I Tried the Trendy Pilates-HIIT Combo for a Week—Here's My Honest Take

The Housework Experience: A Unique Blend of Fitness and Fun

The moment I stepped into Housework, a house music-inspired workout studio in New York City, I knew my fitness routine was about to change. The space was vibrant and colorful, with everything painted in shades of pink—from the walls to the mini dumbbells and the dimmed club lights overhead. The front desk offered free Bare Minerals makeup products, and the locker rooms were equipped with razors, lotion, mints, Dyson hair dryers, and warm towels, creating an environment that felt like a friend’s vanity. The energy in the room was refreshing, and I was ready to embrace it.

Housework is a 50-minute workout class available both virtually and at the New York City studio. It combines the foundations of Pilates and HIIT, offering a dynamic and engaging workout experience. Founded in 2017 by Sydney Miller, a certified mat Pilates and group fitness instructor, the class was initially designed as an at-home Pilates-inspired workout for her cycling clients. During the pandemic, she added dance and HIIT elements to make the workout more cardio-focused, allowing people to work out even in small spaces. The name "Housework" reflects both the house music played during classes and the idea that the workout can be done at home.

I had heard about Housework through word of mouth and its growing presence on Instagram and TikTok. As someone who enjoys running, cycling, and weight training, I was eager to try something new that combined dance and fitness. I committed to a full week of classes to see what all the excitement was about.

What to Expect from a Housework Class

Each class features dance and Pilates-inspired HIIT routines that flow together like choreography, each sequence lasting the length of a song. The class changes weekly, with a new routine introduced every Tuesday. This allows participants to repeat the moves, building strength and confidence over time. According to Miller, repetition is key to making progress in fitness goals.

In my first class, I found the sequences challenging but manageable. The warm-up included squats, standing crunches, plank walkouts, and mountain climbers, all performed in rapid succession. My core, arms, and legs were activated immediately, and by the end of the warm-up, I was already sweating and feeling invigorated.

The instructor then moved into the next sequence, demonstrating the moves and explaining which muscle groups would be targeted. We did ab sequences on the mat, followed by circuits and cardio moves using sliders and dumbbells. The trainer's feedback kept me motivated throughout the class.

The final song, called the “finale,” was a fun and lighthearted choreography that encouraged participants to let loose. It felt like a scene from a teen movie, complete with fireworks and a sense of euphoria. It became the highlight of the class for me.

Integrating Housework Into My Routine

Miller recommends taking classes a few times a week to build familiarity with the routine. However, I decided to attend every day for a week to fully experience the program and try different trainers. I also wanted to see how it felt to work out at different times of the day.

By the end of the week, I noticed significant improvements. I felt stronger overall, faster at executing moves, and more balanced and mobile. My confidence grew as I became more comfortable with the routine, allowing me to focus on technique and push myself further.

Key Takeaways From a Week of Housework

1. Attending multiple times in one week leads to the best results. By repeating the same sequence, I developed muscle memory, allowing me to focus on form and build strength and confidence.
2. Slowing down to focus on form and technique is key. When I struggled to keep up, I slowed down, focused on the steps, and improved my form, which made the exercises easier over time.
3. Consistency makes the workout easier. Even though the class was challenging, staying consistent helped me improve quickly, making the workout feel more natural.

Pros of Housework

Housework combines HIIT and Pilates with low weights and high reps, potentially leading to benefits such as improved body composition, lean muscle growth, and efficient workouts. It can be done anywhere with minimal equipment and offers a fun, dynamic environment that makes working out enjoyable.

Who Should Try Housework?

Housework is ideal for those who enjoy energetic music, Pilates, and aerobic workouts. It’s especially appealing to dancers and those looking for a fun, dynamic fitness experience. However, individuals sensitive to bright lights or preferring quieter workouts may find it less suitable.

If you love dancing and are looking for a workout that feels like a night out, Housework might be the perfect fit. Approach it with an open mind, don’t overthink the moves, and focus on showing up for yourself. You’ll leave feeling proud of your effort and excited to try something new.