From improving posture to sculpting lean muscles, Pilates has quietly taken over the wellness world - and British celebrities are no exception in enjoying and benefitting from this popular exercise system. If you’ve ever wondered how A-listers maintain their looks and bodies, well Pilates is one of the go-to favourites. It might be quicker to list celebrities who don’t do Pilates. So let’s dive in and discover the Brit celebs who do Pilates and can’t seem to get enough of it!
Harry Styles
If anyone’s going to make Pilates look cool, it’s Harry Styles. It’s been reported that The As It Was singer first took up Pilates back in 2012 after being advised by an osteopath, to correct his posture. Fast forward to today, and Harry’s dedication to Pilates is still going strong. In 2020, he told Vogue that Pilates helps open up his “very tight hamstrings” and keeps him feeling balanced. Don’t believe us? Just check out those viral post where Harry is seen expertly navigating the reformer machine. Proof that Pilates isn’t just for the ladies - and that it can look effortlessly rockstar chic too.
Adele
When Adele embarked on her health journey, Pilates was a key element - not for weight loss, but for mental strength and clarity, and managing stress after her divorce in 2019. “It was because of my anxiety. Working out, I would just feel better,” Adele shared in a Vogue interview. “It was always about becoming strong and giving myself time every day without my phone.” Adele also leaned into Pilates after giving birth to her son, for the gentle form of exercise Reformer Pilates offers. Her trainer revealed that Adele’s workouts were tailored for recovery and rebuilding strength. So take note, Pilates is a form of self-care, not only a physical workout.
Kate Winslet
For Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, Pilates fits perfectly into her busy lifestyle. She squeezes in at least 20-minute of Pilates at home every day. “I do Pilates workout DVDs,” the Titanic star revealed, proving that even the busiest schedules can accommodate a Pilates session. If Pilates can keep Kate fit and energised while juggling movies, kids, and red carpets, it can surely work for the rest of us.
Naomi Campbell
If there’s one person who epitomises grace, it’s Naomi Campbell. The iconic supermodel attributes her toned and elegant physique to Pilates, a practice deeply rooted in her early years as a dancer. “Pilates elongates you and keeps you toned,” Naomi shared with Today back in 2014. For her, exercise is not just about physical fitness but an essential part of cultivating a positive mindset. Renowned for her disciplined wellness routine, Naomi often begins her mornings with a Pilates session at 5am. Now that’s dedication, folks.
Emma Corrin
Best known for their stunning portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown, Emma Corrin is a huge Pilates fan. After months of virtual workouts, Emma made the switch to in-person sessions. The payoff? “So much improvement in strength and flexibility,” her trainer shared on Instagram. Emma proves that perseverance, and slow and steady, can truly pay off.
David Beckham
David Beckham is among many athletes who do Pilates. He swears by Pilates for improving his core strength and flexibility. Introduced to the practice while playing for AC Milan, where all team members were required to do Pilates, Beckham quickly became a fan, calling it “fantastic” for his fitness. “I do an hour of Pilates a day,” Beckham revealed. “It keeps me flexible and helps with my posture, especially after all those years of intense training,” Beckham shared with GQ. Proving that even high-level professional athletes can benefit from Pilates.
Liz Hurley
Actress and model Liz Hurley attributes her age-defying looks to a mix of mindful eating and Pilates. She regularly incorporates Pilates into her fitness regimen to tone her muscles and keep her body lean and strong. Now we’re not going to argue with that.
Maya Jama
TV presenter Maya Jama is a dedicated Pilates fan, regularly attending one-on-one classes. “It’s the only form of exercise that I don’t have to talk myself into doing,” Maya shared. “It’s great because it’s a lighter workout but you’re using every single muscle.” Maya’s love for Pilates proves it’s the perfect mix of effort and ease, even for the less motivated.
Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant, the king of romantic comedies, confessed in an interview, “I’ve actually started working on my muscles. By doing Pilates, it helps me stay fit and young.” Known for his charming on-screen presence, Grant reportedly swears by Pilates to maintain flexibility and agility as he ages.
