When, what & how many classes should one do in a week?
If you are just getting started with your practice at Scout and are trying to figure out what an ideal weekly routine should like, and what classes to mix together, this article is here to inspire you to create the routine that best works for you.
We have asked some of our regular Scout members to share their weekly practice routine with us, as well as some of their best tips to make it a sustainable habit that fits seamlessly into their everyday life. Happy reading!
Disclaimer Alert - There is absolutely no one size fits all!
EMILY, 31
How long have you been a Scout member? For 1 year!
How many times per week do you typically practice? Usually 5-6 days a week, depending on what I have on!
What days of the week do you love to practice, why?
My routine is usually Monday-Thursday and then one or both days on the weekend too. I feel really motivated during the week having pilates/yoga as part of my daily routine - it gives me a sense of work/life balance and I love finding the time to do something for myself that I enjoy! And then I always love bookending my weekends with a pilates class first thing Saturday morning and late Sunday arvo! It’s the best way to enter the weekend feeling active and energised, and then it’s a super nice way to close off the weekend & kickstart a new week.
What studio do you practice at?
A mixture of both, it just depends on the class - I love mixing it up and having variety in the environment and instructors :)
Are you a morning or evening practitioner, or both? And why?
Evening! I make sure to pack my workout gear in the morning & then come to the studio straight from work in the afternoon which has fit really seamlessly into my routine & it’s feels like second nature now. I feel excited ending my day doing something I love & really look forward to it while I’m at work. I’m not a morning person haha but I’m trying to change - I do always feel really amazing after my Saturday morning class, that one is a non-negotiable for me!
What are your favourite classes to squeeze in a week?
I mainly do reformer Pilates (either Essentials or Elevate) with at least one yoga open flow class thrown in there too. I love mixing up the instructors as everyone has their own unique style so no two classes ever feel the same. It’s a great combo for me because I love the dynamic, resistance based movement of reformer pilates, but I find my body also craves a deeper, flowy practice that challenges my flexibility and mindfulness. Whether it’s yoga with Camille, or reformer with Talia, Nat, Mandi, Halimi, Katie (the list goes on!), both types of classes push me and have helped me build strength in different ways, so I love the balance & combination of both! Also love getting a yin yoga practice in if I can – being an ex-dancer there is nothing better than a long, juicy stretch, but it’s the challenge of slowing down & quietening my mind that I love the most!
Any piece of advice on an ideal studio routine to share with someone who is just getting started with Scout?
Start small and create achievable goals for yourself, and then you can build your habits from there! Experiment with different types of classes and instructors so you can find the type of movement and energy that you gel with. You will be able to create a really solid routine if you find classes that you truly love cause then they will slot effortlessly into your day-to-day. It’s also fun to switch it up now and then to try something new & challenge yourself though – the odd mat pilates or barre class here and there always humbles me (Bree I’m looking at you haha).
What other wellness habits outside of Scout do you like to throw in your routine?
Being in a consistent routine at Scout has definitely helped me translate wellness and mindfulness habits into other areas of my life. I always have my Frank Green bottle on hand to make sure I can stay hydrated and drink lots of water throughout the day! I also love going for a walk on my lunch break at work or on the weekends, I always feel refreshed after being out in nature and moving my body, especially after sitting at a desk all day! I’ve recently started running as well (like everyone in Sydney haha) and I’ll sometimes even run to the studio as a way to warm up & clear my mind before class! It’s tough at the time but I always feel amazing afterwards and I leave my pilates or yoga class feeling extra strong and energised both mentally & physically!
2. RUTH, 56
How long have you been a Scout member? Since October 2019!
How many times per week do you typically practice? 5 - 6 classes a week
What days of the week do you love to practice, why? I tend to come every day apart from Friday - and sometimes I have a day off at the weekend.
What studio do you practice at?
I go to both studios depending on availability of classes to fit my schedule.
Are you a morning or evening practitioner, or both? And why?
I like to practice after work during the week to help me unwind from the day, and then in the morning at the weekends (unless I've had a big night the night before!) I'm lucky to have flexibility in my job, and so I usually work early in the morning and head to Scout around 5pm to get rid of the day's tensions.
What are your favourite classes to squeeze in a week? Can you let us know why and how this works out for you to be a great combo?
I love to mix it up. I try to do high energy classes interspersed with calmer ones. I do a mixture of Barre, Mat, reformer circuit, essentials and elevate. If I have any niggles or am feeling below par I'll step it back and focus on just doing some gentle exercise such as a stretch class.
