Even for the most committed among us, it can be hard to stay consistent with our workout routines when summer hits.

The lure of a picnic in the park is stronger than a punishing gym session when the sun is shining, and drinks on the terrace are quick to replace intense weight workouts.

“There is a mindset change that happens in summer,” agrees Heather Andersen, Co-founder of New York Pilates. “The season invites a more relaxed pace, so anything that feels overly intense can start to feel like a chore rather than something you actually look forward to.”

On why our exercise habits might shift in summer, Heather adds: “High-intensity workouts can feel especially hard to stick to. The heat alone makes long, sweaty sessions less appealing, and people’s schedules shift with more travel, social plans, and time outdoors.”

The antidote to our summer exercise slump? Heather says summer workouts should support our lifestyle, and when it’s warmer, that usually means something that feels “lighter, more flexible, and more energising.”

Her suggestion for a low-impact summer sweat session? Pilates.

“Pilates is incredibly sustainable, which is why people stay consistent with it year-round, especially in the summer,” she says. “It’s a workout that energises you without completely depleting you, so it fits naturally into a busy, social, and active lifestyle.”

Low impact in summer

With high-intensity workouts too hard in the heat, low-impact options are key, and Pilates is generally low-impact, which is one of its greatest strengths. “Pilates workouts are designed to be gentle on the joints while still being incredibly effective at building strength and stability,” Heather says, though she is quick to point out that low impact does not mean easy.

“It means you can challenge your body in a smarter, more sustainable way. This allows you to stay consistent, recover more efficiently, and avoid burnout or injury. It supports long-term fitness, which is ultimately what creates lasting results.”

Pilates results

On when we’ll see results from Pilates, Heather explains: “You see and feel results quickly in your muscle tone, posture, and overall shape, which is very motivating. If you are wearing less clothing in warmer weather, those changes feel even more visible and rewarding.”

She adds that consistency with Pilates builds long, lean muscle, improves posture, and strengthens your core in a deep, functional way. “It enhances flexibility, balance, and body awareness, so you move better in everything you do.”

If you’re feeling stressed, Pilates can help reduce this, as well as improve focus and create a sense of alignment, both physically and mentally. “It is not just about how your body looks, it is about how your body works, and that is where the real transformation happens.”

Pilates for weight loss?

You might wonder if Pilates is effective for weight loss. Being a low-impact workout, it can feel less helpful for weight loss than other workouts, but can it help us to shed pounds?

Pilates instructor Francesca Shilcock told HELLO!: “We’ve long known that the BEST method of dropping weight is to burn more energy/calories than we’re consuming, i.e. by being in a calorie deficit. Moving your body regularly will put you in good standing to achieve this, whether it’s through Pilates or another form of exercise.”

She adds that Pilates isn’t the most effective exercise for weight loss, when compared to high intensity workouts. “Some methods of exercise burn more calories than others. Many people who are on a weight loss journey are prescribed fitness plans that typically incorporate a mixture of cardiovascular work and strength training, such as a HIIT class. This is because, due to an increase in heart rate, the number of calories you burn in a HIIT class will be higher than the amount you burn during a Pilates session.”

That’s not to say you won’t burn any calories in Pilates, as Francesca adds: “You will still burn calories in a Pilates class. There’s a strong argument to be made that if you’re someone who enjoys Pilates more than any other form of exercise, you’re more likely to stick to it. Consistency is what is going to achieve results in the long term! So, overall, there’s no reason why regular classes won’t at least help with your weight loss journey.”

Building it into a routine

If you want to do Pilates alongside other workouts that do torch more calories, Heather recommends incorporating cardio such as walking, running, or cycling for heart health.

“I personally love yoga and ballet as well, but ultimately, the best workout is anything that brings you joy.”

She concludes: “The key is balance. Pilates creates a strong foundation that supports whatever else you choose to do. When your body is aligned and supported, everything else becomes more effective.”