In May 2025, a Tiktok user named Monica Cruz, or Succulent Addict, went on a rant in her car about how standards are slipping, how you shouldn’t go to Pilates if you’re over 200 pounds, and that studios shouldn’t allow people to join level 2 classes if they’re more than 200 pounds. Discourse ensued, with people lashing out at her for her comments and reminding everyone that all bodies are welcome in Pilates.
Such a judgmental attitude is exactly why some people shy away from trying Pilates even if they’re really interested in it. Luckily, Pilates communities are generally very welcoming and supportive. Pilates was designed to meet you exactly where you are, regardless of your size, shape, or skill. At its core, Pilates is about connection, awareness, and strength from the inside out, not about achieving a certain look, so don’t let the image of the skinny Pilates princess scare you off.
The beauty of Pilates lies in its adaptability. Every exercise can be modified to suit your body’s needs. Whether you’re on a mat, using a reformer, or working with small props, your instructor can tailor movements to support your joints, improve mobility, and build core strength safely and effectively. There’s no “ideal” body for Pilates — only the body you have today, and the one you’re nurturing through movement.
Many people in larger bodies find Pilates empowering because it focuses on function rather than appearance, helping you build stability, balance, and confidence in how your body moves and feels. Over time, you may notice that your posture, flexibility, and energy are improving, and these are changes that have nothing to do with how much you way. Pilates teaches you to appreciate what your body can do, not to judge it for how it looks.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated walking into a studio or joining a class, know that you belong there. Seek out instructors who are body-positive and work with diverse clients. A good teacher will celebrate your progress and create a supportive space where you can move freely and without shame. Remember that Pilates is for every body, and that means every age, size, and fitness level. And you certainly don’t need to look a certain way to do it.
Photo by Andres Ayrton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-measuring-her-hips-6551070/