
Do you think Pilates is just for women, or is it just flexible? Celebrity trainer Namrata Purohit uncovers three major myths and reveals why this workout is for everyone.
Pilates has long been surrounded by mythology where people often overlook its true benefits. Some think it’s just for women, some believe it’s too easy or too tough, while others think it’s not helpful in building strength. But this is not true! Namrata Parohit, a celebrity fitness expert who trained Bollywood stars such as Kareena Kapoor, Sarah Ali Khan and Janvi Kapoor, recently shared a reel on Instagram addressing these misconceptions. In her own words, “Oh, well, there are so many myths around Pilates, what it is. But today I’m going to share the top three or the most common.” From its origins to how versatile it is, Namurata breaks it and reveals who Pilates deserves for who’s fitness routine place.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-collision training method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It focuses on building core strength, improving posture, improving flexibility and improving overall balance. Unlike many other workouts, Pilates is highly adaptable, gentle enough for injury rehabilitation, and challenging enough for athletes.
Combining controlled movement, breathing techniques and precise alignment, as seen in the study published in the Muscular Ligaments and Tendon Journal, it combines effectiveness for both the body and mind. Whether it’s done on mats or using equipment such as reformers, Pilates is committed to strength, endurance and mobility without putting unnecessary strain on the joints.

3 Most common Pilates myths have been arrested
Myth 1: Pilates is for women only
One of the biggest misconceptions of Namrata’s highlights is that Pilates is only for women. “People believe that Pilates is only for women, not for the men there. But Pilates was actually started by a man called Joseph Pilates for men of war,” she explains. In fact, today many professional athletes, cricketers, and even Bollywood and Hollywood actors include Pilates in their training. Build muscle endurance, improve mobility, performance, strengthen what every athlete needs. So, if men think Pilates is “too feminine,” it’s time to rethink. This training is designed to enhance soldiers, and its benefits go far beyond gender.
Myth 2: Pilates is too easy or too difficult
Namrata says, “I’ve heard that Pilates is as easy or hard as you make it, so both are wrong.” That is the beauty of this practice. Pilates is highly customizable depending on the class structure and the individual’s fitness level. It could be a gentle, everyday thing focused on rehabilitation, or it could be a sweaty muscle burning session for a senior practitioner. Controlled movements may seem simple, but when done correctly, they will involve deep muscle groups that you didn’t even know you had. This adaptability makes Pilates suitable for beginners, seniors and athletes. The key lies in the design and practice of your workout.
Watch the video here:
Myth 3: Pilates Doesn’t Help the Profit of Strength
Another common myth is that Pilates is just stretching and flexibility. Namrata strongly opposes, “not just for flexibility, but also for strength, increasing power, muscle endurance, balance and stability.” In reality, Pilates can develop lean muscle mass, improve functional strength, and help support weight loss over time. Pilates increases overall body strength and performance by targeting smaller stabilizing muscles along with larger groups. Therefore, if you are chasing the benefits of strength, don’t dismiss Pilates, it may be exactly what your body needs.
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