Jane Seymour
Actress Jane Seymour turned to Pilates after back surgery, using it to rebuild strength and improve flexibility. Renowned for her elegance and poise, Jane also relied on Pilates to recover from knee injuries, committing to three sessions a week to stay active and youthful.
Joan Collins
Hollywood icon Joan Collins began practicing Pilates over 30 years ago! “With Pilates, I can really feel my body working,” she said, adding that it keeps her toned and strong with minimal repetitions. She swears it’s been one of her secret weapons for feeling good and staying active. And she still looks amazing!
Andy Murray
Tennis champion Andy Murray has long incorporated Pilates into his routine, and as part of his recovery and injury prevention plan. After undergoing hip surgery, Murray turned to Pilates to regain strength, flexibility, and balance, essential for professional performance on the court. Pilates has helped him through back problems too. It has helped him stay resilient, allowing him to maintain a successful career despite physical challenges.
Rita Ora
Pop star Rita Ora takes her Pilates practice seriously, often spotted on reformer machines and Cadillacs in her regular workout posts. Rita makes Pilates look both glamorous and just challenging enough. Proof that Pilates fitness can be a seamless blend of benefits and style.
Ian McKellen
Legendary actor Ian McKellen credits Pilates for helping him stay agile and active throughout his decades-long career. Known for his roles as Gandalf and Magneto, McKellen emphasizes that Pilates keeps him flexible and improves his overall mobility, allowing him to keep performing at the top of his game.
Claudia Winkleman
Despite her self-confessed aversion to strenuous exercise, the television host does incorporate Reformer Pilates into her fitness routine. She shared, "I don't like physical exertion of any kind," but she appreciates Pilates for its low-impact nature, allowing her to stay healthy without intense workouts. She humorously added, "I want to go twice and feel like Elle Macpherson. The moment they say you'll see a difference in three months, I'm out."
Why Pilates?
In the celebrity world, where schedules are chaotic, appearances are scrutinised, and staying in peak form is non-negotiable, Pilates has quietly cemented itself as a firm favourite.
Pilates builds functional strength that supports better movement, more agility and less strain on the body. Its low-impact nature protects joints while strengthening the body, making it an ideal choice for those who need to stay active without risking burnout.
But don’t be fooled into thinking Pilates is just about looking good. Professional athletes rely on it to keep their bodies in top condition too. Pilates focuses on building core strength, balance, and alignment - essential for peak performance in any sport.
Celebrities are known for juggling everything - film shoots, press tours, concerts, who knows how many projects on at any one time, plus personal lives, children, family. Enter Pilates, the workout that respects time constraints without sacrificing effectiveness. It offers sustainable, efficient results but fits in to even the busiest lives, and it helps improve mental focus to boot.
The best part about Pilates? You don’t need to be an A-lister or a professional athlete to enjoy its benefits.
FAQs
Explore answers to common questions about Pilates. And feel free to reach out to us at Croydon Physio should you have any specific questions about your own Pilates journey.
Who can do Pilates?
Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels, and body types, with very few exceptions. So whether you’re a seasoned athlete, recovering from an injury, or new to exercise, Pilates can be adapted to meet and support your needs and abilities.
Is Pilates hard for beginners?
Pilates is beginner-friendly, as it offers gentle movements that can be modified to your skill level. While it may feel challenging initially as you learn the techniques, it's designed to help you progress, and at your own pace.
Can unfit people do Pilates?
Absolutely! Pilates is an excellent starting point for those who are unfit or haven’t exercised in a while. It focuses on building core strength, flexibility, and balance, which can improve overall fitness gradually and safely.
Can Pilates be my only workout?
Yes, Pilates can be your primary workout, as it strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances posture. However, pairing it with cardio exercises, like walking or swimming, can provide a more well-rounded fitness routine.
Final Thoughts on Brit Celebs Who Do Pilates
British celebs who do Pilates prove that it isn’t just a fitness trend. Whether you’re looking to improve your posture, rebuild strength, or simply find a workout that doesn’t leave you drenched in sweat while reaching your goals, Pilates ticks all the boxes. At Croydon Pilates we treat everyone like a star, so why not join us and see the benefits of Pilates for yourself.
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