At just 16, Namrata Purohit’s life took a pivotal turn when a serious knee injury from a horseback riding accident left her seeking relief through various fitness regimens. It was Pilates that finally brought her the much-needed respite: “For the first time in a year, I was pain-free,” she recalls. This personal breakthrough ignited her passion for Pilates, leading her to believe, “If Pilates can help me so much, it can help a lot more people out there.” Today, Namrata Purohit stands as a prominent figure in the fitness world, renowned as an Indian Pilates Instructor, Sports Nutritionist, and Founder of The Pilates Studio in Mumbai.
In an exclusive interaction with Namrata Purohit, we asked about her journey, her approach to fitness, and her thoughts on the power of Pilates.
The Power of Pilates: Benefits and Advice
Purohit describes Pilates as a form of exercise that combines strength, flexibility, core strength, posture, balance, stability, and coordination. “You get the strength of a warrior and the lean, flexible body of a dancer,” she explains.
It is highly customisable, making it suitable for everyone, regardless of fitness level, body type, or injury. Her advice to beginners is to take it slow and focus on getting the basics right. “Don’t rush the process; it’s about nurturing both mind and body. Once you master the basics, you’ll understand how to move effectively,” she added.
A study from 2014 found that Pilates equipment offers advantages over mat exercises specifically for injury rehabilitation purposes.
Inclusivity in Pilates: For Every Body
One of the most striking aspects of Purohit’s practice is its inclusivity. She states, “Anybody can do Pilates.” From children as young as 10 to seniors aged 85, her studio accommodates people with various conditions like cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and multiple slipped discs. She emphasises, “It’s a form of exercise that is tough on the muscles but gentle on the joints.”
Also Read: From Pilates To Swimming: Expert Lists Low-Impact Exercises Suited For All Fitness Levels
Busting Myths: The Reality of Pilates
Purohit addresses common misconceptions about Pilates. Contrary to popular belief, “Pilates is not slow or easy. It is extremely challenging,” she asserts. It’s not just about flexibility but also about building strength in both large and small muscles.
Furthermore, she clarifies that Pilates is not gender-specific. “A lot of our cricketers, actors, and athletes do Pilates,” she points out, highlighting its growing popularity among men in India.
Training Celebrities: Same Principles, Different Demands
If you follow celebrity fitness, you must have seen Namrata Purohit’s training videos with celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, and Alia Bhatt. While the principles remain consistent, the focus on time-bound results requires increased discipline.
“I design the class so we can achieve the goal sustainably, without injuries or quick fixes. I prefer taking those two weeks extra to achieve the goal than rushing it and making a mistake. It’s more or less the same formula but customised to each person,” highlighted Purohit.
Making Time for Fitness: A Priority for All
Addressing the common excuse of not having enough time for exercise, Purohit believes that everyone can find time for what’s important. “Even a 20-minute workout can be very effective if done correctly,” she says. She advocates for prioritising health, emphasising that it’s about quality over quantity and intelligent exercise.
Adding Fun to Fitness
In every class, Purohit aims to add fun and enjoyment. “Fitness should be welcoming, not intimidating. I try to understand my clients and make the exercise routine fun,” she says. Whether it’s working out to music or adding different elements to keep routines exciting, her goal is to ensure that clients look forward to their sessions. “We have a saying at the studio: walk in with a smile and walk out with a bigger one,” she added.
Also Read: Exercise For Better Health: Expert Explains Why Should We Exercise And Why We Don’t?
KISSS: Keep It Safe, Simple and Smart
Purohit’s mantra, KISSS, stands for Keep It Safe, Simple and Smart. “Workout routines shouldn’t be complicated, they need to be something you can do safely without getting injured and smartly to maximise benefits with limited time. This principle is crucial for fitness, food, and all aspects of life,” she highlighted.
Mid-Year Motivation: It’s Never Too Late
For those who have yet to start their fitness journey or who began but haven’t been consistent, Namrata offers encouragement. “It’s never too late to do something good for yourself,” she advises.
Purohit added, “Just take the first step and find something you enjoy. Whether it’s an instructor, a workout buddy, or a class, try different fitness forms like Pilates, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), yoga, or trampoline workouts. Once you start and feel the positive changes in your energy, body, and mood, you’ll want to keep going.”
Challenges and Sustainability
Educating clients on the importance of a sustainable fitness journey is one of Purohit’s challenges. “The biggest challenge has been educating people to follow a sustainable path rather than seeking quick fixes,” she admits. Her goal is to ensure long-term health and fitness without causing harm or injury.
Namrata Purohit’s journey from injury to becoming the youngest certified Pilates instructor in the world is truly inspiring. Her approach to fitness, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability has transformed the lives of many. Her parting advice is simple: “Always KISSS—Keep It Simple, Safe, and Smart. Embrace the journey, appreciate your body, and make fitness a fun and integral part of your life”, she concludes.