Note: This article discusses body image, which may be triggering. If discourse surrounding body image makes you uneasy, please read this at your own pace.
If you’re on TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably heard of the term “Pilates Princess.” Well, I tried Pilates and here’s what my experience was like.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with my body and exercise. I started going to a gym at 12 but wasn’t doing anything extraordinary. It started with cardio, and by the time I was 16, I really got into strength training.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a huge turning point in my life, especially with how my body changed. Several people took the time of staying indoors as an opportunity to work out at home, to get stronger and fitter. However, for many, including myself, it was an opportunity to do the opposite.
I ate a lot of fast food, spent a lot of time in bed and gained a lot of weight. The eating habits weren’t as big of an issue — it was the fact that I went from moving every day to barely moving at all. The weight gain showed up in ways that were hard to ignore. Jeans that were already way too tight stopped fitting. I didn’t like how my arms looked anymore, and almost everyone had something to say about it.
Some people aren’t as self-conscious about their appearance; if you can’t tell already, I am. I was self-conscious to the point where I wore jackets and cover-ups to hide my arms for three years and stopped wearing anything tight or cropped.
The DISCOVERY
Like many people, I learned about Pilates through TikTok around 2022, particularly through Sweat and Tonic instructor Maddy Cassidy’s TikTok page. Let me preface this by saying I’ve never attended her class, but I think she indirectly saved my relationship with movement.
I saw several videos of Cassidy’s hot Pilates classes, and TikTok’s algorithm caught onto this. I started to see more and more about the exercise — the before and afters, benefits and aesthetic 30-second videos of someone waking up, getting dressed, and going to class.
I guess you could say I was sold to try it out. But when I looked into the prices, I realized this was an expensive hobby. Classes were average, $28 to $35 per class (at least the studios that I looked into). Another option was getting monthly memberships, but those weren’t less than $200 to $250 a month.
Naturally, I was taken aback. I thought to myself, maybe not now; let’s park this aside.
The Plunge
When I visited my parents in December 2022 in Dubai, my mom encouraged me to try out a few classes. Usually, studios have significantly cheaper intro packages, so I gave it a shot.
Pilates is typically performed on a reformer or a mat. Between the two, I’d pick the reformer any day. As someone used to strength training, the mat didn’t feel challenging enough. I believe it had much to do with that specific studio’s mat classes and the instructor’s style.
I should clarify that I’ve only ever gone for two mat classes, and they both felt similar to an ab workout, which didn’t seem worth the money. I’ve seen it work for many people, and they’ve experienced the same intensity I’ve experienced on the reformer. However, mat classes are much more accessible since one can pull out a yoga mat at home, search for a YouTube video, and work out anytime — and it’s free!
The Reformer: A Safe Space
My first time on the reformer left me feeling so at ease — no form of exercise has ever made me feel so complete. I’m not sure why I feel this way — perhaps the way it glides and supports me, or that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting instructors who have made me feel extremely comfortable — but almost every time I’ve been on the reformer, it has been both challenging and soothing.
I wouldn’t say it has always been amazing. Sometimes, the instructor didn’t work for me, or I didn’t like a certain studio. It took some time to figure out what my body appreciated.
I’ve been thinking a lot about why Pilates has been such a safe space for me and realized it’s that one thing that switches off my mind and lets it simply be. I should also emphasize that I’m always in stress mode, and my mind can rarely be still. Also, as someone who also struggles with hormone issues, I’ve discovered that low-impact movement works much better for my stress levels.
So, Is Being A “Pilates Princess” Worth It?
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what matters to you. For me, it’s so worth it.
We all relish in something or the other, and it’s a privilege to do so. Whether mat pilates, reformer pilates, strength training, yoga, or a combination, finding what works for you is important.
FYI: Some studios in the city offer classes that are half the price (yes, even for reformer classes), so if it’s something you’ve been thinking of trying, there are always options!