Is Pilates Worth It?
Is Pilates worth the time, money, and energy? Ryen shares a practical perspective on strength, confidence, enjoyment, and finding a movement practice that fits.
For me, yes. The time, money, and energy I put into Pilates have been worth it. But I also think the answer depends on what you want from movement and whether you actually enjoy the practice.
Part of You Can Do Pilates, my series for people who are new to Pilates or wondering whether to try it.
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO GET OUT OF IT?
When I talk about the value of Pilates, I think about the things people want to do in their lives: feel stronger, move with more confidence, work on balance and coordination, and have time to pay attention to their bodies.
A practice can be valuable without changing what you look like. Feeling more capable getting up from the floor or more confident trying a new movement counts.
STRENGTH DOES NOT HAVE AN AGE LIMIT
I used to teach at a studio where many of the clients were women over 65. Some had practiced for years; others were newer to Pilates. They were some of the strongest people I have taught.
We would work through advanced repertoire and they would ask for harder variations. Their goals were clear: they wanted to keep building strength, flexibility, and mobility for the lives they wanted to live.
That experience shaped how I think about the long-term value of a movement practice. Progress can keep taking different forms.
WHAT IF YOU LIVE WITH PAIN?
Some of my clients who live with chronic pain tell me that regular, adaptable movement helps them feel better. We pay attention to how the whole body moves and adjust the session to the person in front of me.
That is their experience, not a guarantee that Pilates will relieve your pain. Pilates teachers are not doctors, and sessions do not replace medical care. We can work within your needs and any guidance from your care team.
ENJOYMENT AND CONSISTENCY MATTER
Of course I am biased. I teach Pilates because I love it. But I do not think everyone has to love the same kind of exercise.
If Pilates draws you in, makes you curious, and feels like something you want to return to, that is a good reason to try it. If another movement practice does that for you, explore that too.
You do not need to commit to a whole new identity before your first session. Start with an experience and notice what you get from it.
TRY A SESSION BUILT AROUND YOU
At Queer Pilates in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood, I offer private, duet, and virtual Pilates. We can talk about your goals, your budget, and what a useful practice might look like for you.
Can Fat People Do Pilates?
Yes, fat people can do Pilates. What to ask a studio, how to advocate for your comfort, and why respectful instruction matters.
Absolutely yes. Fat people can do Pilates. Is that it? Is the article over?
I know there are more questions underneath that one. We live in a fatphobic world, fitness is often fatphobic, and Pilates has a reputation for being for thin people. You deserve more than a quick “everyone is welcome.” You deserve a teacher, equipment, and environment that actually work for your body.
Part of You Can Do Pilates, my series answering questions from beginners and people who are curious about starting.
WHAT TO ASK A STUDIO
Before booking, ask how experienced the teachers are with fat bodies. That includes adapting exercises and using language that respects the people in the room.
Who is your most experienced teacher for fat clients?
What are the weight limits for the equipment I will use?
Is the furniture suitable for fat bodies?
How do you adapt exercises for different bodies?
Would a current fat client be willing to share their experience?
Equipment limits vary by manufacturer and model. A studio should know the limits of its own apparatus rather than asking you to guess.
I took a workshop with Fat Body Pilates, whose work has helped shape how I think about these questions. Their equipment research is a useful resource. This work should be coming from studios; I know asking these questions puts more work on you than it should.
TELL YOUR TEACHER WHAT MATTERS TO YOU
Tell a new teacher about your Pilates experience, other movement you do, and any injuries, pain, or limitations you want them to know about. You can also tell them your preferences around touch. If you hate hands-on assists, say so.
A good teacher listens and uses that information. Your body does not need to become smaller before it deserves thoughtful instruction.
TAKE UP THE SPACE YOU NEED
Give yourself room to move. If choosing a Reformer with more space around it makes you more comfortable, do that.
If your belly is in the way of a movement, you are welcome to shift it or hold it. You know your body better than any teacher does. You can ask for a different setup, a prop, or another exercise.
You can also take a break. Full stop. You do not have to earn rest or push through something that feels wrong. If you need help understanding an exercise, ask. Helping you find a useful version of the movement is part of our job.
NOTICE HOW YOU FEEL AFTERWARD
Did the teacher listen? Were adaptations offered respectfully? Did you feel included throughout the session? Did you leave feeling respected?
Those are worthwhile questions. So is deciding that a particular teacher or studio is not a fit.
All bodies are Pilates hotties.
TRY PILATES IN OAKLAND
At Queer Pilates in Temescal, I offer private, duet, and virtual sessions with individualized attention. Explore Pilates sessions →