Protect Your Peace with Pilates

In 2025, I adopted the motto “Protecting my peace.” I decided to be the best version of myself; I had to start acting like the best version of myself. I moved back to my college apartment to work during winter break, and it was so peaceful to focus on myself. After sitting around the house for the past two weeks eating holiday food, I was ready to hit the gym again. The best version of myself is lean, fit, and strong. Ironically, I was too lazy to walk to my university gym, so I took a pilates class at the studio near my apartment. Pilates is no joke. I quickly realized how out of shape I was. About 30 minutes after my first class, I found myself embedded in the couch and remained unable to move for two hours. This was a generous amount of pain, but nothing prepared me for how sore I felt the following morning. I felt worse than when I had basketball tryouts in high school, where girls passed out because of how intense it was. Nonetheless, I reserved another class for the following evening. 

Pilates has significantly transformed how I feel. I adore how I feel physically and mentally after Pilates. I have been doing Pilates three to four times a week for the past six weeks and have never felt so confident. I have watched my balance stabilize, my core strengthen, and my muscles grow. I feel more in tune with my body, and I leave feeling so relieved. My mobility and flexibility have improved, and I feel much stronger physically. I have never regretted a Pilates class because I leave feeling better than when I entered. 

The class structure itself is a key reason why I was instantly hooked! The Pilates environment is encouraging, and you constantly push yourself during the workouts. Personally, doing Pilates in a room with thirty other people pushes me to my fullest potential. Because I’m not going to be the person who falls behind. I push myself physically to keep up. The instant endorphin high after each workout leaves me looking like a hanger is caught in my mouth. I can never stop smiling. I feel so proud of myself, and I feel so accomplished. 

Each class is only an hour, but in that hour my body is pushed like no other. It’s a full-body workout. The best part is that no two classes are the same. In each class, you focus on each muscle group through different exercises. I never get bored of going. 

After week four, I was ready for a new challenge, the 6:00 a.m. class with the local mums. On a Friday morning, I mustered up enough courage to get out of bed, after a night out, and headed to Pilates. Never again. The local mums are genuinely made of steel, and I could not keep up. I felt safe in their presence and was not ashamed to be huffing and puffing like the Big Bad Wolf in the back row. I was in awe of these women. The 6:00 a.m. class is my personal Everest, and I will attempt it again, but not in the near future.

Pilates physically has the power to build core strength, improve muscle strength, and hone in on controlled balance and coordination. Mentally and emotionally, it fosters a mind-body connection. You focus on the moment with each breath and throughout the workout, release neurotransmitters, reducing your overall stress. Spiritually, your self-esteem flourishes, and you build a sense of accomplishment and resilience. You can become more aware of your body and feel an alignment form mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. 

I look forward to each Pilates class because I believe it aligns me with a better version of myself. I would encourage anyone who wants to try Pilates to try a class. It’s an hour of your time, and you will walk out craving more!