Pilates may be having its “hot girl” renaissance on Instagram, but in fashion it’s been the gold standard for decades. Long before influencers were flexing on reformers, models were lengthening their limbs on those machines to carve out ballerina lines and runway posture.
I’ll admit, I resisted at first. My idea of freedom was always movement without contraptions: swimming, running, yoga, cycling. After all, the moment we arrive on set, we’re treated like show ponies — hair brushed out, pins stabbed into our scalps, clothes strapped tight, feet stuffed into shoes that pinch like horseshoes. The last thing I wanted was another form of harness.
But age, injuries, and the need to protect my joints finally led me to Pilates. And now? You’ll find me there five days a week. It’s gentle on the joints, brilliant for posture and spine health, and shockingly effective at sculpting long, lean muscle.
Cardio still has its place: three times a week I go flat-out for 30 to 60 minutes — brisk walking with a weighted vest, or swimming laps. On bad-weather days, I’ll grudgingly get on a stationary bike. Twice a week, I lift heavy: squats and deadlifts with 50-pound (22.5 kg) dumbbells. With heavy weights, it’s quick and efficient — 10 to 12 reps to muscle failure, and I’m done in 20 minutes.
What drives all this discipline? Longevity. However long I’m meant to live, I want a mobile, nimble body to move through life with. My deepest wish is not to age in a broken body, but to keep my strength, my posture, and my freedom of movement until the very end.
Strong Is Still Sexy
Core Truth: Pilates = posture insurance + ballerina lines.
Cardio Fix: 30–60 mins brisk walk, laps, or (grudgingly) bike.
Heavy Metals: Squats & deadlifts with 50 lb dumbbells — quick and effective.
Longevity Play: Strong spine + mobile joints > skinny jeans.
Insider Mantra: Freedom of movement is the ultimate luxury.
You definitely got me looking for the weighted vest💋💋💋
Your journey is admirable!