Pilates body! The Pilates Class founder Jacqui Kingswell has taught her signature method to A-listers including Nina Dobrev, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts, Miranda Kerr, Kaia Gerber, and Olivia Culpo, and she’s telling ET there’s a lot more to the workout than toned abs and matching sets.
“People think that Pilates is easy, or that it’s just stretching, but when you’re doing it properly, it’s incredibly challenging. It requires strength, control, and a lot of focus,” she reveals, ahead of returning to Los Angeles, California this June for her second TPC world tour.
But unlike workouts that rely on pushing yourself to exhaustion, Kingswell’s method is centered around slowing down and becoming more connected to your body, something she says starts with intentional movement.
“There’s a real emphasis on form and connection,” she explains. “We concentrate on how something feels, not just how it looks.”
While Pilates may appear graceful from the outside, Kingswell says the burn, and the results, come from precision and control.
“Movement can and should be enjoyable. It isn’t just physical, it’s emotional and mindful as well,” the former professional dancer shares.
“It’s not about rushing through movements. It’s about understanding your body on a deeper level and really experiencing it.”
That same philosophy also influences the way the trainer structures her head-to-toe routines.
“We create balance throughout the entire body rather than isolating one area. … We always come back to the core because it holds deep, stabilizing muscles that support everything else. … From there, we layer in glutes, inner thighs, posture, and back body strength,” she notes.
And for anyone who feels intimidated stepping onto a mat or machine for the first time, Kingswell wants to make one thing clear.
“Pilates is for everyone. … It’s one of the most adaptable and empowering ways to move.”
Beyond stronger muscles and better posture, Kingswell says the practice can transform your mindset, too.
“It’s a holistic approach focused on consistency, feeling good in your body and still seeing incredible results without exhausting yourself,” she shares.
“Your body feels strong, supported and aligned, and mentally, you feel more connected to yourself and more present.”
Outside of the studio, Kingswell brings that same mindset into her daily life.
“Find that rhythm where you feel good, not restricted, and give yourself the grace you deserve,” she suggests.
“I try to have one day a week where I digitally detox, and I’m really intentional about putting my phone down during mealtimes with my family throughout the week. … I also try not to take life too seriously and if I’m craving something, I’ll eat it. If I don’t feel like working out, I won’t force it. You’re not truly living a healthy life if you’re not enjoying it.”
