Pilates isn’t new, but social media is giving it a whole new glow-up
Social media has played a crucial role in making pilates accessible, showing that it’s not just for celebrities or people who could afford high-end studios.
PILATES has become a popular activity originally aimed at improving both the body and mind. In an era where mental health is prioritised more than ever, it has become most people’s favourite pastime, especially for the younger generation who need an escape from busy schedules.
Pilates instructor Nelissa Nezam believes pilates, being gentle and powerful in nature, has the kind of attraction that draws people to it because of that.
It’s about feeling strong from the inside out, which especially applies to women,” the pilates instructor said.
“It’s a way to reconnect with their bodies while being able to improve their posture, along with helping to build their core strength without the feeling of intimidation people usually get when just starting to work out.”
She said that people who exercise would usually go through difficulties in the early phases of making it a routine. But as soon as they feel the deep core burn, the sense of addiction becomes stronger, making working out easier each time.
She said that although pilates has existed for a long time, it has always evolved and adapted well to modern lifestyles with passionate coaches. This makes it easy for people to pick it up as a hobby, especially for the younger generation.
It’s not just popular among Gen Zs; mothers also tend to make it part of their routine, according to Nelissa, balancing it with the demands of managing family life. It makes pilates suitable for all stages of life—pre- and postnatal, injury recovery, or strength training.
“It is sustainable and versatile,” she said.
She added that social media has played a crucial role in making pilates accessible, showing that it’s not just for celebrities or people who could afford high-end studios. People now practise pilates in their free time at home, doing bite-sized workouts, self-learning from tips, or even joining online live classes through Instagram or TikTok, according to Nelissa.
“It definitely breaks down the idea that pilates is only for the elite, as more people engage with the activity,” she said.
“A long time ago, pilates was too intimidating and considered too ‘boutique,’ but now it has prioritised inclusivity with online classes here and there, making it easier for people to join. It opens doors for many, and I have friends who used to avoid gyms all the time but then started their pilates journey from just their living rooms and fell in love with it,” the instructor said.
Nelissa added that pilates is amazing for busy women like mothers who needed a touch of flexibility in their lives through deep, effective workouts like pilates.
Upon addressing pilates’ evolving benefits, she said that the activity has seamlessly approached strength training, mobility, and mindfulness from time to time with its respective techniques—all could be found in just one session.
“It’s important to work out in the name of supporting your body and not punishing it,” she said, adding that pilates is one workout type that has remained enduring and relevant, helping people stay fit mentally and physically.
“Pilates is that steady, reliable best friend.
“It complements high-impact workouts, balances stress levels, and it just makes you feel good. That’s why it fits so perfectly into today’s wellness culture," she said.
BACKGROUND OF PILATES
First developed in 1883 by Joseph Pilates, a German-born physical trainer, his method was designed to be flexible enough to practise anytime, anywhere, benefiting both mental and physical health. Pilates believed that the mind and body were interrelated, emphasising the mind’s ability to control muscles, with a focus on core postural muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, hips, and glutes, to help maintain balance and provide support for the spine.
Pilates is particularly suitable for those recovering from injuries due to its low-impact nature, unlike other conventional exercises such as running or weightlifting. Additionally, Pilates promotes body awareness and allows the body to function in a rehabilitative mode.
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