisure brands that I’ve recently discovered and I thought that I would share with you. I ordered a few things from each to try and will report back to you guys!

Beyond Yoga | Really great basics that still have amazing and flattering lines. They also have the CUTEST collaboration with Kate Spade HERE.

Onzie | The prints, prices and style details of this brand cannot be beat! Everything is SO on trend and I still cannot get over how amazing the prices are. The python and the camo prints are my favorites!

Thank you guys so so much for following along on this journey! You are all so incredibly kind and supportive and give me more grace than I deserve! -xo