Pilates Isn’t Selfish: It’s Self-Respect

By Donna Rosen, Owner and Instructor, Bolder Pilates

I’ve heard it all.

“Must be nice to have the time to work out.”
“I’d love to prioritize myself, but I have real responsibilities.”
“I feel guilty taking time away from my kids/job/houseplant collection to go to class.”

Sound familiar?

Somewhere along the line, we were sold this bizarre idea that taking care of ourselves is selfish. That carving out 50 minutes for breath, strength, and mental clarity is some kind of diva behavior—right up there with ordering oat milk in your latte and asking someone to actually text you back.

But here’s the truth:
Moving your body, supporting your health, and reconnecting with yourself isn’t selfish.
It’s self-respect.

I don’t do Pilates so I can squeeze into jeans from a past life. I do it so I can carry groceries without throwing out my back. So I can ski in the winter, hike in the summer, and dance at weddings like no one’s watching—even when, unfortunately, everyone is.

Taking care of your body isn’t just about today—it’s a love letter to your future self. You know, the one who doesn’t want to grunt every time she bends over to tie her shoes.

And guess what? The people in your life—the kids, the coworkers, the roommate who borrows your charger and never returns it—they all benefit when you’re nourished, grounded, and slightly less ragey.

You showing up for you means showing up better for them.

So the next time the guilt gremlin pops up whispering, “Isn’t this a little indulgent?”, feel free to smile and say:
“No, it’s essential. Also, mind your business.”

Pilates isn’t selfish.
It’s you putting on your own oxygen mask first—except in this case, the oxygen smells faintly of eucalyptus and good decisions.