Namrata Purohit, a Pilates instructor and author of The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Being Fit, discusses celebrity clients, smashes myths, decrypts Pilates, and exposes her wellness credo.
You work with a lot of Bollywood celebrities who have to gain or lose weight for their roles. What is the most difficult aspect of being a celebrity fitness trainer?
To be honest, I don’t find it difficult. They are highly motivated and dedicated. The fact that they are constantly working on their bodies in preparation for various roles keeps things interesting.
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Pilates and yoga have become the most popular workouts in Bollywood in recent years. What do you think is the cause of this?
In this fast-paced world, I believe that both of these forms of exercise allow one to slow down and focus on their breath while getting in shape.
They are both mind and body workouts that can help you avoid injuries and health problems in the long run.
Pilates focuses on breathing and connecting the body as a whole. It is a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, stability, balance, endurance, coordination, concentration, lean body mass, and other aspects of fitness. It can be tailored to any body type, any goal, and any age group. It can aid in injury rehabilitation as well as injury prevention in the long run. It works the entire body from the inside out, not just the superficial muscles, but also the deeper and smaller muscles.
During the pandemic, home workouts became popular. Could you please share a few Pilates exercises that can be done at home without any special equipment?
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There are numerous exercises that can be done at home; the list is nearly endless. Hip Rolls, Breast Stroke, Swan Dive, AB Prep, Obliques, Hundreds, Half Roll Back, Teaser, Saw, Side Leg Raises, and other basic exercises can be performed.
What should one consider before beginning Pilates?
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Pilates is a full-body workout that is highly customised; it is best to work with qualified instructors to get the most out of the routine. Another thing I frequently tell people who train with me is to not rush into anything; instead, take the time to lay the groundwork, focus on the principles and form, and grow from there, ensuring you get the most benefit and train smart and correctly.
What are the most common myths about Pilates? Could you assist us in debunking them?
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Myth: Stretching is the only thing that Pilates is about.
While Pilates does help to lengthen your muscles and improve flexibility, it is also an all-around full-body workout that works extremely well on strength.
Myth: Pilates is not appropriate for men.
This exercise was created by a man for men in the military. This is still practised by well-known football players, teams, cricketers, athletes, and male celebrities today.
