When celebrity health expert Namrata Purohit began her first Pilates studio in 2011, there have been solely a few studios within the nation. “Only a few people seemed to be aware of Pilates. But we quickly saw footfalls increase,” she remembers.
Since then, issues have quickly modified. Her model, The Pilates Studio which she co-founded along with her father Samir Purohit has 32 branches throughout the nation at current. Among the 1000’s of purchasers she has labored with are a slew of actors together with Kareena Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Ishaan Khatter and Arjun Kapoor.
A view of The Pilates Studio in Anna Nagar
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Special Arrangement
Closer residence, The Pilates Studio Chennai threw open its doorways at a 3rd location over the weekend, a brilliant, sprawling house in Anna Nagar.
Following a walk-through of the brand new studio, Namrata says that what units Pilates, a mind-body train, aside is how this can be very customisable. “It is customised to your body, your health, and your goals. Here, we work with ropes and springs as opposed to dead weight. The machines can either assist you or challenge you depending on where you are in your fitness journey,” she explains.
If the Pilates machines just like the Reformer look intimidating, Namrata is reassuring. “For someone who is absolutely new to exercise, Pilates makes for a great foundation,” she says. She encourages newbies to be affected person, and stresses on the significance of taking issues sluggish. “Don’t overthink different exercises or quick movements at the beginning . For your first five classes, the focus will be on breathing, positions, and posture. Once you get the hang of it, your trainer will help you with more exercises,” she says.
For over a decade now, Pilates has been the best choice for a number of celebrities throughout the nation. As a celebrity coach, Namrata says that there are a number of issues that dictate what kind of a routine a celebrity takes up.

A view of The Pilates Studio in Anna Nagar
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
“We figure out how much time they have to reach their goal, how much time they can dedicate to a fitness routine in their day, and then design a routine. A typical routine could have Pilates, Electric Muscle Stimulation, and cardio,” she says. While serving to actors put together for a job, she has to work in tandem with the administrators of their movies.
“For instance, we worked with Varun Dhawan when he was filming ABCD 2. A dance-intensive movie meant we had to focus on his strength, flexibility and injury prevention,” she says. More not too long ago, Namrata labored with Jahnvi Kapoor on the movie Mr and Mrs Mahi which noticed her play a cricketer. “While she had to undergo intense cricket training, we were also working with her to ensure that she does not land up with injuries,” Namrata says.
She has, in fact, seen the present slew of Reels doing the rounds – the place males confidently stroll right into a Pilates class, trying ahead to a simple session forward.
“The phrase “looks can be deceiving” was in all probability coined for Pilates. When you see folks throughout a session, it might sound all easy and simple. But while you really do it, you realise how a lot your physique is working,” she laughs. Among her purchasers are a number of males, who’re actors, cricketers and athletes. “I am hoping that men who are well-known trying out Pilates will bust the myth that this is only for women,” she provides.
Thrishya Reddy, the franchise proprietor in Chennai says she has seen the variety of takers for Pilates exponentially develop within the metropolis.
“When we opened our first studio in 2018, we were one of the first players in the city. We have a slew of regulars, as well as people visiting from other places who frequent our studios,” she says. As an appropriate routine for folks throughout ages and health ranges, Thrishya says she has seen an growing variety of faculty college students make a beeline for Pilates classes. “Many girls are taking up Pilates to work on their posture,” she provides.
The Pilates Studio’s latest outlet in Chennai is positioned at Old no 14, New no 59, 2nd flooring, fifth Avenue, Anna Nagar. Contact 7550263088
Published – February 18, 2025 06:13 pm IST