Are You Too Large To Do Pilates?

The answer is NO!  And if you are as horrified and offended by this question as I am, read on. Like me, you may have had the misfortune of seeing a recent social media post of a woman stating that it's disgusting for people who weigh 200 pounds (around 90 kilos) to either be in a Pilates class or teach a Pilates class.  My colleagues and I find this statement to be completely outrageous, as Pilates is for everyone regardless of size or shape. It's an inclusive practice, and it's hard to believe that in 2025, this is still an issue. I really thought we had moved on from this type of ignorance and discrimination. Joseph Pilates invented his method of exercise for everyone, and he famously stated, "One day the whole world will be doing my exercises." I'm sure he means the "whole world", not just people who fit a certain stereotype, as weight is not an indicator of health or a person's ability to move.

Pilates Can Be Adapted To Individual Needs

My clients are a variety of shapes and sizes, and that's what makes us unique as human beings.  It would be unnerving if we were all the same size and shape. We all have physical strengths and weaknesses. Whatever your size, my unique online Pilates program caters to your individual needs. Not all Pilates exercises are suitable for everyone, but they can be modified to make them safe and effective for you. It's not a "one size fits all"  approach.  As a tall person, my arms are slightly too short for my body, and I probably wouldn't have realised this if I hadn't practised Pilates. It's particularly noticeable when doing some of the traditional Pilates exercises that require you to sit on the floor with your back straight, legs together, outstretched in front of you. The palms of your hands should be flat on the floor on the floor close to your body. Umm..slight problem. My palms hover above the floor. There is nothing I can do to make my hands reach the floor. Nothing. Solution? I use supports or lifts to place my palms on, if I have to lift up and out of this position. I'm not the only short-armed person in the world, and this modification makes the exercise possible, and I don't miss out on the benefits. We all have physical limitations, and regardless of what they are, Pilates exercises can be modified for you so you still get all the benefits 

Don't Choose Your Pilates Teacher By Their Physical Appearance

The advice from the ill-informed woman on social media was to choose your Pilates teacher by their size. I won't repeat her description of whom not to choose, as it was so awful, but she couldn't be more wrong. If you are choosing your Pilates teacher according to their looks and size, you really need to question yourself. Like our clients, Pilates teachers come in all shapes and sizes and have differing skills and abilities.  The best teachers are the best because of their passion for Pilates and their dedication to helping their clients be the best they can be. This has nothing to do with size or looks. I'm heavier now than I was 20 plus years ago when I first started teaching Pilates. I weigh more, but I'm strong, fit, healthy. and happy., Does that mean I should throw away more than 2 decades of Pilates experience and quit because I'm not as slim as I was then? While I was slimmer then, I was just starting out and had zero experience, now I'm a little heavier with loads of experience. Which teacher would you choose to help you out of chronic pain and age well?

Creating A Safe Space

 My online Pilates studio is a safe space for people of all shapes and sizes, and physical limitations. It's not about being perfect, but reaching your own potential with the body you were born with. I aim to provide an inclusive, supportive environment for anyone who wants to move to overcome chronic pain, age well and take back control of their lives through Pilates. I have heard via social media that the woman who made the vile comments was sacked from her job, and rightly so. There is no place for such hatred and discrimination in this day and age.

If you are ready to make positive changes in your life, email me at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can start 1 on 1 virtual Pilates sessions with me by signing up HERE, and we can schedule an appointment time. If you want to work independently, join my online Pilates program of on-demand videos, which I specifically designed to help you recover from pain or injury. It would be my pleasure to assist you on your Pilates journey to pain-free living!