By Radhika Agrawal

It’s the age of Instagram, where fitness is often defined by what your body looks like rather than what it can do. In a society that has created an inflexible mould for a desirable body, women have it the worst. But flaunting a flat stomach or sculpted abs is not necessarily an indicator of your physical ability. This International Women’s day, we’re on the search for a more holistic approach to fitness.

We sat down with celebrity Pilates trainer Namrata Purohit, who started her career as a teenager and was recognised as the youngest trained Stott Pilates instructor globally. In the decade since, she has successfully set up her own state-of-the-art studio in Mumbai, The Pilates Studio, and has also trained celebrities such as Malaika Arora, Sara Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor, among many others. Here, she talks about the unique benefits of Pilates, what it truly means to be fit, and more.

GlobalSpa: When did you start training in Pilates? How did it change your life and your approach to fitness?

Namrata Purohit: My journey started at 15, when I had a fall and was rushed to the hospital to have an immediate knee surgery. At that stage, I was told that I may not be able to stand again, play squash and do all the things I used to do. That’s when I went on a quest to find a way to feel better. And a year after trying everything—gym, physiotherapy, and rehab—I tried Pilates when my father was hosting a class. For the first time in an entire year, I was pain free. That’s when I really

felt the magic of Pilates. I realised that it could help a lot of people out there, so that’s how my blogging journey started.

GlobalSpa: What are some unique health and fitness benefits that make Pilates a holistic workout for women?

Namrata Purohit: Pilates is a form of exercise for the mind and the body. The beautiful part is that it works on all aspects of fitness, be it strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination, or concentration. And it can be customised according to each person’s needs, body types, and goals. Also, it’s an exercise form that can not only help you if you are injured, but can also help prevent injury. It teaches you how to move correctly, it teaches you about your posture, and focuses on your form. And it’s excellent for people from the age of 10 to the age of 80, whether you’re a common fitness enthusiast, mom-to-be, postnatal mother, or even someone with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis.

GlobalSpa: Even in this day and age, being fit equals being skinny for many women. How do you advise clients seeking to lose weight to achieve a certain body type?

Namrata Purohit: The most important thing is to understand your body type and not have unrealistic goals. Skinny is not fit. Fit is fit and strong is fit. Someone who is skinny may not even be able to do a pushup. So, I think it’s important for people to understand their body type and also appreciate their body for everything it does for them at every stage of their fitness journey.

GlobalSpa: How do you unwind in your downtime?

Namrata Purohit: I spend a lot of time with my horses. I’ve been training for polo as well as show jumping. So, after I’m done with work, I head straight to the racecourse to ride with my horses out there. And occasionally I also do a dance class. And on holidays, I like to go scuba diving.

GlobalSpa: Lastly, what is your wellness philosophy?

Namrata Purohit: I always say KISSS, which is ‘keep it safe, simple, and smart’.