Moving beyond traditional workouts, Pilates has become the new fitness craze everyone is talking about. Loved by celebrities and fitness enthusiasts alike, it promises not only a stronger body but also better posture, flexibility and balance.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Namrata Purohit, celebrity Pilates trainer and partner at The Pilates Studio, who has trained stars like Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Khushi Kapoor and others, explains why Pilates is more than just a workout trend, the biggest myths surrounding it, and how even 20 minutes a day can transform your body and mind. (Also read: Tamannaah Bhatia’s trainer says, ‘Lose 5-10 kg in 90 days’; Shares 3 simple, healthy habits for lasting weight loss ,
Excerpts from the interview:
For those who aren’t sure what Pilates actually is. How would you explain this in the simplest, most relatable way possible?
Pilates was originally created by Joseph Pilates for soldiers during the war and was later adapted for ballet and contemporary dancers. In simple words, it is a workout that makes you strong like a warrior and beautiful like a dancer. It’s a form of movement that builds strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness while being easy on the joints.
I like to describe it as an exercise that strengthens you from the inside out, it targets your core and works each muscle group in a controlled, conscious way. The best thing about Pilates is that it really is for everyone, whether you’re an athlete, recovering from an injury, or just starting your fitness journey.
What’s the biggest myth about Pilates that you’d like to bust once and for all?
The biggest myth is that Pilates is ‘easy’ or ‘just stretching’. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Pilates can challenge the strongest athletes as well as adapt to someone who has never exercised before. It’s not about how much you sweat, but how effectively you move. People are often surprised by how intense and transformative a Pilates session can be when done correctly.
If someone only has 20 minutes a day, what’s the best Pilates routine they can do?
In 20 minutes, I would recommend focusing on a mix of core, glute, and mobility exercises. For example, you can do planks, leg circles, bridges, and some spine stretching. These moves activate your powerhouse muscles, improve posture, and leave you feeling energized instead of exhausted. Consistency matters more than duration, even short daily sessions can make a big difference to the way your body feels and performs.
Can one rely solely on Pilates for fat loss, or should it ideally be combined with cardio/strength training?
Pilates is incredible for building lean muscle, improving posture, and increasing body awareness, all of which contribute to fat loss. Pilates is also a form of strength training, it is actually resistance training and body weight training. You can combine Pilates with cardio to complete your routine.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
