Once viewed as exclusive to a specific demographic, Pilates is now embracing inclusivity. In this article, we explore how women from diverse backgrounds advocate for the idea that the mat is a welcoming space for everyone.
The Journey of Pooja Naik
Meet Pooja Naik, a 33-year-old Pilates instructor from North London, affiliated with Ankor Pilates, Mica Yoga, and The Movement Studio.
Pooja’s journey began in her childhood in India, where she observed South Asian women managing demanding lives often at the cost of their well-being. These memories motivated her to help South Asian women find ways to nurture their bodies through Pilates, granting them moments of peace amidst their hectic schedules.
She discovered the benefits of Pilates in 2019 while studying dance at the Institute of Performing Arts in Liverpool. This form of exercise not only improved her alignment but also reduced her risk of injuries. Moving to London intensified her fascination with Pilates.
While pursuing her master’s in dance science, Pooja became intrigued by the biomechanics of Pilates, recognizing its potential to boost mental wellness and physical strength. After earning her certification as a mat and reformer instructor, she faced a personal challenge when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in India.
In an effort to support her mother from afar, Pooja recommended Pilates for stress management during this tough time.
Her mother embraced the practice, discovering a nourishing routine after years of putting others first, and this transformation sparked Pooja’s commitment to accessibility in Pilates for women.
Pooja emphasizes that Pilates is about more than exercise; it’s a source of community, enabling friendships and fun while affirming shared experiences. She aims to remind South Asian women of their potential, as her own journey has shifted from chemical engineering to Pilates and dance.
Regular attendees at her classes express that seeing an instructor who reflects their heritage motivates them. Pooja believes inclusivity in Pilates must extend to all facets of the discipline, advocating for a diverse representation across the board.
Her mission is about raising self-esteem and body positivity. Pilates is a practice that everyone should feel comfortable exploring, as it fosters respect for one’s own body.
The Empowerment of Lola Akande
Meet Lola Akande, a 35-year-old Pilates instructor and founder of Plum Pilates in Peckham.
Lola’s fitness journey began in her twenties with various activities, eventually leading her to Pilates, which she found to be precise and controlled. After training as a mat instructor in 2018, she honed her skills while balancing a corporate career.
A significant turning point came when she underwent major abdominal surgery in 2020, leading her to explore Pilates for rehabilitation. The immediate benefits motivated her to pursue reformer training.
While attending boutique studios, she didn’t feel excluded, but she often experienced routines that weren’t suited to her body type. This prompted her to prioritize inclusivity when establishing her own studio, Plum Pilates, in January 2025.
At Plum, she challenges the stereotypical ‘Pilates princess’ image, welcoming clients across all demographics, including women in their forties and fifties who have seen dramatic improvements in their well-being.
Workshop events held regularly for instructors focus on modifications for different body types, ensuring that every client feels understood and accommodated.
Plum Pilates fosters an atmosphere of kindness and respect, where clients leave feeling better than when they arrived. Lola emphasizes that Pilates should prioritize personal experiences over aesthetics.
The Vision of Hanadi Othman
Meet Hanadi Othman, a 29-year-old Pilates instructor from Hackney and founder of London’s first Muslim-led women-only reformer studio, Prive Pilates.
After having her second child, Hanadi’s focus shifted to motherhood, which led to neglecting her own fitness and nutrition and eventually gaining weight.
A turning point came when she weighed 100kg, prompting her to seek healthier options. Though she attempted gym workouts, juggling two toddlers proved too challenging without proper childcare.
Discovering Pilates allowed her to exercise at home through structured 50-minute classes, energizing her for her parenting duties. After consistent practice, she felt ready to transition to a studio environment.
However, as a Muslim woman, participating in mixed-gender classes made her uneasy, affecting her confidence in attire and movements. The lack of studios catering to the needs of Muslim women resonated with her desire to create change.
In February 2025, she launched Prive Pilates, addressing the needs of women comfortable with an all-female environment, while also welcoming those from diverse backgrounds seeking a supportive atmosphere.
Natasha’s studio is discreetly located and adheres to a no-filming policy, offering a safe environment with amenities addressing children’s needs, ensuring mothers can exercise with peace of mind.
Prive Pilates emerged from a blend of passion and necessity, aiming to create a space for Muslim women and mothers while being inclusive of all women regardless of background.
Hanadi aspires to make Pilates widely accessible, asserting that no single fitness space can fulfill everyone’s needs; her studio exists to serve women seeking comfort and respect in their fitness journey.
Rayanna Raye: Redefining Access in Pilates
Meet Rayanna Raye, a 31-year-old Pilates instructor and influencer based in South London.
A transformative birthday experience led Rayanna to her first reformer class, igniting a newfound trust in her body, far from the fatigue of traditional gym workouts.
Exploring various studios, she loved the movement yet occasionally felt out of place as she noticed a lack of representation among instructors and attendees.
Feeling the absence of relatability fueled her desire to create an inclusive environment within Pilates.
This motivated her to pursue her mat and reformer teacher training in 2023, reinforcing her belief that Pilates is more than physical—it’s empowering.
Rayanna acknowledges the power of representation and accessibility, making it her mission to create welcoming spaces for everyone, regardless of body type or background.
Teaching teens at a local school, she recognized the lasting impact of early access to fitness. In her classes, she values personal feelings over aesthetics.
She constantly adapts exercises for all abilities, ensuring that clients leave her classes feeling accomplished and confident.
Using her social media to challenge narrow definitions of Pilates, she showcases diverse body types engaging with the practice, inspiring women to embrace movement.
Rayanna aims to shift the focus in Pilates away from performance to accessibility and enjoyment, fostering an inclusive environment where all feel welcome.
Through her teachings, she cultivates a community where understanding and support thrive, ensuring that everyone can find joy in movement, no matter their age or body type.
As the fitness director of Women’s Health UK and a certified Pilates instructor, Bridie Wilkins has dedicated herself to promoting exercise, health, and nutrition throughout her journalism career. She continues this mission through fitness content on womenshealthmag.com.uk and the print magazine, inspiring women to engage with fitness in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
The evolving narrative around Pilates showcases the importance of inclusivity in fitness. The journeys of these remarkable women illustrate how Pilates can serve as a transformative practice for all bodies, fostering self-love, community, and resilience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, incorporating Pilates into your fitness routine can enhance not just your physical well-being but also your mental health. Embrace the mat as a welcoming space where everyone can flourish.
