From matching workout sets to aesthetic studios, pilates has become widespread across social media platforms, paralleling its boom in the 90s. As a result, younger generations have rediscovered the activity and its benefits—including students and staff members at Portola High. 

The trend of the pink pilates princess can be seen in nearly every corner of Instagram due to its rebranded and visually aesthetic nature and appeal to self-care, according to The New York Times. Sophomore Sophie Gheorghe began taking classes last summer at Club Pilates due to its popularity and because of her mom’s interest in the activity.

“My mom first tried to introduce it to me a few years ago, and I wasn’t really attracted to the idea,” Gheorghe said. “But then I did more research about it, and I saw a lot of people doing it. I saw that it was a hot topic, and it was trending. So I was like, ‘I should try it out and see how it is,’ and it’s been really fun. It just helped me see it for what it was and not judge it.”

Playing a variety of physical activities growing up, from swim to soccer, pilates stood out to Gheorghe because of its individualized nature. Contrary to other sports, you can choose which exercises best suit your individual needs.  Anyone interested in the sport can join at any level of experience since pilates is very adaptable, according to Gheorghe. However, due to its versatility, it is often seen as an easier activity — which is untrue, according to junior Georgia Berumen. Berumen started pilates last summer when her mom was training to become an instructor. 

“It may seem easy because a lot of people don’t do the correct form, but if you do have the correct form or someone is instructing you on the correct form, it is actually more difficult,” Berumen said. “One challenge for me is wanting to get up and actually do [pilates], but [I] always feel better after I take a class, so I know that’s my motivation to do it.”

While pilates may be more challenging than many expect it to be, it can also be more beneficial to one’s mental and physical health than expected, according to social studies teacher Marisa Wilkerson. Joining pilates at Neaumix Fit two years ago because of a friend, Wilkerson said that her physical and mental strength has improved since.

“I’ve definitely gotten physically stronger, but I also can tell that I’ve gotten mentally stronger,” Wilkerson said. “Part of pilates is you’ll be doing the same small exercise for a count of two minutes or so, and at some point you’re like, I cannot do another squat. I’m going to die. And the instructor is counting you down. And you realize that you really do have the mental fortitude to continue and push through hard things.”