Chennai| Pilates expert Namrata Purohit on this mind-body exercise, celebrity clients, and more Health Updates

When celebrity fitness expert Namrata Purohit started her first Pilates studio in 2011, there were only a couple of studios in the country. “Only a few people seemed to be aware of Pilates. But we quickly saw footfalls increase,” she recalls.

Since then, things have rapidly changed. Her brand, The Pilates Studio which she co-founded with her father Samir Purohit has 32 branches across the country at present. Among the thousands of clients she has worked with are a slew of actors including Kareena Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Ishaan Khatter and Arjun Kapoor. 

Closer home, The Pilates Studio Chennai threw open its doors at a third location over the weekend, a bright, sprawling space in Anna Nagar. 

Following a walk-through of the new studio, Namrata says that what sets Pilates, a mind-body exercise, apart is how it is extremely customisable. “It is customised to your body, your health, and your goals. Here, we work with ropes and springs as opposed to dead weight. The machines can either assist you or challenge you depending on where you are in your fitness journey,” she explains. 

If the Pilates machines like the Reformer look intimidating, Namrata is reassuring. “For someone who is absolutely new to exercise, Pilates makes for a great foundation,” she says. She encourages newbies to be patient, and stresses on the importance of taking things slow. “Don’t overthink different exercises or quick movements at the beginning . For your first five classes, the focus will be on breathing, positions, and posture. Once you get the hang of it, your trainer will help you with more exercises,” she says.  

For over a decade now, Pilates has been the top choice for several celebrities across the country. As a celebrity trainer, Namrata says that there are several things that dictate what sort of a routine a celebrity takes up. 

“We figure out how much time they have to reach their goal, how much time they can dedicate to a fitness routine in their day, and then design a routine. A typical routine could have Pilates, Electric Muscle Stimulation, and cardio,” she says. While helping actors prepare for a role, she has to work in tandem with the directors of their films. 

“For instance, we worked with Varun Dhawan when he was filming ABCD 2. A dance-intensive movie meant we had to focus on his strength, flexibility and injury prevention,” she says. More recently, Namrata worked with Jahnvi Kapoor on the film Mr and Mrs Mahi which saw her play a cricketer. “While she had to undergo intense cricket training, we were also working with her to ensure that she does not land up with injuries,” Namrata says.

She has, of course, seen the current slew of Reels doing the rounds – where men confidently walk into a Pilates class, looking forward to an easy session ahead.

“The phrase “looks can be deceiving” was probably coined for Pilates. When you see people during a session, it might seem all smooth and easy. But when you actually do it, you realise how much your body is working,” she laughs. Among her clients are several men, who are actors, cricketers and athletes. “I am hoping that men who are well-known trying out Pilates will bust the myth that this is only for women,” she adds. 

Thrishya Reddy, the franchise owner in Chennai says she has seen the number of takers for Pilates exponentially grow in the city. 

“When we opened our first studio in 2018, we were one of the first players in the city. We have a slew of regulars, as well as people visiting from other places who frequent our studios,” she says. As a suitable routine for people across ages and fitness levels, Thrishya says she has seen an increasing number of school students make a beeline for Pilates sessions. “Many girls are taking up Pilates to work on their posture,” she adds.

The Pilates Studio’s newest outlet in Chennai is located at Old no 14, New no 59, 2nd floor, 5th Avenue, Anna Nagar. Contact 7550263088