Why Falling Off Track with Fitness Isn’t Your Fault (And How Pilates Can Help)

Pilates With Natalia
Aug 24
4 min read

How many times have you started a new workout routine, stuck with it for a few days, maybe a week… and then life got in the way?

Work deadlines, family commitments, or just feeling too drained after a long day, suddenly you’ve “fallen off track” again. And the cycle begins: start, stop, restart. I myself have been there in the past! I used to be extreme with my workouts, diet and general lifestyle on the whole. Only to burn out after a few months and quit, give up, restart, and repeat the cycle again!

Here’s the truth: falling off track doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated. More often than not, it means the routine wasn’t designed to fit your life, and the biggest reason is you didn't have a strong enough WHY; more on this later!

Discipline Isn't the Problem. Overload Is.

Most people don’t struggle because they lack discipline. They struggle because they’re overloaded.

If your workout plan demands six days a week at the gym for an hour at a time, but you’re balancing work, family, and everything else, that’s not sustainable.

What you need is a routine that meets you where you are. Something you can do consistently, without feeling like you’re failing when life gets busy.

Why Pilates Works When Other Routines Don't!

Unlike workouts that rely on endless time, heavy equipment, or punishing intensity, Pilates can be scaled to fit almost anyone’s schedule.

Pilates at home: You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment. A mat and a small space is enough to get started. You can get inexpensive equipment, such as weights and a Pilates ball, later!
Free Pilates options: There are countless resources online (including my YouTube channel) where you can find short, guided sessions.
Pilates for beginners: Movements can be adapted to your level. Whether you’ve never worked out or you’re getting back into it after a break, Pilates gives you a place to start.

The focus isn’t on “doing more”. It’s about finding movement you can repeat, even on your busiest days.

Small Steps That Actually Stick!

So, how do you stop the cycle of falling off track? Start small with some tangible tips to get started:

10 minutes of Pilates at home before work.
A short “desk break” routine to reset your posture and energy.
One challenging exercise, like the teaser or a plank hold, that builds strength and focus.
Try 1 exercise; for example, you can do 10 squats whilst brushing your teeth or 10 press-ups before bed! Imagine doing that daily; that is 70 squats and press-ups a week; a great start!
Lay out your equipment the night before: that way you have zero excuses! You wake up, get your workout done, and can then continue with your day – guilt-free!

When you let go of the idea that fitness has to be all or nothing, you give yourself permission to stay consistent. And consistency, not intensity, is what creates results.

How to Get Started Without Overthinking It!

If you’re curious where to begin, I’ve put together 5 free Pilates eBooks that each tell a different story, from recovering after injury to training through menopause, managing stress, cycle syncing, and even approaching weight loss in a sustainable way.

👉 Download them here: Free Pilates eBooks

And if you’d rather jump straight into moving, you’ll find free Pilates workouts for beginners on my YouTube channel.

Both options are designed to help you make Pilates fit into your life, not the other way around.

💬 Download your free Pilates guide!

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

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress you can feel in your posture, your energy, and your ability to keep up with life.

Final Thoughts and a Message About Consistency!

When I would fall off track, looking back, I now realise that the main reason was my lack of "why"! My reason for working out was to look good, get abs, and fit into clothes for the summer. This was partly because of my age (being 18-21 years old) and partly because I'm a woman 😁!

I now realise that this was never a strong enough reason to stick to my goals! My "why" had to be meaningful! It had to go deeper than physical appearance! My why is now different. I work out because I want to FEEL good, I want to be mobile, live pain-free and live a healthy lifestyle in the long term so that I can play with my future children and grandchildren! My why goes beyond the physical, and don't get me wrong, looking great is an amazing bonus, but it honestly isn't my main reason to exercise and eat well. My question to you is, what is your why? Is it meaningful, or do you want to look good for a wedding in two months' time? Find a more meaningful reason to change your habits, and I promise you that you will find it easier to stick to these new habits!

So, what’s stopping you? Try one short session this week and notice how your body feels in your next workout. Chances are, you’ll move better and wonder why you didn’t start sooner!