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As we look into the realm of plus size health, exercise, and the different activities available to help people feel at home in their own bodies, plus size Pilates has risen to the top. We’ve featured plus size yoga and those leading the way in that space, but Pilates? It was intriguing and intriguing for us at TCF. So as we did our research, we discovered that Pilates is low impact, adaptive, and the equipment used? Sturdy.
But where and how do you start your Pilates journey? Why not learn from a plus-size Pilates instructor? There’s a misconception in the fitness world that all Pilates instructors have to be a certain body type, but we’re here to dispel that misconception and celebrate the beautiful, curvaceous diversity that exists in the field.
Plus-size Pilates instructors have been around for a long time and play a key role in both the Healthy at Every Size (HAES) and body positivity movements, proving that Pilates is for everyone and that fat and healthy people can coexist.
If you’re interested in starting a healthy routine that includes Pilates, we’ve rounded up some amazing plus-size Pilates instructors to know, follow, and even check out.
5 Incredible Plus-Size Pilates Instructors You Should Know
Fitness Witch Sabrina
Sabrina co-founded her own studio, Pilates Coven, in New York with Vanessa. Their mission is to make Pilates “more size-inclusive, accessible, welcoming, diverse and affordable for most people.” With a degree in Recreational Therapy, Sabrina is on a mission to help others “live a more fulfilling, energetic and free life.” “We believe movement is the key to happiness and healing. Movement is magic!”
Her Instagram handle is @Sabrinathefitnesswitch and her brand’s TikTok handle is @Pilates_Coven.
Kersten Veronesi
Kersten Veronesi, known on TikTok as @kersten_veronesi, is one of the modern-day disruptors of the Pilates industry, inspiring her thousands of followers on social media to embrace their bodies and be proud of who they are.
With over 15,000 followers on TikTok alone, she spends her time promoting the benefits of Pilates and guiding her followers on their fitness journey. She initially did the exercises to relieve stress from the struggles of being an entrepreneur, but soon fell in love with Pilates and launched Peach Pear Pilates, an at-home and virtual Pilates studio for all sizes. Her Instagram handle is @kersten_veronesi.
Rachel Piper
Rachel Piper is an unconventional Pilates instructor whose main goal is to inspire people to get stronger, regardless of their body type. Rachel describes herself as “Pilates-obsessed” and is passionate about making Pilates accessible to people of all shapes and sizes so they can feel good in their bodies. She uses her platform to share different techniques and processes. Her Instagram page is @size_diverse_pilates and her TikTok page is also @size_diverse_pilates.
Lynn’s Fat Body Pilates
Though LindsFatBodyPilates is hesitant to reveal her full name, her public name on TikTok is @lindsfatbodypilates, and she has managed to become a powerful presence in the Pilates community.
With over 11,000 followers on TikTok, Lyns is breaking down systemic barriers and challenging stereotypes associated with physical fitness and body image. Her content combines pilates routines, motivational talks, and insights into the fitness journey for those struggling to accept their natural body. Her Instagram handle is @fatbodypilates.
Kelly Folkenbrock
Kelly Folkenbrock is relatively new to the plus-size yoga and Pilates field, but she’s mastered the art of pivoting. After COVID-19, Kelly changed careers, earned her master’s degree, and began training to be a Pilates instructor before launching her own practice, Goddess Grounded. Her social media platforms have become a place for her to share her journey and connect with community and other plus-size fitness enthusiasts who want to use energy and movement to overcome mental health challenges and body shame issues. Her Instagram page, @goddessgrounded, has become a sanctuary for body acceptance, self-love, and pure joy.
Overall, these plus-size Pilates instructors are inspiring their legions of fans to be bold, confident, and believe in themselves when it comes to their health and fitness journey.
Do you do Pilates or yoga? What other forms of exercise do you incorporate into your daily routine?
Authors’ content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved, or endorsed by Discover.
