How to Make Pilates a Habit: Tips for Staying Consistent
Let’s face it—staying consistent with a new fitness routine can feel like a workout in itself. Life gets busy, motivation dips, and before you know it, your reformer is collecting dust. But here’s the good news: making Pilates a habit is 100% doable, and the payoff is well worth the effort. Whether you’re completely new to Pilates or trying to deepen your practice, these tips will help you stay on track, stay inspired, and most importantly—stay consistent.
1. Start With a Strong "Why"
Before you even roll out your mat, take a moment to define your "why." Are you doing Pilates to improve posture, reduce stress, build core strength, or boost your energy? Your motivation doesn’t need to be profound, but it should be personal. When you connect with your deeper reasons for practicing, you’ll be more likely to show up—even when you’d rather hit snooze.
Tip: Write your "why" on a sticky note and place it where you’ll see it daily—on your mirror, laptop, or water bottle.
2. Set Realistic Goals (and Celebrate Progress)
One of the fastest ways to fall off track is to set goals that are too ambitious right out of the gate. Instead of aiming for daily sessions, start with two or three Pilates workouts per week and build from there. This makes your goal feel manageable and helps create a solid foundation.
Bonus: Don’t forget to celebrate small wins. Held a plank 10 seconds longer? Nailed a teaser for the first time? That’s progress—honor it!
3. Schedule Your Workouts Like Appointments
Treat your Pilates classes like important meetings—because they are! Once you add your workouts to your calendar, you’re more likely to follow through. The key is to choose times that align with your natural energy levels. Are you a morning mover or an evening warrior? Pick a time slot that feels right and stick to it.
At ChaiseFitness, our flexible class schedule (both in-studio and virtual) makes it easy to find a time that works for you.
4. Mix It Up to Keep It Fresh
Doing the same routine over and over can quickly lead to boredom—and boredom is a habit-killer. To stay engaged, vary your workouts. Try a mix of mat, reformer, and resistance-based Pilates classes. Or, challenge yourself with a new format like our ChaiseBands or Chair classes, exclusive to ChaiseFitness.
By switching things up, you not only keep things exciting but also challenge your body in new ways—hello, results!
5. Create a Dedicated Space (Even if It's Tiny)
If you’re practicing Pilates at home, your environment matters. Set up a small, inviting space that signals it’s time to move. This could be as simple as laying out your mat, lighting a candle, or putting on your favorite workout playlist.
This physical cue helps trigger the mental shift from "relax mode" to "Pilates mode," making it easier to get started.
6. Use the Power of Habit Stacking
Want to make Pilates feel like second nature? Try habit stacking. This means attaching your Pilates practice to an existing habit you already do consistently. For example:
“After I brush my teeth in the morning, I’ll do 10 minutes of Pilates.”
“When I get home from work, I’ll change into my Pilates gear immediately.”
It’s a simple trick, but it works wonders for consistency.
7. Lean Into Community and Accountability
When motivation wanes, community can carry you. Invite a friend to join a class with you, or find an accountability partner who shares similar goals. Even better, get involved in your local Pilates studio’s community.
At ChaiseFitness, we pride ourselves on creating an uplifting, supportive space where clients become family. Whether you’re high-fiving after a tough workout or sharing progress in a group chat, having others in your corner can make all the difference.
8. Don’t Strive for Perfection—Aim for Progress
Life happens. You’ll miss a class here and there. You might feel tired or unmotivated some days. That’s okay. What matters most is returning to your practice with compassion and consistency. Let go of the “all or nothing” mindset and focus on what you can do today.
Some movement is always better than none. Even a quick 10-minute flow can reset your mind and reconnect you with your body.
9. Track Your Progress—Mind and Body
Keeping a Pilates journal or using a fitness tracking app can help you stay connected to your goals. Track not just physical improvements (like flexibility, strength, or balance), but mental ones too—like reduced stress or improved sleep.
You’ll be amazed how far you’ve come when you look back after a few weeks or months.
10. Make It Fun and Personal
Finally, the best habit is one that brings you joy. Wear workout clothes you love. Choose instructors whose energy lights you up. Blast your favorite playlist. When you enjoy your Pilates practice, it becomes something you look forward to, not something you “have to” do.
Consistency doesn’t require perfection—it just requires intention. By taking small, thoughtful steps and leveraging the resources available through ChaiseFitness, you can turn Pilates into a lifestyle, not just a workout. Whether you’re sweating it out in the studio or flowing at home, remember: showing up for yourself is the most powerful move you can make.
Check Out ChaiseFitness Today!
At ChaiseFitness, we believe that anyone can be fit—no matter what skill level or body type. This belief inspired the creation of our patented Reinvention Method, which is for everyone—the athlete, the dancer, the beginner, the advanced, the rebuilder. We blend Pilates, ballet, and strength training and equip you with a chair and overhead bungees so that you work out all your muscles every time. We are located in Upper East Side in Manhattan. For more information, you can contact us at (973)996-2063, or explore our website.
