Housework: A Music-Driven Approach to Pilates and Strength
The workout is Pilates with elements of cardio, functional strength, and dance
Sydney Miller founded Housework to create a full-body challenge focused on cardio, functional strength, and dance. Unlike traditional Pilates, which focuses on slow, controlled movements, Housework integrates dynamic, choreographed sequences that flow seamlessly to music.
“I love how Pilates makes my body feel, but I never enjoyed the super slow pace of traditional classes,” said Miller. “It was important to me that everything moved to the beat of the music.”
The format combines sculpting exercises with high-energy movement, creating a workout focused on rhythm, coordination, and focus. Housework has also grown into a strong virtual community.
“Imagine meeting a group of people in a Zoom class and becoming so close that you decide to take a trip together,” Miller said. “That’s the kind of friendships that have formed.”
Miller’s path to launching Housework wasn’t a straight line. After graduating from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in advertising.
“Sitting at a desk all day just didn’t feel right,” she recalled. “While hustling at my 9-5, I would start my day at SoulCycle and fell in love with how it made me feel. I wanted to give that feeling to other people.”
She auditioned to become a SoulCycle instructor and spent years at the brand developing a strong following. In 2017, she became certified in Pilates but wanted something more dynamic. When SoulCycle asked her to create a Pilates-inspired workout for their new concept, SoulAnnex, she saw an opportunity to blend Pilates principles with faster movement, music, and intensity.
“Housework isn’t just a workout for your body, it’s a workout for your brain as you have to flow through a series of movements strung together, almost like you’re learning a dance,” Miller said.
Inspired by her love of house music, Miller designed a format that brought together Pilates and rhythm-based movement. What started in a studio setting later transitioned into a virtual format, expanding its reach to a wider audience. The classes are both live-streamed and recorded for schedule flexibility.
“I’m a big believer in repetition, so I like to give clients enough time to ‘master’ the moves and feel confident, then introduce something exciting the next week,” she said. “It’s about more than just movement. It’s about music, energy, and a community that makes people feel connected and motivated.”