Pilates auf hejhej mat mit Stuhl

Why we didn't like Pilates at first – and what has changed

Real voices: hejhej-mat-reviews you are reading Why we didn't like Pilates at first – and what has changed 3 minutes

We have to admit: When the whole Pilates hype started, we were anything but enthusiastic at first. Suddenly, Pilates classes were everywhere – online, in studios, on social media. But we couldn't really make sense of the trend and often wondered: Why is everyone so excited about it?

These were the reasons why they were skeptical at the time:

The Pilates we first encountered was very focused on aesthetics and performance. The classes were often led by instructors who emphasized weight loss and pushing one's limits. The message revolved around performance: faster, stronger, more defined. And there was even less diversity than in yoga, both among instructors and participants. It reminded us of everything we had consciously turned away from.

Pilates with a block

And that's exactly why we fell in love with yoga back then.

Yoga offered us something different. It wasn't about changing the body or chasing perfection. It was about presence, connection, and kindness to ourselves. Yoga helped us let go of the constant pressure to optimize ourselves—something we had experienced in so many other sports.

When the big Pilates boom began, it felt like a step backwards.

To be honest, it triggered a lot of things within us. It brought back old feelings and societal patterns that we thought we had left behind. The idea that we are only valuable if our bodies conform to a certain ideal and constantly have to become "better".

But over time, things have changed.

We realized that the problem isn't Pilates itself, but rather the way it's often presented or taught. This performance-driven, body-obsessed narrative? That doesn't have to be the essence of Pilates. It simply reflects a larger societal pattern that glorifies over-optimization and the supposedly "perfect" body.

Luckily, we discovered a different kind of Pilates.

There are so many wonderful teachers who take a more mindful approach. These classes focus on functional strength: building muscle, supporting the joints, and preparing the body to move well—not just today, but for many years to come. It's not about weight loss. The instructions are mindfully worded, without judgment. It's about strength, well-being, and a positive body image at every stage of life.

Pilates on the hejhej-mat

And that's exactly what we believe in: Pilates.

That's why we waited before offering Pilates on our YouTube channel. We wanted to present it in a way that aligned with our values, with teachers who share this mindful and inclusive approach.

Today we really enjoy this combination.

Yoga continues to ground us and connect us with ourselves, and Pilates has become a wonderful addition that helps us feel stronger, more stable and supported in everyday life.

We are so excited to share this balanced, mindful practice with you. ❤️