Chrissy Metz Tried Pilates — And So Can You!
An educational guide for first-timers who feel nervous to begin
At The Good Space and Elmwood Place Pilates, we see it all the time: brave, beautiful people who feel nervous to try Pilates — even though it’s exactly what their body needs.
When actress Chrissy Metz shared her fears (and laughs) about trying Pilates for the first time, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to educate and encourage others. Her honesty matters — and it shines a light on a powerful truth:
Pilates isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
Below is our full expert response to a media inquiry about Chrissy’s experience — and how Pilates helps anyone reconnect to their body, spine, breath, and self-worth.
🎥 Watch Chrissy Metz Try Pilates for the First Time
Click here to view the video on Facebook
Q&A: Your Pilates Questions Answered
with Melody Morton-Bucklear, Certified Pilates Instructor (23+ years)
Founder of The Pilates Cowgirl® | @thepilatescowgirl
Owner of The Good Space – Texas Studio + Certification Program
Co-founder of Elmwood Place Pilates – Texas
1. What is Pilates and how does it benefit the body and mind? What is reformer Pilates and how does it differ from standard Pilates?
Pilates is a progressive movement system that strengthens the core, realigns posture, and restores balance to both body and mind. It moves the spine through all ranges of motion—flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral movement—across every plane of gravity. The classical method takes you from lying down to seated, kneeling, and standing in a thoughtful, layered sequence.
Reformer Pilates uses a spring-based machine that adds resistance and support. It teaches you to move from the inside out, helping decompress the spine and retrain alignment. It's not about performance — it's about connection.
2. Chrissy Metz admitted she was scared to try Pilates alone. How common is that kind of anxiety before starting a new fitness routine?
Extremely common — and Chrissy voiced what millions of people feel. Most clients worry they’re “too out of shape,” “too old,” or “don’t know what to do.” The solution? A welcoming space and skilled instructor. At The Good Space, we prioritize nervous system regulation, foundational breathwork, and body literacy — so people feel safe enough to start, and strong enough to continue.
3. Chrissy joked about ‘flopping like a fish’ on the reformer. How typical is that for first-timers?
Very! The reformer can feel intimidating at first — but it’s actually one of the smartest, safest tools in fitness. A good instructor slows things down, explains the spring tension, and uses imagery and touch cues to help clients build awareness. At our studios, we create a "yes space" — a place to wobble, laugh, and learn.
4. She said, ‘The victory was that I did it.’ What are the benefits of showing up, even imperfectly?
That’s the magic. Showing up is the win. Pilates builds fascia mobility, breath capacity, spinal strength — but most importantly, agency. Just trying something new tells your nervous system: I’m brave. I’m capable. Chrissy’s experience is the exact kind of somatic courage we celebrate.
5. Is reformer Pilates safe for people with health concerns? What modifications help?
Absolutely — when taught by a classically trained instructor, reformer Pilates is one of the most adaptable systems available.
What sets us apart is teaching people to access their deep stabilizers — especially in the pelvic and shoulder girdles. Most people don’t even know how to engage those muscles. But when they do? They move from the inside out — safely and powerfully.
We also teach bone alignment and breath. That means standing tall, stacking your frame, and using the diaphragm with conscious control. It improves function, posture, vitality, and oxygen intake.
Once you’re hooked into your powerhouse, you’re ready to rock and roll. Classical Pilates becomes an empowering — and really fun — ride.
6. What advice would you give to someone who’s intimidated to take that first class?
Do your research. Ask if the studio is classically based and if the instructors are certified through a full training program like Peak Pilates. These programs require 250–500+ hours and teach instructors how to progress clients safely from beginner to advanced levels.
So much of what you see on Instagram isn’t Pilates — it’s choreography. Pilates is a system. It has depth, alignment, and purpose.
And at The Good Space, we have a saying:
“Showing up is the hardest part. Park the car. Don’t stay in it.”
Just walk in. We’ll take care of the rest. In 10–20 sessions, you’ll not only feel better — you’ll have your own powerhouse and your electricity wired to it.
🧭 Start Your Pilates Journey
🔗 Book a session at The Good Space
🔗 Visit Elmwood Place Pilates – Texas
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thepilatescowgirl
📲 Follow @elmwoodplacepilates
You don’t have to be “fit” to begin. Pilates makes you fit by making you aware. Know what moves you… and you’ll move others.
— Melody Morton-Bucklear, The Pilates Cowgirl®
