Whether you’re taking one of our starter Re: Form classes or a more active [1] Cardio Fusion class, Pilates helps you develop fitness, flexibility, and strength. These improvements mean you burn a few more calories than normal, so it’s worth thinking about your nutrition as well.

Pilates isn’t solely focused on burning calories, but you can maximize your gains from it by getting the right fuel into your body.

In addition to helping you get the most from Pilates, a thoughtful diet can reduce the risk of injury and assist a speedy recovery from your classes while you helping you gain strength.

Before a Pilates class[2]

It’s never a good idea to exercise with a full stomach, so plan your meals in advance. If you’ve got a morning class then a small but nutritious breakfast is a great idea.

Ideas for a small pre-Pilates breakfast

Green smoothies. If you’re one of the many people who usually skip breakfast, consider making a quick smoothie before Pilates. Try a green smoothie with coconut water, kale, a banana, and mango, or choose your own ingredients.

Breakfast bowls and yogurt parfaits with fruits, nuts, and grains. These are quick and easy to make, and they provide the nutrients and complex carbohydrates that will keep you going in your Pilates class. You can even experiment with adding superfoods like acai berries and chia seeds.

Avocado toast. With carbohydrates for energy and nutrient-filled avocados, this light snack packs a punch.

If your class is after lunch then you’ll need a filling meal that’s also light on your tummy.

Ideas for a Pilates-boosting lunch

Chopped salad. Layer your favorite salad ingredients in a jar for a healthy lunch that you can take on the go. For some pre-Pilates protein that’s easy on the stomach, add chickpeas and sunflower seeds.  

Quinoa bowl. A one-bowl lunch is an easy way to combine nutritious ingredients into a satisfying but light meal. Start with a base of quinoa, which cooks quickly and is both gluten-free and rich in protein. Then add vegetables (or even fruit) and toppings, such as nuts and dressings. For a tasty quinoa bowl, add carrot, red pepper, avocado, and soy sauce. The avocado can steady your triglyceride levels, which help manage energy usage between meals, so you stay on top of your game.

Lettuce cups and rice paper rolls. If you prefer a handheld lunch, lettuce cups and summer rolls are a fun choice because they can be filled with a variety of vegetables, grains, and proteins. Rice paper wrappers can be found in most supermarkets. Fill them with rice noodles, tofu, and veggies to make your own summer rolls — or be creative and choose your own energy-boosting fillings.

Before, during, and after a Pilates class

Water is the essence of life. Make sure you stay really well hydrated.

If you want to snack, focus on foods that are both easy to digest and rich in nutrients, such as bananas, almonds, and hummus with carrots or rice cakes.

Pilates keeps your body working long after the class finishes. A mix of fat, protein, and carbs is ideal for the post-workout meal regardless of the time of day. In the morning, add an egg to a slice of avocado toast or have a Greek yogurt parfait. For a post-Pilates lunch, try a large salad with grains and a healthy protein like salmon or tofu. If you do Pilates in the evening, you could have a soup with vegetables, beans, and quinoa or barley for dinner.

In general, a good Pilates-supporting diet means making sure you’ve got fuel to burn during each class and help your body recover afterward. This can be tricky to do without overeating or becoming a little bloated, so it’s better to eat smaller portions even if you need a little snack to keep you going.

Ask any of our instructors for more information if you’d like a little extra guidance. We’re also lucky to have fantastic specialized nutritional coaches, so you can get a meal plan that is suited to your personal body type and health goals. With a healthy mind and body, you’ll be unstoppable!

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