Building Good Habits for 2026 with Chloe’s Pilates
As January comes to an end, it’s easy for New Year’s resolutions to start to fade. However, now is the perfect time to focus on realistic and achievable habits that can continue throughout 2026 and beyond.
We spoke to Chloe Hodgson, founder of Chloe’s Pilates, for her advice on how to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the process and taking plenty of time for self-care.
Start Small
Movement doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Short, focused workouts still create real benefits and are often more sustainable for busy lives. It’s far more effective to actually do a 20 minute workout than plan a two hour run that isn’t realistic with your schedule. Chloe’s Pilates online library is home to over 500 video workouts of different lengths and different skill levels, so you can always find the right session for you.
If you don’t have time to schedule in a workout, there are still plenty of ways you can move in daily life: catch up with a friend over a walk, stretch when you wake up, or simply take the stairs instead of the lift.
Stay Consistent
Big changes come from small, repeated actions. Even gentle, regular movement builds strength, confidence, and resilience over time, so it’s more important to factor in movement that you enjoy and know you can realistically fit into your schedule.
Consistency is where the magic really happens, and you’ll be amazed by the results you see after a few months of showing up.
Prepare for Cardio with Strengthening Pilates
If you love cycling, running, or any other cardio, Pilates is the perfect complement. Strengthening the deep core, glutes, and postural muscles helps improve performance, prevent injury and keep your body feeling balanced.
If you’re aiming to increase your running distance, or if you’re planning a few days in the saddle, strengthening exercises are the best way to prepare your body. Chloe has even created a set of cycling-specific Pilates videos, only available to those who are preparing for an upcoming Slow Cyclist journey.
Rest and Repair
Rest is not a reward; it’s part of the process. Allowing time for recovery, slower movement, stretching and breathwork helps your muscles repair and keeps your nervous system balanced and resilient.
One way to create powerful rest is to lean into ritual. That could be sitting with a warm mug of tea before the day begins, stepping outside for fresh air or taking some time to read rather than scroll before bed. These tiny rituals create mindful pauses throughout the day.
Protect Your Energy
Your energy is one of your most valuable resources. Choose movement that supports you rather than drains you, create boundaries where needed, and remember that rest, nourishment and presence are just as important as exercise.
There are simple things you can do every day to protect your energy. These include always getting outside, creating quiet moments and making time for movement, even if it’s only ten minutes.
Progress, Not Perfection
Finally, let go of the idea that workouts need to be ‘perfect’. Building great habits that you can carry through 2026 and beyond is far more important than piling on the pressure to be perfect. Showing up imperfectly, listening to your body, and meeting yourself where you are will always lead to better long-term results.
Chloe has recently opened up a brand new studio near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. If you’d like to join one of her classes, either in person or online, you can sign up here. Slow Cyclists can access their Chloe’s Pilates benefits through The Slow Circle.
If you’d like to get active in 2026 then take a look at our e-bike holidays across Europe, Africa and Asia. Contact us to find out more.