If you've ever taken a Pilates class, you know what I mean when I say that your core gets a deep jolt halfway through the class; unlike HIIT training or running, Pilates doesn't make you sweat, but the small, simple movements burn and sculpt your muscles It will make you look like a sculpture

Pilates is similar to yoga in that you focus on your breathing throughout the class, being aware of when you breathe in and when you breathe out Like yoga, I find a 30-minute Pilates class to be restorative not only to my physical health, but also to my mental health

If you're looking for more workout tips, I found some of the best abdominal workouts here that are completely free and can be done from anywhere I also found 8 of the best Pilates exercises that target the core for the ultimate burn

All you need for these exercises is your own body weight, but an exercise mat to support your spine as you lie on the floor is also helpful Here are some yoga mats that double as exercise mats

This workout moves along quickly as Nicole does a quick warm-up before we get into the Pilates session After the intense workout, Nicole stretches the body in restorative yoga poses such as Child's Pose I don't know what to expect Here are some of the exercises presented in class:

Glute Bridge Hold: After one set of glute bridges, hold the bridge and stand on your toes This exercise targets the lower body, but also requires activation of the core to stay in that position Nicole instructs the participants to open and close their knees to the side to increase the intensity of this exercise

Bicycle: To perform the bicycle crunch, lie on your back on the floor with your back to the ground Place your hands next to your head, shoulders up and off the mat Bend your knees and pull your legs up off the ground and place them on a table While straightening the left leg, bring the right knee close to the chest and when the right knee rises, twist the body so that the left elbow touches the right knee Do the same on the other side Nicole moves slowly from side to side, keeping her toes pointed as she extends her legs

Single leg lift: lying on your side, legs straight, toes pointed, torso engaged, hips stacked Lift the leg off the mat and slowly raise the top leg Lift the lower leg keeping it straight and extended

Squat Pulse: Did I mention this is a full body workout? Nicole takes a traditional yoga chair pose, knees bent and arms extended overhead This pose is done at the end of class and is killer

First off, let me say that I am not a Pilates beginner, but if you are, this workout is a great introduction to what a mat Pilates class is all about It's fun, fast, and there are plenty of breaks to stop and pick yourself up when it gets too intense Nicole does a great job of explaining the exercises and countdowns throughout the class

As I've mentioned before, for me Pilates is as much about toning muscles as it is about mental health (if you need proof that Pilates is effective, just look at Nicole) In this class, I felt a vitality and, dare I say, a sense of well-being that I don't get from strength training As a fitness editor, I believe that liking exercise means finding what works for you While being put in a dark room with neon lights and stressing out before the instructor starts yelling, this calming sequence is definitely my cup of tea

But don't let Nicole's calm tone of voice fool you Unlike when I come back from a run, I always feel good when I get up off my yoga mat after a Pilates class, but a few hours later the soreness in my glutes, abs, and thighs creeps back in The goal of Pilates is to build the long, toned muscles that dancers have, not to build bulk or increase bulk, but this did not mean that I was not working hard, and I definitely felt shaky after a few hours of Nicole's workout

In January, the pressure to get fit fast seems to increase, but for some this is not healthy I hope you put down the dumbbells, forget the data and the fast spin class, and take things slow for a second, or more accurately, 30 minutes You won't regret it