When You Have 20 Minutes: How to Choose Between Pilates, Stretching, or Rest

As a mom, your to-do list never really ends. Between taking care of your little ones, keeping your household running, and maybe juggling work or side projects—your time and energy can feel like they’re constantly being pulled in a million directions. So when you finally get 20 precious minutes to yourself, the question becomes: What do I do with them?

Do you squeeze in a Pilates workout? Do you settle into a much-needed stretch session? Or do you just lie down and rest?

Here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—and that’s the beauty of it.

Tune Into Your Body First

Before you make a decision, I want you to do something simple but powerful: pause and check in with your body. Take a few deep breaths and ask yourself:

• How does my body feel right now?
• Am I feeling stiff, tight, or sore?
• Do I feel energized and ready to move, or mentally and physically drained?
• Have I gotten any rest today?
• Am I craving movement or stillness?

Your answers to these questions are the key to making the right decision for you in that moment—not based on pressure or guilt, but from a place of connection and care.

When to Choose Pilates

If you’re feeling alert, have a little energy, and want to break a light sweat or get your blood flowing, this is the time to pick Pilates. Choose a short full-body sculpt, core burner, or lower body boost from the Studio to build strength, increase endurance, and reconnect with your body.

You don’t need to go hard to see results. These short workouts can still tighten, tone, and sculpt—and best of all, they leave you feeling stronger and more grounded.

When to Choose Stretching

If your body feels stiff, tense, or a little worn down but not exhausted, stretching is your best friend. You’ll get to release built-up tension, increase flexibility, and calm your nervous system.

Stretching is not a “lazy” option. It’s an intentional way to take care of your body and mind. Whether it’s a gentle hip opener or a deep spinal twist, a 20-minute stretch can shift your entire day.

When to Choose Rest

Let me say this loud for the moms in the back: REST IS PRODUCTIVE.

If you're running on fumes, mentally tapped out, or your body just feels like it’s begging for a break—listen. Curl up with a cozy blanket, close your eyes, or simply breathe in silence. Give yourself permission to do nothing without guilt.

Skipping a workout doesn’t mean you're lazy. It means you’re in tune with your needs, and that's where real health begins. Be careful to also not make excuses. Don’t mindlessly choose to sit on the couch because that’s all you want to do. Truly listen to your body and what it needs, not what it wants. If you’re going to rest now, look for an opportunity throughout the rest of your day to still get it done if you get an energy spike.

The Bottom Line

There’s no gold star for pushing through exhaustion. There’s no shame in needing rest. And there’s nothing wrong with choosing a stretch over a sweat.

This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present with your body. The more you learn to tune in, the more empowered and balanced your fitness journey will become.

So next time you’ve got 20 minutes, don’t rush to choose the “right” thing. Instead, choose the thing your body is asking for.

And whatever that looks like today, it’s enough.

And if you’re not sure what your body is telling you, it sounds like you just need a little motivation! Try our monthly calendar workout of the day! If it’s not calling to you, try a different video. Search our library until you find a workout that speaks to you. We have over 100 videos…I’m sure you can find something 😉