Pilates for people who hate working out!

Pilates With Natalia
Apr 20
4 min read

Updated: May 6

Starting Pilates at home is simple, and you don’t need any experience, equipment, or even a gym to get started. There are so many free Pilates workouts on YouTube that you can choose from, and countless classes in pretty much any city, town and likely even your small local village! There are mat classes, small equipment classes, reformer Pilates classes – there is so much to choose from! But let's face it, some people just don't like to work out! If that is you, I have a few tips and ideas that can help you get started!

I have to admit that I have always loved exercise and working out; it has always come naturally to me. But I will be completely honest; I always favoured high-impact workouts, going quite heavy in the gym, and going on long runs. I did try yoga a few times, and it just didn't appeal to me at all! But then, in my early twenties, I discovered Pilates. I stumbled upon a video on none other than YouTube, and this was way before Pilates became the massive trend that it is today! I found it both calming and relaxing for my mind, as well as intense and varied! The biggest thing I loved was how different it can be depending on level and style! This is why I ALWAYS suggest Pilates to people who don't usually like to work out; it doesn't have to be super intense; it can be calm and stretch-focused. But it can also be incredibly strength-based and challenging! There is way more variety and therefore appeals to more people!

Start Today! Get your FREE eBook and Pilates class now; you won't regret it. https://www.nataliapilates.co.uk/free-pilates

However, if you struggle to get the motivation to do any type of exercise, I hope the tips below motivate you to get started:

1- Start with Short Free Pilates Workouts!

Sometimes, time and a lack of it are big factors in starting a new workout regime! Believe me when I say you don’t need to work out every day to see benefits. Start small and stay consistent.

I would recommend the below:

Aim for 2–3 sessions a week
Choose short beginner-friendly videos (15–30 minutes)
Listen to your body—quality always over quantity

If you are still not sure where to start, I have created a quiz to help you find your Pilates style. Based on your results, I will send you 3 tailored workouts aligned to your results. 👉 https://www.nataliapilates.co.uk/style-assessment

Today, more people are turning to online Pilates classes and videos to fit movement into their daily routine without having to commute or commit to a studio schedule.

2- Remind yourself WHY you are doing your workout!

Sometimes you need to remind yourself of your WHY. Why are you doing this workout? Is it to lose weight? Is it to have more mobility and flexibility so that you can play with your grandchildren, or is it so that you can feel better mentally? Do you want to get more toned? Having a true WHY can really help you to stay motivated and on track to not stop and give up!

It also really does not matter if your why is physical; this is personal to you and you only! I definitely would try to remind myself of this whenever you feel like giving up or falling off track; the stronger your why, the more likely you are to stick to it!

3- Train with a friend!

Starting a new routine with a friend or loved one is such a great way to start and continue! You can keep each other motivated and accountable, and it can become a really fun social thing to do together! This is a great way to get started! I recommend finding someone on a similar fitness level to you so that you do not feel left behind at any time. You can grow and advance together and really make it an enjoyable experience! I have so many clients that come to class with a friend. I've had mothers and daughters attend together; it truly is beautiful and wonderful to see!

4- Pay for a membership or classes!

There are so many places to explore free Pilates online, but sometimes when you pay for a membership or a block of classes, it keeps you accountable, forces you to attend the session and show up for yourself, and creates a new routine! When you stick to free Pilates classes, you have not made that financial commitment, and it takes a little more motivation to do the session.

If you are the type of person that agrees with the above statement, I highly recommend joining a membership online or finding classes in your local area and purchasing a block of sessions in advance. I promise you that this will keep you accountable and more likely to not skip your Pilates! You will see how after a few weeks or months, you will have adjusted to your new routine!

5- Do it whilst watching Netflix!

Sometimes, all you need to do is start really basic. Try doing 10 squats whilst watching your favourite Netflix show or 50 small hops. If you get a bus or train to work, why not jump off a stop early? Walking is great exercise! The key is to do SOMETHING! Whatever that may be! Start with something, then move on to a free Pilates at-home workout!

Final tip from me: Keep It Simple

What my clients show me is that starting is the hardest part. Don’t overthink it. Just hit play on a beginner workout, show up for yourself, and build from there. Here are a few things you can do to start today!

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NataliaPilatesUK – free workouts for all levels, including core, posture, and stress relief
My “What’s Your Pilates Style?” quiz: https://www.nataliapilates.co.uk/style-assessment – get 3 personalized workouts based on your needs
NHS UK https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/pilates-and-yoga/ – helpful articles on Pilates benefits and technique If you are in the UK, I am sure there is a healthcare equivalent if you are not in the UK!
My last tip is to download and print off a fitness/workout or health tracker. If you stick it on a board that you see daily, you remind yourself to get started!