The conversation around wellness, including Pilates, has become increasingly vibrant, with attorney-at-law Michelle Thomas-Nelson centring the practice at her 35th birthday Pilates and Brunch event at the Jaguar Land Rover Showroom in St Andrew last Saturday.Thomas-Nelson started incorporating Pilates after becoming a mother in September 2024 and experiencing health complications, including preeclampsia and high blood pressure.“I said I need to focus on being a complete woman,” she explained. “Being a complete woman means that you’re not just financially stable, but your health is also a priority, because your health is your wealth.”Since recommitting to her wellness journey in November, Thomas-Nelson lost 28 pounds while balancing careers in law and politics.“I’m always stressed,” she admitted. “When you work out and do these types of activities, it helps stress management.”She now incorporates Pilates alongside regular gym sessions, and the practice has become part of her lifestyle. “Fitness is something that should be a part of our lifestyle,” she said.WHAT FIRST-TIMERS SHOULD KNOWBlūma Studio Founder Alyssa Gafoor echoed similar sentiments, encouraging Pilates beginners to prioritise consistency. While some newcomers may feel pressured, she recommends building a schedule that feels sustainable.“If you can come once a week, that’s fantastic. If you can come two times a week, that’s beautiful,” she shared. “See what you can do consistently, more than coming five times one week and then not coming for the rest of the month.”As with any new activity, Pilates beginners should not expect their first class to feel easy.Gafoor noted that one of the biggest misconceptions is that Pilates is just stretching. Instead, she describes the practice as including slower movements, which often produce stronger results.“It’s not like gym work. It’s not faster the better, it’s slow and controlled,” she said. “The first time, a lot of stuff might sound like Chinese to you. You have no idea what’s going on, but by continuing to show up, you understand core engagement, you understand so much more about your body.”She also encouraged beginners to properly prepare before class by eating balanced meals and communicating openly with instructors about injuries, postpartum recovery or personal fitness goals.“Tell your instructor where you’re at. If you just had a baby or had an injury, let them know, because instructors are highly trained and can help you with the specific areas you’re building strength in.”Importantly, she stressed that Pilates is for everyone, regardless of body type, gender or fitness level.“All bodies practise Pilates,” she said. “Start where you are today, and in six months you’ll look back and be like, ‘Wow, I’ve come so far.’ Don’t wait until you’ve lost 20 pounds or until your kids are five years old. Just start with the body you have today.”Gafoor mentioned that men are also attending Pilates classes. “We're not only talking about women…we have a lot of classes right now that are half-filled with guys. Like, I think guys are starting to see the benefit for their bodies and how they run faster, have less injuries in CrossFit or whatever else it is they are doing.”Thomas-Nelson, who invited family, friends and colleagues to participate in her birthday Pilates session, said exposing others to the practice was intentional.“A lot of my friends said, ‘Oh my God, it was so good. It was so therapeutic. I’m definitely going to start Pilates,’” she shared. “It was more for exposure, because it’s hard to get people to do it. But when you bring something to them, and they experience it, it becomes easier.”Even first-time attendees at Thomas-Nelson’s birthday Pilates session found the experience approachable, including one pregnant participant, Sherene Myers-Robinson, who said the class offered modifications to help her move comfortably.Myers-Robinson described the experience positively and encouraged other pregnant women who are interested in Pilates to prepare beforehand.“I was given instructions on how to manoeuvre the exercises, and some movements were modified.”Her advice to other expectant mothers considering Pilates? “Have something before.”And while beginners may initially feel discouraged by shaky movements or unfamiliar terminology, Gafoor says people begin noticing changes in both mind and body.“The more you practise, the more you want to come back because you start to feel and see the results,” she explained. “Your mind feels calmer, your body feels stronger, your confidence grows.” ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com