Any piece of advice on an ideal studio routine to share with someone who is just getting started with Scout?
I'd say slow and steady is a great way to start. Don't hammer your body straight away - less is often more. When I was starting out at Scout I committed to doing 2 or 3 classes a week. I've had a number of injuries over the years, so it was important for me to take it slowly and build my strength gradually. It took me a few years to feel able to cope with almost daily classes. It's worth trying lots of different classes and teachers to find the perfect combination. I love the combo of mat and reformer - mat classes can be very challenging, but regular reformer helps to build the strength and fitness to cope with mat!!! The combo of pilates and yoga is also a great thing.
What other wellness habit outside of Scout do you like to throw in your routine? Does it benefit your Scout routine and why?
I love walking and am lucky to be able to walk to work and Scout - this means I usually walk around 10km a day, which is super important to my wellbeing. I find walking almost like a meditation - a time to switch off and be in the moment. I also try to get a regular sports massage to ease the occasional twinge in the ageing body! This year I've significantly cut down on my alcohol intake too. Post menopause I'm finding I can't really metabolise alcohol, so it's very much quality over quantity for me these days!
3. WILL, 26
How long have you been a Scout member? I have been a Scout member for two years.
How many times per week do you typically practice?
In a normal and routine heavy week, I am at Scout once a day! However, I am always switching between the classes I take. You will find me flowing on the yoga mat, as much as your catch me changing reformer springs. Movement is my medicine, so I try and do it every day.
What days of the week do you love to practice, why?
I am a big lover of a mid-week reformer class, especially when it is Vee or Halimi. I find that exercising mid week, with a instructor who is positive and thoughtful is a great way to be pulled out of the daily grind of the work week. In saying that, nothing beats the luxury of a Saturday morning class. There is no need to clock watch or worry about what activity or errand comes next.
What studio do you practice at?
While I do love the vibe of the gorgeous Marrickville space, the St Peter's studio is really my safe space. It's where I fell in love with Reformer Pilates. What's more, I love a stroll in the park after class to clear my end.
Are you a morning or evening practitioner, or both? And why?
Win the morning, win the day! I am pretty useless at work and in my social life if I don't get up and exercise in the morning. Just like making your bed, it clears the slate for the day ahead.
What are your favourite classes to squeeze in a week?
Gosh, I could give you my weekly routine, but if I had to pick a handful, my favourite classes would be: Tuesday morning Yoga with Monica in Marrickville and Wednesday morning Circuit with Vee. These two classes are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of physicality and vibes, yet they both achieve the same thing for me each week. These classes are the antidote to the day-to-day, they get me out of my head and onto the mat or bed in the middle of the week. My absolute favourite class is Halimi's Elevate or Circuit on Sunday afternoon. A perfect opportunity to sweat it all out before the week ahead, Halimi's classes a structured so eloquently that you can forget the Sunday scaries.
Any piece of advice on an ideal studio routine to share with someone who is just getting started with Scout?
Start slow to avoid injury! Both with Reformer and Yoga, I started way too strong by going to classes that were beyond my experience level. Your ego might hate it, but definitely start your journey with the Beginner or Essential classes.
What other wellness habit outside of Scout do you like to throw in your routine? Does it benefit your Scout routine and why?
I have become a bit of a runner since starting at Scout, and I really believe Yoga and Pilates are the perfect complimentary practice for any runner or wannabe. I can feel my cardio capacity and physical endurance have improved drastically.
4. KATHERINE, 54
How long have you been a Scout member? For 2 years.
How many times per week do you typically practice? 3 or 4!
What days of the week do you love to practice, why? Every day.
What studio do you practice at? I love them both.
Are you a morning or evening practitioner, or both? And why?
I usually practice in the evenings, because I love ending my day with a pilates class followed by a yin or restorative class. When I've got evening plans, you're most likely to see me at lunchtime.
What are your favourite classes to squeeze in a week?
I'm really into circuit classes and gentle classes lately. I like circuit, because I know what's coming and get to do the same exercises a few times. I love the intimacy of gentle, and the focus on slow, core work. But, what's great about Scout is the variety. My answer will probably be different six months from now.
Any piece of advice on an ideal studio routine to share with someone who is just getting started with Scout?
If you're older, like me, the gentle classes are a great place to start, but they are not easy. Know that you don't need to be able to do everything. Ask the teachers for variations. Sometimes conquering your ego is the hardest part.
What other wellness habit outside of Scout do you like to throw in your routine?
Just getting out into nature - walking, gardening, bushcare, farming.