It’s happened to everyone. You’re scrolling through your Insta feed, you see a perfectly lit Pilates routine sandwiched between a “what I eat in a day” and someone sharing their wellness journey, and you think, “should I be doing this too?” Social media makes wellness look so aspirational, but also low-key a little bit exhausting. With 30-second fitness hacks flying at you from every direction, it’s really no wonder half of us feel like we’re either not doing enough or doing it all wrong.
So, if you’ve been craving or aching for a way to get stronger and leaner and be able to just move better without actually committing to the gym culture or pretending to love HIIT circuits that can leave you feeling a bit off and overwhelmed, Pilates may just be the soft-life workout you didn’t know you actually needed. And then there’s the rise of Pilates workout apps that are actually quite good, so the days of gate-kept fitness are thankfully finally over.
The beauty of the situation is you don’t even need a studio, a reformer machine, or perfect hair in a bun to do it anymore. All you need is a Pilates workout app, a mat (or even just your carpet), and most importantly, the will to commit to 10 minutes a day. Welcome to the world of at-home Pilates where sculpting your core, improving your posture (1), and unlocking your spine’s range of motion can happen between Zoom meetings or during Netflix intros.
Now, if you think Pilates is just about stretching in some cute matching sets, then pause and hold back. Pilates hits deep. It’s designed to build strength from the inside out, particularly your core, glutes, and back, and the burn is real (2). It’s low-impact, but the gains are serious. Whether you do a 12-minute full-body Pilates workout or stack sessions in an app challenge, this is movement that builds up your body without really breaking it down.
And yes, it works. People who practice Pilates regularly see better posture, leaner waistlines, improved flexibility, and lower levels of stress (3). You don’t have to guess, you simply scroll through app reviews or read the room in any Pilates comment section. More importantly, research has shown that it holds up as one study found measurable drops in body fat and BMI after a few months of consistent home Pilates workouts, all without adding running or a gym membership (4).
Pilates apps are low-key and the ultimate hack these days, with no commute, no studio pressure, and zero scheduling drama. All you need to do is throw on your comfiest clothes, press play, and get a legit core-strengthening workout right in your bedroom.
What Is a Good Pilates Workout App to Get Fit?
Finding the best Pilates workout app can certainly be overwhelming when there are a hundred or more options that are competing for your attention. However, the right app can completely transform your at-home Pilates journey and give you structured routines, clear instructions, and a motivating environment, all in the comfort of your own living room.
One standout choice in this cluttered space is BetterMe. BetterMe curates thoughtful and structured programs that are designed to help you achieve meaningful results. Whether you’re chasing a toned physique, improved flexibility, or overall wellness, BetterMe offers customized full-body Pilates workouts that are suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners.
Its user-friendly interface, expert guidance, and engaging video demonstrations set BetterMe apart, making it a genuinely valuable companion for anyone who is looking to practice Pilates effectively at home. If your goal is sustainable fitness, core strength, or incorporating Pilates exercises for weight loss, BetterMe provides all the tools you need to stay consistent and motivated.
The BetterMe: Health Coaching app will provide you with a host of fat-frying fitness routines that’ll scare the extra pounds away and turn your body into a masterpiece! Get your life moving in the right direction with BetterMe!
Can You Get Fitter Just Doing Pilates?
Yes, you can get fitter just by doing Pilates. It’s essentially a full-body, low-impact workout that builds strength, improves flexibility, and enhances posture and balance – all without jumping, lifting heavy weights, or any high-impact stress. (5)
Pilates focuses on your core, glutes, and back muscles – the ones that stabilize your body and support everyday movement. Over time, consistent Pilates training can increase muscle endurance, flexibility, and coordination, which makes you feel stronger, move better, and look more sculpted. (6) It’s not just about burning calories and it’s also about building a strong, functional base that holds up in real life, and that’s what we all want, isn’t it?
Pilates leads to measurable improvements in body composition, including reductions in weight, BMI, and body fat percentage (7). So yes, Pilates alone can get you fit and it does it without breaking your body or that little leftover motivation in the process.
Read more: Pilates At Home Challenge: A Detailed Guide For Building Core Strength Without Leaving Your Room
Do You Really Lose Weight Doing Pilates?
You’ve seen the reels. Someone does Pilates for 30 days and suddenly they’ve got a snatched waist, glowing skin, and inner peace. But let’s cut through the filters and ask – can Pilates really help you lose weight? The answer is yes, but with a few truths that are worth knowing, so let’s unpack those.
Pilates isn’t a high-calorie-burning cardio blast like running or spinning, but it plays a valuable supporting role in weight loss – helping you move in a smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable way. It strengthens your core, improves your posture, increases your flexibility, and most importantly, builds lean muscle. Pair your Pilates practice with a healthy and balanced diet and you’ll start to see real difference – toning up, slimming down, and shedding weight the smart way. So no, Pilates isn’t fake-fit fluff – it’s a real, proven way to support fat loss when paired with a healthy diet and you’ll feel amazing doing it.
How Many Days a Week Should I Do Pilates to See Results?
If you’re wondering how often to roll out your mat to see real changes, the sweet spot we suggest is around 3 to 5 times a week.
Starting with 3 days a week of 15-30 minute sessions can lead to noticeable improvements in posture, core strength, and flexibility in just a few weeks. As you progress, increasing to 4 or 5 days and incorporating full-body workouts, targeted flows, and rest day stretches can enhance results.
