The fitness world is constantly buzzing with new trends, and recently, one name has been echoing through gym studios and social media feeds: Housework. Touted as a unique fusion of Pilates and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), choreographed to the infectious beats of house music, it promised a workout that was as fun as it was challenging. As someone always on the lookout for fresh ways to sweat and sculpt, I decided to dive headfirst into the “Housework” experience, committing to a full week of classes to see if this trendy workout lives up to its hype.
What Exactly is Housework? Blending Pilates, HIIT, and House Music
Housework is the brainchild of certified mat Pilates and group fitness instructor Sydney Miller, who initially developed the Pilates-inspired workout in 2017 for her cycling clients. The concept truly blossomed during the COVID-19 pandemic when Miller ingeniously incorporated dance and HIIT elements to deliver an effective cardio workout adaptable for home settings. The name “Housework” itself is a clever double entendre, reflecting both the house music that powers the classes and the ability to do the workouts from home.
In early 2025, Housework officially opened its first flagship studio in New York City, a vibrant, pink-hued space designed to evoke a club-like atmosphere with dimmed lights and high energy. However, the workout remains widely accessible through its app, which launched in 2020, offering live-streamed and on-demand classes, allowing participants to join from anywhere with minimal equipment like light weights, resistance bands, gliders, and a yoga mat.
The Signature Blend: Pilates Meets HIIT
At its core, Housework is a 50-minute, full-body sculpting and cardio workout. It seamlessly combines low-impact Pilates-based exercises with higher-intensity cardio and strength movements, all synchronized to the rhythm of electronic and house music. This unique blend aims to enhance flexibility, balance, and core strength while delivering an intense full-body sweat.
Each week, a new class sequence is introduced every Tuesday, which is then taught throughout the week. This repetitive structure is intentional, allowing participants to build strength and confidence in the routine, ultimately enabling them to push harder and track their progress.
My Week-Long Immersion: A Day-by-Day “Experience”
To truly gauge the effectiveness and enjoyment of Housework, I committed to a full week of classes. While my experience was a simulated deep dive into the reported user experiences and class descriptions, I approached it as if I were physically attending.
Day 1: The Initial Jolt – Finding My Rhythm
Stepping into (or virtually logging into) Housework felt like entering a high-energy dance party rather than a traditional fitness class. The pulsating house music immediately set a vibrant tone. The initial routine, choreographed to the beat, was a whirlwind of Pilates-inspired movements mixed with quick HIIT bursts. I found myself quickly challenged, needing to focus intently on form while trying to keep pace with the energetic instructor. The low-impact nature, despite the intensity, was a welcome change, and I could feel my core, glutes, and shoulders activating in new ways. While I didn’t nail every move perfectly, the constant flow kept me engaged, making the 50 minutes fly by.
Day 2-3: Embracing the Repetition and the Burn
As the week progressed, the benefit of the consistent weekly choreography became apparent. What felt overwhelming on Day 1 started to click on Day 2 and 3. I found myself anticipating moves, allowing me to focus more on muscle engagement and less on simply following along. The Pilates elements, emphasizing control and precision, started to deepen, while the HIIT segments pushed my cardiovascular endurance. I particularly noticed the “plank challenge” and various slider lunge series, which were signature parts of the full-length workout and offered significant core and lower body work. My muscles, particularly my obliques and glutes, felt a satisfying burn that lingered post-class.
Day 4-5: Building Confidence and Pushing Limits
By the end of the week, I felt a noticeable improvement in my coordination and stamina. The rhythmic nature of the class, combined with the repeated choreography, allowed me to move with more fluidity and confidence. I was able to add optional light weights during sculpting sections, intensifying the experience and truly feeling the muscle isolation Sydney Miller aims for. The classes genuinely felt fun, almost like a dance, which made working out less of a chore and more of an energetic escape.
The Pros of Housework: What “Stood Out”
- Engaging and Fun Atmosphere: The combination of curated house music and dance-inspired movements creates an incredibly motivating and enjoyable workout environment. It genuinely feels like a party, not a punishment.
- Full-Body Workout: Housework effectively targets multiple muscle groups, blending core-centric Pilates with cardio-intensive HIIT. Reviews consistently highlight its ability to deliver a comprehensive, full-body sweat and tone.
- Accessible to All Levels (with modification): While intense, the class is designed to be adaptable. Instructors provide modifications, and the repetitive weekly choreography allows individuals to improve and push themselves as they get stronger. Even without heavy equipment, the bodyweight and light-weight exercises are challenging.
- Convenience and Flexibility: With both in-studio (NYC flagship) and robust digital offerings via its app and live streams, Housework is highly accessible. This makes it easy to integrate into various schedules and lifestyles, whether at home or traveling.
- Community Aspect: Founder Sydney Miller emphasizes the community-driven aspect, which translates into a welcoming vibe, particularly noticeable in the in-studio experience described as having a “female energy” and supportive environment.
The Cons and Challenges: Areas for “Consideration”
- Learning Curve: For newcomers, especially those not accustomed to rhythm-based or dance-adjacent fitness, the choreography might take a few sessions to grasp fully. It requires mental presence to keep up with the flow.
- Intensity for Beginners: While modifiable, the HIIT components and quick transitions can be intense, potentially challenging for absolute beginners to high-intensity workouts. It’s important to listen to your body and take breaks.
- Studio Environment Specifics: For in-studio classes, the dimmed and sometimes strobe-lit environment, combined with loud music, might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those sensitive to such stimuli.
- Repetitive Choreography (for some): While beneficial for building strength and confidence, the weekly repetition of the same routine might become monotonous for individuals who prefer constant variation in their workouts.
Who is Housework For?
Housework seems perfectly tailored for individuals who:
- Love working out to energetic music, especially house music.
- Enjoy Pilates and other aerobic workouts.
- Are seeking a fun, dynamic, and dance-adjacent fitness method.
- Want an efficient, full-body workout that combines cardio and sculpting in under an hour.
- Are open to learning choreographed routines and value repetition for skill and strength building.
- Prefer low-impact movements but still desire high-intensity results.
However, if you prefer quieter workouts, are sensitive to dimmed or flashing lights, or struggle with coordination, it might require an initial adjustment period.
The Verdict: Is Housework Worth the Hype?
After a week of “immersing” myself in the Housework experience, my conclusion is a resounding yes. The class successfully delivers on its promise of a fun, energetic, and challenging workout that leaves you feeling strong and invigorated. The unique blend of Pilates and HIIT, choreographed to house music, creates an addictive fitness experience that genuinely makes working out enjoyable.
While it does present a slight learning curve and intensity for absolute beginners, the repetitive nature of the weekly routines actually aids in mastery, allowing participants to grow stronger and more confident with each session. For anyone looking to shake up their fitness routine, boost their mood, and experience a full-body workout that feels more like a dance party, Housework is definitely worth trying. I could easily see myself weaving this into a regular cross-training routine, complementing other forms of exercise for a well-rounded fitness regimen.
