If you’ve ever dismissed Pilates as just stretching—or thought it was only for dancers and older women—you’re not alone. I used to think the same thing. But after one life-changing session, everything clicked. My back pain? Gone. My strength? Reawakened. My confidence? Through the roof. Pilates was the missing piece in my fitness journey—and it just might be in yours, too.
You’re in the right place if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What is Pilates, anyway?” In this post, we’ll break down exactly what Pilates is (and isn’t), who it’s for (spoiler: everyone), and why it’s become the go-to method for building strong, pain-free bodies that actually feel good.
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Let’s get one thing straight: Pilates isn’t about lying on the floor waving your legs in the air. It’s a full-body workout method focused on intentional movement, deep core engagement, and muscle control.
Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, this method—originally called Contrology—was designed to strengthen both body and mind. His approach was rooted in six core principles: concentration, control, centering, flow, precision, and breath. And those are still the foundation of any true Pilates practice today.
What makes Pilates so powerful is its focus on your “powerhouse”—your core muscles that support every move you make. When you strengthen these muscles first, everything else in your body functions better: posture improves, pain decreases, and strength becomes sustainable.
Here’s what you can expect when you commit to Pilates regularly (yes, even just 3x a week):
And unlike workouts that leave you drained or burned out, Pilates leaves you feeling more energized and in tune with your body.
Let me introduce you to Mary—one of my PilatesBody Challenge clients. She had always been a cardio junkie, hitting spin classes 3–4 times a week. But when the pandemic hit, she felt off: tired, stiff, gaining weight, and frustrated with her body.
She joined my 8-Week PilatesBody Challenge, and here’s what she had to say:
“I’ve always heard people say ‘use your core,’ but I didn’t know what that actually meant. Now I do. I have less low back pain, my pants fit better, and I finally feel strong in a way that helps me in my spin classes too.”
Pilates helped Mary reconnect with her body, rebuild strength where it mattered most, and show up more powerfully in her workouts and daily life.
Pilates isn’t a one-size-fits-all workout. You can tailor it to your life, goals, and schedule. Here are two of the most common types:
This is where it all started. No machines, just your body, a mat, and a few small props (like resistance bands or a Pilates ball). Today’s mat Pilates classes blend traditional exercises with modern strength moves to help build lean muscle and improve mobility.
Why it’s great: It’s inexpensive, convenient, and can be done anywhere—even in your living room.
Pilates reformers are often seen on instagram or in Pilates studios. They have a spring-loaded carriage that moves back and forth. It adds resistance, feedback, and support to your practice, helping you go deeper into the work.
Why it’s great: It’s challenging, fun, and helps you get strong fast.
Real talk: It’s also more expensive, which is why many start with mat Pilates and work their way up.
No matter which style you choose, both are based on the same core principles and can help you build strength, improve posture, and reduce pain.
Here’s the truth: if your body feels stiff, achy, weak, or just off, Pilates could be exactly what you need.
You don’t need to be flexible. You don’t need to be strong to start. You just need a mat—and a willingness to show up for your body in a whole new way.
Pilates helped me heal from chronic back pain, find a way to move that actually felt good, and build strength I use in everyday life. And it can do the same for you.
Whether you’re a busy mom, a former athlete, or someone who’s been avoiding workouts altogether—you deserve to feel strong, aligned, and confident again.
1000% yes. Pilates was literally made to meet you where you are—whether you’re just getting back into movement after kids, dealing with injuries, or starting from scratch. The exercises are low-impact, modifiable, and incredibly effective for building a strong foundation.
But here’s the thing: most beginners aren’t taught how to actually activate their core correctly… and that’s where so many give up or get frustrated.
That’s why I created my 10-Day Beginner Core + Ab Challenge—to walk you through the fundamentals in just 10 minutes a day, from the comfort of your home.
You don’t need to do Pilates every day to feel a difference—but you do need to stay consistent. For most people, 2–3x a week is the sweet spot. Within the first two weeks, you’ll notice better posture, reduced stiffness, and stronger muscle activation. By week four, you’ll feel more confident, centered, and maybe even standing a little taller without realizing it.
Remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. You’re not just building physical strength—you’re building trust with your body.
You can—and I did. But not in the “quick fix” way.
After having my second baby, I had a 2-inch diastasis recti and felt completely disconnected from my core. I wasn’t interested in high-impact workouts or burning out in the gym anymore. So I committed to my own 8-Week PilatesBody Challenge—and that’s when everything changed.
With consistent Pilates-based strength training, intentional core work, and walking 4x a week, I healed my core, dropped 8 pounds, and gained so much energy and confidence back.
The goal with Pilates isn’t just the number on the scale—it’s building lean muscle, supporting your metabolism, and helping you feel strong and empowered in your body again.
Pilates is all about precision, control, and strength—especially through your core. Movements are smaller, more targeted, and focused on building alignment and body awareness.
Yoga, on the other hand, is rooted in breathwork, flexibility, and mindfulness. Both are amazing for different reasons—but if you’re looking for sculpting, strength, and core power, Pilates is where it’s at.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally try Pilates—this is it. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, feeling disconnected from your body, or simply craving a workout that builds real strength without burning you out, Pilates has something for you. It’s not about being perfect or flexible—it’s about showing up, building from the inside out, and learning to move with purpose. You deserve to feel strong, confident, and pain-free. So roll out your mat, take that first step, and discover what your body’s been missing.
Your Friend & Pilates Expert,
Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla
Founder of PILATESBODY On-Demand
Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.
