Keke Palmer is bringing Pilates straight to our living rooms, and we’re here for it! Whether you’re a Pilates newbie or just curious about what all the hype is about, the multitalented actress and singer isn’t just talking the talk, she’s certified to teach, and she’s launching her own wellness platform, Practice by Palmer where she’ll be leading Pilates workouts.
This is exciting news because options mean more people can experience Pilates in ways they may not have before— because if anyone’s going to make Pilates approachable, it’s her.
That said, I have a ton of questions: Will her classes be for beginners, intermediate, advanced, or all levels? What kind of Pilates workouts will she lead? Will there be live classes, pre-recorded sessions, or both?
All that aside, it got me thinking: Who exactly benefits from a virtual Pilates class? I’m going to share 7 reasons why I absolutely feel anyone new to fitness should start with virtual Pilates, but first, a little on how I’ve personally benefited from it as someone fairly new to fitness 10 years ago.
My Virtual Pilates Journey
Firstly, I have not yet attended a live Pilates class; though I plan to change that this year. I became aware of Pilates through online videos and explored my curiosity in this way. I can honestly say that Pilates has been invaluable for understanding technique, building functional strength, and improving my everyday movement in ways other forms of fitness hadn’t.
I’ve enjoyed a mix of mat Pilates and standing Pilates on YouTube, all from the comfort of my living room. I found it particularly effective for regaining core strength and closing my diastasis recti after my fourth pregnancy. It also taught me the importance of the mind-muscle connection, slow controlled movements, and how breath drives movement.
In fact, it was through Pilates that I discovered I had diastasis recti. Armed with that knowledge, I entered postpartum recovery after my fifth child with far more confidence. Check me out in this video around three months postpartum after my fifth child—Pilates truly made a difference.
Pilates provides an incredible fitness foundation and principles I wish I’d known at at the start of my fitness journey; things like breath work, stability, balance, and slow, controlled movement. Looking back, I would have benefited enormously from this knowledge at the start of my weight loss journey—kind of like taking antenatal classes before giving birth. I look forward to experiencing an in-person class this year!
So why haven’t I done in-person classes so far? There are three main reasons I’ve preferred virtual Pilates:
- Personal space is sacred – I like guidance without someone physically adjusting me. The awkwardness of spreading wide in front of a stranger? Hard pass. Unless I’m in the delivery room or my conjugal quarters, I’m good.
- Flexibility – Virtual classes fit around my life, kids, and commitments. Time, travel, and cost are less of a barrier.
- Autonomy – I like the “get it done on your own” approach that virtual Pilates allows. It’s effective without constant supervision unless you need rehabilitative guidance, which, yes, was actually Joseph Pilates’ original intent: helping injured or postural correction clients regain functional movement.
That said, I’m open to hybrid models; virtual for flexibility and convenience, live for real-time guidance and alignment checks.
7 Reasons Fitness Beginners Should Absolutely Try Virtual Pilates
- Gentle and slow introduction to fitness
Pilates moves at a pace that honours your current stage in fitness. There’s no need to compete or push beyond your body’s limits—slow is the standard, not the exception in Pilates.
- Foundational principles for long-term fitness
Breath work, alignment, core engagement, stability, and flexibility—these key foundations carry over into cardio, strength training, and other fitness modalities.
- Focus on non-scale benefits
Pilates emphasises strength, posture, mobility, and body awareness over weight loss. Beginners can appreciate fitness for functional benefits rather than numbers on a scale. It’s common for beginners to fixate on weight lost at that start and when weight isn’t the focus of training you can lean into the other benefits of fitness. if weight isn’t being measured it doesn’t matter!
- Measurable skill improvement
Progress is tracked through strength, form, and control; not just pounds lost. You’ll notice improvements in technique and endurance, which are highly motivating.
- Guided instruction removes intimidation
Being guided virtually takes the pressure off “knowing what to do.” This is especially helpful for gym beginners who may feel lost in group classes or intimidating environments.
- Accessible and low-risk
Virtual classes remove barriers like commuting, class schedules, or gym fees. Beginners can try Pilates at their own pace without the pressure of a crowded studio.
- Mental wellness benefits
Pilates encourages mindfulness and breath awareness, which helps beginners connect to their bodies and reduce stress—a bonus beyond physical fitness.
Virtual vs. Live Pilates: The Best of Both Worlds
While virtual Pilates has amazing benefits, nothing replaces a qualified instructor checking your alignment in real time. That’s why a hybrid model can be ideal:
At-home virtual sessions for flexibility, convenience, and consistent practice.
Occasional live classes to refine technique, receive personalised adjustments, and deepen the mind-body connection.
Virtual Pilates is a fantastic way to start your fitness journey. It builds confidence, strength, and awareness while respecting your pace and personal space. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned mover looking for mindful practice, a hybrid approach might just be the perfect solution.
Related Posts
I do 60 mins weight training sessions 4 to 5 times a week in the evenings after work
10 ways to boost GLP‑1 naturally for weight loss
Afro Girl: My postpartum diet plan for weight loss that works
