No jumping — this joint-friendly, low-impact workout uses a pair of light dumbbells to build full-body strength in 6 moves – 1v1 Video Chat & LIve Streaming & Influencer Subscription

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Forget the gym — this 15-minute Pilates workout with weights sculpts your entire body from home

No, not sit-ups — this Pilates workout uses 5 exercises to build a stronger core and boost your balance

Not planks or push-ups — sculpt your entire body with this 20-minute standing dumbbell workout

Their control and coordination throughout the routine were what really inspired me to give it a try. If you’ve got a workout buddy, it’s a fun challenge to try to match their flow and stay in step together.

You’ll work through just six exercises, spending 30 seconds on each. For any single-sided moves like the curtsy lunge with bicep curl, make sure to complete the exercise on both sides.
Some exercises will feel tougher than others, and as your muscles begin to fatigue, try to maintain good form rather than rushing through the reps.
Watch the low-impact, joint-friendly full-body workout

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Newman and Hunter’s Pilates-inspired routine is joint-friendly not only because it’s all performed standing, but also because it avoids high-impact moves like jumping or quick directional changes that can strain your joints.

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Each exercise asks you to pay close attention. It’s not your standard dumbbell press or squat where your body can move on autopilot while your mind wanders.
This workout requires a real mind-muscle connection, which helps improve control, coordination and overall muscle engagement.
While there is a great degree of control executed for each exercise, you will notice in the demonstrations that both trainers move with consistent momentum.
As you work through these flowing, repetitive movements, your heart rate should begin to rise, helping you build cardiovascular endurance while strengthening your muscles.
Can you build genuine strength with Pilates?
Yes, you can build real strength with Pilates, and not just the kind that helps you stand a little taller. Pilates might not involve heavy weights or barbells, but don’t let that fool you.
The slow, controlled movements fire up muscles you didn’t even know you had, especially around your core, glutes and back.
What makes Pilates feel different is how much it focuses on form, control and full-body engagement. You’re not just powering through reps; you’re staying present, moving with intention and working under tension.
Honestly, some of the toughest exercises I’ve done have come from holding a Pilates move for just a few seconds longer. So while you might not be maxing out your deadlift, you’re building a kind of strength that supports everyday movement and leaves you feeling strong from the inside out.
More from Tom’s Guide

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Jessica Downey

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Senior Fitness Writer

Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.
Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge.
When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking.

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Forget the gym — this 15-minute Pilates workout with weights sculpts your entire body from home

No, not sit-ups — this Pilates workout uses 5 exercises to build a stronger core and boost your balance

Not planks or push-ups — sculpt your entire body with this 20-minute standing dumbbell workout

Forget the gym — build a stronger core and muscle all over in just 30 minutes with this full-body dumbbell workout

Forget the gym — sculpt your arms, legs, and core with just a chair and dumbbells

Ditch the gym — strengthen your whole body in under 30 minutes with this workout

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