You asked for more strength, and we listened xx To celebrate our new Strength Challenge, we’re introducing a new style of Align strength class, combining the Pilates movements and principles you know and love with heavier resistance and dedicated strength intervals to take your lower-body training to the next level.

In this Booty Builder Strength class, we interchange Strength Pilates sequences with pure strength intervals, using more resistance to shape, tone and strengthen the butt and thighs. You’ll still find all the signature Align elements throughout — controlled movement, alignment, mind-muscle connection and Pilates-inspired sequences — but with an extra dimension of strength training designed to really challenge your glutes.

And there’s a reason we’re going heavier. The glutes are the largest muscle group in the body and one of our strongest, which means they can often benefit from more resistance than we typically use in our classic Pilates classes. For this workout, I recommend one heavier weight between 8–12 lbs to add load to our strength exercises and give those muscles a new challenge.

We’re also using our 1 lb ankle weights, including a spicy section where we double them up on one leg to target the upper glutes and recreate the feeling of cable kickbacks (no gym required). We also bring in lighter 5 lb hand weights for some of our more dynamic curtsies, lunges and Pilates-strength combinations.

This class has come directly from the MANY requests we’ve received for more strength-focused workouts on Align, while still keeping everything you love about our method. It’s challenging, dynamic and such a good way to introduce heavier resistance into your routine without losing that unmistakable Align Pilates feel.

If you’ve been wanting to build stronger glutes, sculpt your thighs and add more strength work to your Pilates routine, this one really delivers.

If you would prefer a lighter class today, or you are in your late Luteal Phase or start of your Menstrual Phase — try one of the Mat Pilates classes from this month's Pilates Challenge, do a stretch or have a rest day xx

IDEAL EQUIPMENT SETUP:
• 1 heavier weight — 8–12 lbs
• 2 lighter hand weights — 5 lbs each
• 2 light ankle weights — 1 lb each

Don’t have everything? Don’t let that stop you. Make the class work with whatever you have available. You can hold two lighter weights together in place of the heavier weight, use different weights you already own, or simply modify the resistance to suit you.

EQUIPMENT:
Shop the equipment I use in my workouts:
https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/1098920

WEARING:
Shop my workout looks at Align Label:
https://alignlabel.com

467