8 celebs who love Pilates as much as we do
Ok, we admit that - at times - we might be guilty of going on and on about the benefits of Pilates, from the mental to the physical. But it’s just because we love it so much! This week, though, we’re giving our own Pilates love a break and are turning to some famous faces who adore the practice as much as we do, and who have it to thank for their envy-inducing physiques.
1. A lot of K-Pop stars have spoken about doing Pilates; calling on it to craft their svelte physiques and keep them fit enough to perform their famously energetic dance routines. And Jennie from BlackPink has got to be one of its biggest and most prominent advocates. The flexible singer is a particular fan of the Cadillac and regularly posts snaps from her Pilates workouts to her social accounts, inspiring her 55 million followers around the world to gain the same benefits she’s felt for herself.
2. If it’s good enough for an Olympian, it’s good enough for us! NBA superstar Lebron James is a pinnacle of sporting success, with a strict workout regime to keep him there. And that includes Reformer Pilates. In particular, the accomplished athlete credits it for helping to strengthen his core muscles and “keep his body fresh.” And he’s not alone. An ever-growing list of male athletes are turning to low-impact Pilates to improve their sports performance. Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, Andy Murray and David Beckham to name just a few! Who says men can’t do Pilates too?
3. BlackPink’s Jennie isn’t the only one taking to Instagram to share the Pilates love! Fellow fitness fanatic, athleisure founder and actress Kate Hudson has posted many times about her much-loved workout that she’s been doing for more than a decade. “Pilates makes my day better, and that’s just the straight truth!” she captioned one image. “Every time I finish a class I feel two inches taller, lighter and more grounded.” She mixes it up between the Reformer, Mat and Cadillac for a truly well-rounded Pilates programme.
4. Another K-Pop icon shining the light for Pilates is TaeYeon - lead singer of the global sensation that is Girls Generation. Her social grids regularly show photos and videos of her sculpting her body on the Wunda Chair, Cadillac, Reformer and other apparatus. From the Pilates poses in her pictures, the South Korean performer is clearly an advanced practitioner - it’s no wonder she makes those impressive high-energy dances look easy!
5. And the Korean Pilates lovers just keep on coming… Actress Son Ye-Jin once professed in an interview to practicing Pilates every day for 13 years. It’s this that she believes gives her skin that youthful glow, even as she approaches 40. Recognisable on and off-screen for her lean physique and stunning complexion, fans are always keen to know how she continues to look so good. To this, she emphasises the importance of being active, incorporating both Pilates and TRX into her weekly routine.
6. Hands up if you remember Lucy Liu’s ultra toned figure in the Charlie’s Angels movies? The Taiwanese-born actress is known for performing many of her characters’ stunts herself, which requires some serious strength, flexibility and control. And while her workout routine has always been varied, she believes it’s mainly Pilates that she has to thank. “Pilates introduced me to muscles I never even knew I had,” she’s quoted as saying. “Soon I started to feel longer and leaner. Ten years of Pilates has really changed my body for the better!” Even now aged 51, she’s still in incredible shape; a feat she proved by casually sliding into the splits during a recent TV interview!
7. This list wouldn’t be complete without the age-defying Jennifer Aniston saying: “I’m a Pilates person. I love it!” The Hollywood actress and silver screen sweetheart has often described how Mat and Reformer Pilates helped her to overcome chronic back pain and a problem hip. And when asked how she manages to stay in such amazing shape, she says it’s all down to eating well and doing yoga, weight training and regular Pilates - a practice she says makes her feel healthier and taller.
8. Hailing from closer to home, Singaporean actress and host Joanne Peh has talked several times about her love of Pilates, but particularly throughout her pregnancy. It was a workout that the now mother-of-two already enjoyed alongside her other active pursuits like running and swimming, but she tells how prenatal Pilates and yoga in particular helped to prepare her body for motherhood and keep her strong and healthy. This, she says, is her way of taking care of herself. We couldn't agree more!
