Let’s be real—starting a new habit is easy. Staying consistent? That’s where things get tricky. You sign up for Pilates, feeling all motivated, and after a few classes, life happens. Work deadlines, social plans, and that irresistible urge to stay in bed just a little longer all get in the way. Before you know it, your Pilates mat starts gathering dust. Sound familiar?

Here’s the good news: Consistency is a skill, not a magical superpower you’re either born with or not. And even better? You don’t need endless motivation or willpower to make Pilates a habit—you just need the right strategies.

Inspired by Atomic Habits (aka the holy grail of behavior change) and other habit-building principles, this guide will show you how to make Pilates a natural, automatic part of your life—no forcing, no guilt, just movement that feels good and actually sticks. Let’s dive in.

Start Small: The Power of Tiny Habits

You know the saying, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”? Well, James Clear’s Two-Minute Rule takes that idea and dials it down a notch—because, sometimes, that first step feels like a mountain.

The Two-Minute Rule is simple: make the habit so easy you can’t say no. If committing to an hour-long Pilates class every day feels like too much, start small. Try five minutes of movement at home or squeeze in just one class per week. Trust us, those tiny steps will snowball into something big over time.

The beauty of small wins is that they build momentum. You’ll feel the difference, and before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to that hour-long class. After all, small wins = big changes, right?

Link Pilates to an Existing Habit

Ever heard of habit stacking? It’s like playing Tetris with your routine. The idea is simple: link a new habit (like Pilates) to an already established one, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for success.

The trick? It’s all about the “After I [current habit], I will [new habit]” formula. For example:

• After my morning coffee → 5 minutes of stretching or a Pilates exercise.
• After brushing my teeth at night → 5 deep breaths in a Pilates posture (hello, relaxation!).
• After work → change into workout clothes immediately (because the hardest part is often just getting started).

With habit stacking, Pilates becomes a natural extension of what you already do—no extra effort needed. It’s all about making your habits work for you!

Track Your Progress

It’s true—what gets measured, gets done. But who says tracking progress has to be boring? Whether you’re using a shiny app, a trusty journal, or even just a simple checkmark system, keeping tabs on your Pilates journey can turn it into a game you’ll actually want to play.

A habit tracker or calendar is your best friend here. It lets you visualize your streaks and celebrate those little wins, even if they’re just checking off a box (who doesn’t love that feeling?).

The goal? Focus on showing up—not on achieving perfection. After all, the more consistent you are, the closer you get to your goals. And hey, those streaks start looking pretty impressive after a while!

Celebrate Every Win

Oh, dopamine, the magic ingredient for motivation. When you reward yourself for consistency, your brain releases that sweet, sweet dopamine and suddenly, Pilates feels even better. So go ahead, give yourself a high five! You’ve earned it.

For example:

• Finished three classes this week? Treat yourself to a smoothie (bonus points for adding protein!).
• Did Pilates 10 days in a row? New workout gear, anyone? You deserve it!

Make consistency feel as good as the endorphin rush of a great workout. The more you celebrate those wins, the more motivated you’ll be to keep going. And remember, no win is too small—whether it’s a class completed or just showing up, it all counts!

Get an Accountability Partner or Community

Sometimes, we all need a little nudge. That’s where an accountability partner or a supportive community comes in. Enter: the Pilathon community! Surround yourself with like-minded folks who cheer each other on (it’s like having a personal cheer squad, but cooler).

Here’s the trick: join group classes. The energy is contagious! Suddenly, you’re not just working out—you’re part of something bigger, where motivation flows as freely as the Pilates moves.

Or find a Pilates buddy. Send each other friendly reminders, encouragement, or even just a “Hey, I’ll see you at class today!” text. Trust us, that little nudge can make all the difference.

Make It Easy: Remove Friction

The fewer obstacles between you and your workout, the better. So, let’s make Pilates as easy as possible, shall we?

Start by setting out your workout clothes the night before. No need to rummage around in the morning—your gear is ready, and so are you.

Book classes in advance (the commitment makes skipping a lot harder). When it’s already on your calendar, it’s just a little harder to back out.

And here’s a biggie: choose a Pilates studio that’s close to home or work. The fewer excuses you have to make, the better. No long drives or “I’ll do it tomorrow” moments—just a quick hop over, and you’re ready to move!

Remember Why You Started (and Remind Yourself Often!)

When motivation starts to waver, it’s time to reconnect with your why. Write it down and keep it visible—maybe on your fridge, your mirror, or your planner. You’ll thank yourself when you need that little extra push.

Example: “I do Pilates because I want to feel strong, energized, and pain-free.” Simple, but powerful. When the going gets tough, return to that core reason. It’s your reminder of why this is worth it—and why you’re absolutely crushing it.

Understand That Discipline Is a Skill, Not a Trait

Motivation can be a bit fickle—it’s here one day, gone the next. But discipline? That’s your steady sidekick. It’s what keeps you showing up, even on the days you’d rather binge-watch your favorite series.

The good news? Discipline is a skill you can build, just like a muscle. Start small and stay consistent. It’s not about relying on sheer willpower—it’s about creating systems that make showing up easier.

So, when motivation dips, remember: discipline is what gets you back on track.

Accept That Willpower is Finite—So Plan for It

Willpower isn’t infinite. We all hit a point where we’re too tired to make another decision. That’s where planning comes in. By reducing the number of choices you make, you save your willpower for the important stuff (like actually showing up for Pilates).

Here’s how you can simplify your life:

• Schedule your workouts like appointments. Treat them as non-negotiable.
• Automate your class bookings so you don’t even have to think about it—just show up!

By minimizing those tiny decisions, you keep your willpower in check and make showing up a whole lot easier.

Adjust When Life Happens

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, plans don’t go as expected. But here’s the thing: all-or-nothing thinking can be your worst enemy when it comes to consistency.

Can’t do a full class today? No worries! Try 10 minutes of Pilates at home instead. Traveling? Pack a resistance band, and you’ve got yourself a mini-session anywhere. The key to consistency isn’t rigidity—it’s flexibility.

So, when life throws a curveball (and it will), don’t stress. Adjust, adapt, and keep moving forward. It’s the small, consistent efforts that add up in the long run.

Final Thoughts: Just Keep Showing Up

The goal? Make Pilates as normal as brushing your teeth—just part of your daily routine. It’s the small actions, done consistently, that lead to the big transformations.So, if you’re ready to build that Pilates habit and make it stick, join us at Pilathon in Little River or Wynwood. After all, everything’s easier (and a lot more fun) when you’ve got a community cheering you on.