LIFE & CULTURE

This 15 Minute Workout Will Make You Feel Strong And Confident

Let Fluidform Pilates founder Kirsten King whip you into shape

Whether you’re looking to squeeze a workout into an already jam-packed day or simply aren’t able to access your usual Pilates studio right now (cheers, lockdown!) this 15 minute workout by Fluidform Pilates founder Kirsten King should do the trick.

Created as part of the Estée Lauder x Fluidform Pilates 21 day Confidence Challenge, this video proves that a lot can happen in 15 minutes! With a few pieces of equipment added in for extra resistance (a Pilates band and ball if you have them) your abs, glutes and thighs will be on fire. Hit play on the video above to do the full workout.

When it comes to Pilates, King is one of Australia’s most sought-after trainers. Her studios and at-home programs are much loved by influencers and it-girls – including Pip Edwards, Lara Worthington and Pia Miller – who swear by her method for creating long, lean, strong bodies.

On a health kick? Here, King opens up about building strength (both physically and mentally), how she actively boosts her confidence levels and the failsafe beauty products that keep her looking fresh amongst all those lunges!

marie claire: Have you always been a confident person, even as a young girl?

Kirsten King: “Confidence can come and go on a daily basis and some days we are stronger than others. This is definitely something that we should all be aware of and on those tough days, be kind to ourselves.

“I’ve been through waves of confidence and self-assurance and second guessing myself – I’m human! As a young girl, I loved sports, dancing and performing, so confidence came naturally to me. When I was a teenager, this was the first time in my life that I felt the pressure and at times it was a challenge. As I entered the world of marketing as a young adult, confidence was no longer a struggle; I knew the formula and my hard work and dedication to my passions ensured confidence came naturally. I’ve since worked overseas, started two businesses and given birth to three beautiful girls.”

mc: What attracted you to Pilates? How does it make you feel confident in your body?

KK: “I’ve always been really fascinated by the human body, the way we move and what we can achieve with our bodies. This is what led me to Pilates. I always feel the most confident in my body when I feel strong and balanced to move well and achieve new limits with my body.”

mc: Pilates aside, how do you build your confidence when it needs a boost?

KK: “First and foremost, my family motivates me to be the best version of myself. I feel my best when I’m eating well, maintaining my skincare routine and moving daily. I use my trusted beauty favourites (Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair and Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup), eat fresh meals using local and organic produce, and incorporate 20 minutes of movement. Just 20 minutes of targeted, functional movement maintains my physical strength, helps with mental clarity and focus throughout the day.”

mc: What does a typical day look like for you?

KK: “A typical day is teaching in the studio, meetings, after school activities with the girls and family time in the evenings. My daily non-negotiables are:

  • Magnesium for sleep. Sleep is key to feeling good. After having children I really struggled with finding a healthy sleep pattern but I’ve since discovered the incredible health benefits of magnesium and my sleep has changed dramatically.
  • 20 minutes of daily movement. I start my day with a long stretch or Fluidform sequence to wake up the body and get my energy flowing. This helps me to prepare my mind and body for whatever the day brings.
  • At least two litres of water per day.
  • Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair PowerFoil Masks. On days where I’m filming or there’s an early start, these sheet masks are a lifesaver!”

Brought to you by Estée Lauder.

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