🧘🏾‍♀️ Pilates Myths Debunked: Why You Don’t Need to Be Flexible or Fit to Start

by Maya Dee | The Homecoming Journal — Mindful Movement

Raise your hand if you’ve ever said one of these:

“I’m not flexible enough for Pilates.”

“It looks too advanced for me.”

“Everyone in those classes already looks like pros.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Almost every person who walks into their first Pilates class tells me some version of this story—that they need to get ready before they can even start. I've even said the same in regards to ther workouts. But here’s the truth:

You don’t prepare for Pilates — Pilates prepares you.

🌱 Myth #1: “I need to be flexible first.”

Nope. Flexibility isn’t a prerequisite; it’s an amazing result.

The whole purpose of Pilates is to help your body find more length, space, and ease through intentional movement and breath. You don’t need to touch your toes or twist like a pretzel. You just need to show up. 🧘🏽‍♀️

Even the smallest movement, a deep inhale, a gentle roll down, or a mindful stretch, begins to open the body over time. So if you feel tight, tense, or stiff from sitting all day, you’re actually the perfect candidate for Pilates.

💪🏾 Myth #2: “Pilates is only for fit people.”

TBH, social media has done a number on us. It’s easy to scroll through perfectly posed Pilates influencers and think, 'That’s not for me'.

But the real Pilates method was built for real people. Joseph Pilates created it as a form of rehabilitation to help soldiers, dancers, and everyday people regain

control, balance, and breath.

The magic isn’t in perfection; it’s in the awareness. Pilates meets you where you are and strengthens you from the inside out. It doesn’t demand that you look a certain way; it helps you feel a certain way: grounded, strong, and deeply connected to your body.

🧘🏽 Myth #3: “I’ll stand out or feel lost in class.”

We’ve allll been there. Walking into a new studio, quickly scanning the room and wondering if you belong. Sometimes it's subtle, sometimes it's overwhelming.

At Homecoming Pilates, our mission is to make sure you never feel out of place. Every cue, every class, every space we design is intentionally inclusive and beginner-friendly. You’ll always have support, modifications, and guidance that honor your body and your pace.

We start where you are and we celebrate every small win along the way. 🌊

🌸 The Truth:

Pilates is for Every Body

For us, Pilates isn’t just about flexibility or fitness. And it's never about fitting in. It’s about coming home to yourself.

Every inhale is an invitation to soften.
Every exhale is a release of what you’ve been carrying.
And every session is a return—to strength, awareness, and peace.

You don’t need to be ready. You just need to begin.

⚡️

💌 Your Next Step

If you’re curious to experience Pilates in a space designed for you, join us for the Reformer Level Up Workshop Series this October and November.

✨ You’ll learn the foundational principles of Pilates, how breathwork connects to your strength, and how to move with more confidence — all in a supportive, affirming environment (plus champagne + light bites 🥂).

🎟️ Tickets: $50 | Oct 17 [→ Save your spot]

Or, if you’re craving one-on-one guidance, explore our Private Reformer Sessions for a personalized journey deeper into the practice.