Common Pilates Mistakes
Featured in Woman & Home
By Amy Kellow, Founder of Everybody Pilates
When it comes to starting a Pilates practice, one of the most common misconceptions we hear at our Classical Pilates studios is:
“I’m not fit enough.”
Or:
“I need to get more flexible first.”
We’re here to gently and firmly call time on that myth.
Pilates Is Where You Begin, Not Where You End
At Everybody Pilates, we often hear people say they’ll join once they’ve “built up a bit of fitness” or “loosened up.” But the truth is, Pilates is designed to get you there—to build strength, mobility, and confidence from wherever you’re starting. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, navigating menopause, easing back into movement, or just curious to try something new, you don’t need to change your body to begin Pilates.
This is especially true with Classical Pilates, which provides a structured system that supports you at every stage of life. It’s not about flashy moves or perfect poses—it’s about functional strength, deep connections, and building a resilient body from the inside out.
Every Body Is Welcome
And we mean that. Our name—Everybody Pilates—isn’t just a brand. It’s our ethos. You don’t need matching leggings, a dancer’s background, or a flexible spine to belong here. You just need the willingness to show up.
In our Classical Pilates classes, we start with the fundamentals:
Breathing deeply and fully
Aligning the spine
Activating the core safely
These basics are powerful, and they create the foundation for long-term transformation. No matter your age, background, or movement history, there’s a starting point for you within the Pilates method.
The Real Goal? Function Over Form
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by social media videos of instructors flowing through advanced Pilates exercises—know this: those movements are built on years of consistent, progressive practice.
What really matters is not how a movement looks, but what it does. Classical Pilates focuses on function over form—how well your body moves, how your spine aligns, how connected you feel to your core.
You’ll never be asked to perform or “look the part.”
You’ll be asked to feel, breathe, and build.
Four Simple Ways to Get Started (No Prep Required)
Still hesitating? Here’s how to reframe your thinking and start strong:
Reframe the Goal – You’re not supposed to be strong before starting Pilates. That’s what the work is for.
Start with the Basics – Intro classes and private sessions build confidence and teach proper alignment.
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection – Feel the movement in your body, not how it looks in the mirror.
Celebrate Small Wins – Improved posture, less pain, or feeling more grounded are signs of real progress.
You’re Ready Now
You don’t need to “get ready” to walk into a Pilates studio. You don’t need to lose weight, become flexible, or prove anything. At Everybody Pilates, you are welcome exactly as you are.
Whether you’re looking for a beginner Pilates class, private Pilates sessions, or simply want to explore what Classical Pilates is all about—we’re here for you. With studios in Southsea, Windsor, Locks Heath, and Maastricht, we offer high-quality, inclusive Pilates instruction designed to meet you where you are.
💬 Ready to get started?
Find your nearest studio or book an intro class now.
🔎 Want to read more?
Check out our feature in Woman & Home on common Pilates myths—and why Classical Pilates is for everyone.
