I Didn’t Expect to Love Pilates Like This

I recently started taking Pilates classes—and I think I’m obsessed. I didn’t expect that at all, which is probably why it surprised me so much.

I’m always looking to try new workouts to challenge different parts of my body and my mind.

From weight lifting to shadow boxing, cardio kickboxing, and Zumba, I’ve tried a wide range of workouts over the years. Switching up your routine is a smart move because even if you’re targeting the same areas, you’re challenging them in new ways and helping your body move in ways it may not have before.

Over the past few months, I started adding Pilates classes to my weekly workouts. I take them through Peloton and will sometimes swap them in place of a core workout. I had no idea how much I would love these classes.

For a long time, I thought Pilates was essentially the same as yoga. It wasn’t until I took a Pilates class that I realized they’re not the same at all.

I’ve taken some yoga classes on Peloton, but they aren’t really for me. Because of that, I assumed I wouldn’t like Pilates—but I was completely wrong.

If you’re curious about Pilates, here are some of the benefits I’ve experienced.

The Benefits of Pilates (and What I’ve Noticed Personally)

One of the things I love most about Pilates is that it’s a low-impact, full-body workout that still challenges you in all the right ways. Over time, I’ve started to notice real benefits—not just during workouts, but in everyday life, too.

• Strengthens the Core
  
  One of the biggest changes for me is how much stronger my core has become. I’ve even started swapping out some of my regular core workouts for Pilates classes.
  
  The movements target deep abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor, and back muscles—areas that don’t always get the same attention in traditional workouts. I can feel the difference in my overall strength and stability.
  
• Improves Posture
  
  This is a huge one for me. My posture has never been the best, and I’m always reminded of that during massages when I’m told how tight everything is.
  
  Pilates focuses on strengthening the muscles that support proper posture, which helps reduce slouching. I’ve definitely become more aware of how I sit and stand throughout the day.
  
• Increases Flexibility
  
  Pilates isn’t just about strength—it also focuses on lengthening your muscles.
  
  I’ve noticed less stiffness overall, and my body just feels more mobile. It’s a different kind of flexibility than what you might expect, but it makes a big difference in how you move.
  
• Enhances Balance
  
  Balance is something I’ve seen improve a lot—not just from Pilates, but from strength training in general.
  
  Pilates helps build the muscles that support stability, especially in your core and lower body (like your glutes and quads). I’ve noticed a real difference in how steady and controlled I feel during workouts and everyday movement.
  
• Helps Relieve Back Pain
  
  This one is especially important to me. I have scoliosis and deal with back pain, and Pilates has honestly made a big difference.
  
  By strengthening the core, hips, and back, and focusing on lengthening and mobilizing the spine, it helps take pressure off the lower back. I’ve noticed less discomfort and more support overall.
  
• Builds Strength Without Bulk & Supports Recovery
  
  Pilates helps build lean muscle without adding bulk, which I personally love.
  
  Because it’s low-impact, it can also support recovery and help prevent injuries by strengthening smaller, stabilizing muscles that often get overlooked.
  
• Reduces Stress & Boosts Mood
  
  Like any workout, Pilates is a great stress reliever for me. It helps me get my mind off everything else going on in life.
  
  The controlled, mindful movements make it feel a little more intentional, and I always finish feeling more relaxed and in a better mood.
  
• Improves Endurance, Mobility & Joint Health
  
  With regular practice, Pilates also helps improve overall endurance, mobility, and joint health.
  
  It’s one of those workouts that doesn’t just feel good in the moment—it helps your body function better over time.

I’m so glad I expanded my workouts and gave Pilates a try. It’s been helpful to me in so many of the ways I mentioned above.

If you haven’t tried a Pilates class yet, I definitely encourage you to give it a shot and see what you think.