30/01/2026
There’s a huge difference between effort and pain, and too many people have been taught to ignore that line. Pain has been normalized in fitness spaces as proof of effectiveness, when in reality it’s often a sign that something isn’t being supported correctly — alignment, cueing, or load.
Pilates is precise by nature. When it’s taught well, it challenges you without overwhelming your system. You should feel engaged, focused, and worked — not bracing, holding your breath, or pushing through discomfort that doesn’t feel right in your body.
If movement consistently hurts, the answer isn’t “try harder.” The answer is better instruction, smarter progressions, and respect for how bodies actually learn and adapt. Pain isn’t a badge of honor — it’s information.