How Pilates Became My Happy Place

I am now into Fitness, there I said it.

If you've met me or had a chat with me in the last year (which is likely, given that the majority of my subscribers are friends and family—if you aren't, I'm sincerely grateful for your interest because, while my friends are obligated to tune in, you're here by choice, so big thanks for that!), you've probably heard me harp on about one thing incessantly: "You should join Pilates." And, despite the possibility of exhaustion from my constant lobbying, I am not going to quit. It is still music to my ears.

I'm a firm believer in openly and freely advocating (since no one will pay me: :( ) anything that has the potential to greatly enhance people's lives —whether it's an engaging book, a captivating film, or a revolutionary dish. For the past two years it’s been Birkenstocks (though I don’t need to push this anymore, they are literally everywhere) and this year it’s Pilates.

So, why the sudden urge for a long-winded spiel? Well, it's been a whole year since I began my Pilates journey, and it seems only fair to mark the event by putting my opinions into words.

Let’s begin at the beginning - Why did I start?

The year leading up to the summer of 2023, to put it bluntly, was a tumultuous mess. I found myself desperately needing to break free from the chaos. The emotional and mental toll my body endured demanded a holistic outlet for healing. I experimented with various forms of exercise—dabbling in badminton (which proved beneficial but lacked consistency due to a shortage of willing partners), attempting spinning (which aggravated my already troubled knees), and following the run-of-the-mill exercise regimen prescribed by my physiotherapist. Yet, nothing seemed to provide the respite I sought. Then, I had my Eureka moment with Pilates. That's when I delved into research, preparing myself to take the plunge into this new endeavour.

Then came the challenge of finding the perfect studio:

Before commencing my Pilates journey, I mistakenly believed that the toughest part would be taking the initial steps. Surprisingly, this proved to be quite effortless. A swift Google search revealed numerous Pilates studios in Pune, all conveniently located. After selecting one, I engaged in a lengthy conversation with the receptionist (my apologies for potentially wasting your time), gathering all necessary details and confirming fees.

However, my decision took an unexpected turn when, while scrolling further down the search results, I stumbled upon a Whatshot Pune article spotlighting a Pilates studio run by two sisters - I was sold. I promptly reached out to Moushami. Despite initial unavailability, I patiently awaited her response—an unusual display of patience for me. Upon speaking with her the next day, I remained hesitant about committing to Pilates and investing in it. Yet, Moushami's persuasion led me to confirm a single class for the following day.

On the third day of this exchange, I found myself at Pep Up Studio, experiencing my inaugural reformer class. Though initially it felt as if I were vibrating like a washing machine on a spin cycle, by the end of it, I found myself engaged in enthusiastic discussions with Moushami and Neha—the dynamic sister duo behind Pep Up Studio—about scheduling. And now, a year later, I can confidently say that joining them has been a decision I haven't regretted.

How is it going so far

It's truly remarkable to reflect on my journey from someone who struggled to commit to hobbies or classes to now eagerly embracing each day, transformed from a night owl to a morning person, rising at 7:30 a.m. without fail regardless of the weather or season.

When I first started, I couldn't go a session without shivering, and now after an hour of Pilates, I jump on the elliptical for another twenty minutes or half an hour - I can truly say I've become a fitness freak; it's not just the form of exercise, but the people around me; my two trainers now understand my body better than I do, and sometimes even my terrible sense of humour and my need to laugh and giggle at everything.

I have also learnt that all these Instagram reels that make you think Pilates is a breeze and it doesn't hurt, well those are just great skills that have been acquired after years of training and it hurts in every possible place, and Pilates is more than the reformer, there is the chair (do not be fooled by the name, it's not what you think), the Bossu (my archnemesis, we're trying to be friends though), the Motr or my rickshaw, and my two most requested workouts - the antigravity, the TRx and the bungee. The sheer variety of options ensures you'll be spoiled for choice, though your muscles, far from spoiled, are instead strengthened and invigorated with each session.

Over time the most terrifying Pilates Chair has now become my buddy, such is the beauty of this form of workout that what you despise the most, in the beginning, has become the most enjoyable after gaining strength, and when you start asking for the tougher sessions and the intensive equipment, you realise you have reached peak crazy and there is no turning back. Earlier my wishlist for a dream house included a humble gifting station and now it’s a whole Pilates studio - well one can dream.

It's been a year and everything has remained in place thus far; I hope that this journey, unlike most others, will never end and that I continue to receive my serotonin in the greatest way possible. I hope this rant has been a fun read and you want at least to explore Pilates.

P.S. I can now feel my core, and I'm not completely puzzled when asked, "Do you feel your core?" Yes, with a lot of unpleasant certainty.