How to Start Pilates as a Beginner Without Getting Overwhelmed
Starting anything new, particularly in the wellness space, can feel like a lot and we get that. Between perfectly curated TikTok routines and overly chirpy YouTube instructors, Pilates may look like something that’s reserved for dancers and influencers. But really, it’s not. Pilates is for everybody and getting started doesn’t need to feel intimidating.
The key? Start small and start structured. Don’t aim for hour-long workouts right off the bat. Instead, commit to 10-15 minutes a day, 2-3 times a week. Most Pilates workout apps (such as BetterMe) offer beginner-friendly programs that will guide you through simple moves such as pelvic tilts, bridges, and hundreds, all from your mat. No reformer, no judgment.
Also, don’t expect to master form on Day 1. That’s what beginner cues and slow progressions are for. Focus on how you feel, not how it looks.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Pilates App for Beginners?
As a beginner in Pilates, you can easily feel overwhelmed, especially when everyone online looks as if they’ve been doing Pilates since birth. This is where a Pilates workout app comes in. It’s your quiet little pocket coach, guiding you through the basics without the pressure of a studio or the chaos of figuring it out alone.
For beginners, the biggest win is structure. Most apps provide curated programs with beginner-friendly flows, progressions, and clear instructions so you know what to do, how long to do it for, and when to rest. There’ll be no more jumping between random YouTube videos hoping they somehow form a routine.
Some apps, like BetterMe, even offer voice cues and smart scheduling to help you stay consistent without overthinking it.
Reasons why BetterMe is a safe bet: a wide range of calorie-blasting workouts, finger-licking recipes, 24/7 support, challenges that’ll keep you on your best game, and that just scratches the surface! Start using our app and watch the magic happen.
What’s the Best Pilates App to Start with (and Stick with)?
So downloading a fitness app is the easy part. Actually sticking with it? That’s where most of us fall off the mat. The best Pilates workout app isn’t just one that looks good or has trendy instructors, it’s one that meets you where you are, makes consistency easy, and makes you want to come back.
What should you look for? First, structured programs that take out the guesswork. You want guided progressions that build week by week, with beginner flows that teach proper form and don’t assume you’re already an expert. Bonus points if the app has voice cues and video breakdowns and lets you track your sessions.
Second, flexibility. Can you squeeze in a 10-minute core burner between meetings? Does it offer longer full-body workouts for weekends? Can you adjust the intensity as you go? The right app will let you mix and match based on real life.
Third, sustainability. The best app doesn’t guilt you when you miss a day – it helps you reset and keep going.
Apps like BetterMe tick all of these boxes. They’re intuitive, encouraging, and packed with Pilates routines that actually feel good.
Read more: Pilates At Home: A 30 Day Challenge To Improve Your Mind And Body
Why BetterMe Might Be the App to Level Up Your Pilates Game
There are plenty of fitness apps out there, but not all of them truly get Pilates. If you’re looking for something that combines structure, simplicity, and real results, BetterMe quietly stands out.
The app is clean, intuitive, and designed with beginners in mind. You won’t waste time hunting for workouts – it lays out your Pilates plan with daily routines, progress tracking, and flexible scheduling based on your goals. Whether you’ve got 10 or 40 minutes, there’s always something that fits.
What sets it apart is how it teaches – clear voice cues, helpful video modifications, and a pace that feels supportive rather than overwhelming. It’s not just about sweating, it’s about building long-term strength, balance, and body awareness.
With everything from full-body Pilates workouts to focused challenges and beginner series, BetterMe helps you stay consistent without pressure. It’s like having a friendly instructor in your pocket, minus the awkward studio vibes.
Yes, 20 minutes of Pilates a day can be effective, especially for building core strength, improving posture, and enhancing flexibility. Consistency matters more than duration, and short daily sessions can still deliver noticeable benefits over time. It depends on your goals. Pilates is excellent for core strength and mobility, while gym workouts often focus on heavier resistance training and cardio. Many people find that combining both offers the best overall fitness results. Pilates can strengthen and tone your core muscles, but it doesn’t specifically target belly fat. For fat loss, it’s most effective when it’s paired with a balanced diet and regular cardio or full-body workouts. Most people begin to notice improvements in posture, strength, and flexibility within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent practice. Visible changes in muscle tone or body shape may take a bit longer, depending on the frequency and intensity.Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20 minutes of Pilates a day enough?
Is Pilates better than the gym?
Does Pilates get rid of belly fat?
How long does it take to see results from Pilates?
The Bottom Line
Pilates isn’t just a fitness trend, it’s a sustainable, feel-good way to build your strength, improve your posture, and move better. With the right Pilates workout app, like BetterMe, you can bring the studio to your living room – no stress, no guesswork.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Roll out your mat, press play, and start your journey toward a stronger, more balanced you.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
BetterMe, its content staff, and its medical advisors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, misstatements, inconsistencies, or omissions and specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal, professional or otherwise, which may be incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of any content.
You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your specific situation. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of BetterMe content. If you suspect or think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor.
SOURCES:
- Pilates training improves balance and performance of functional tasks in older women: a randomized controlled trial (2024, sciencedirect.com)
- Physical exercise as a tool to help the immune system against COVID-19: an integrative review of the current literature (2015, link.springer.com)
- Pilates exercise for improving balance in older adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis (2021, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Effect of Pilates exercises on body composition and isokinetic muscular strength in adolescent baseball players (2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Effects of Pilates Training on Bone Mineral Density and Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women (2024, mdpi.com)
- The effect of Pilates exercise on body composition in sedentary overweight and obese women (2018, peerj.com)
- Effect of Pilates exercises on body composition and isokinetic muscular strength in adolescent baseball players (2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
