I don't want to practice Pilates with my friend

[sixseveneighgnineten]

My friend is becoming a Pilates teacher and keeps asking me to go to her so she can practice with me.

I've recently gained a lot of weight and I'm just not comfortable with my body. I don't need someone looking in detail if certain muscles groups are engaged etc. it just makes me feel uncomfortable.

I don't know how to tell her. I don't want to tell her the reason why, because that's also embarrassing.

She's really lovely and helps me out when I need it. But I just really don't want to do this, it makes me so uncomfortable.

I'm working really hard on losing weight. But it's going to take a while. I'm sure I'd be comfortable to do it then.

I keep just not answering the messages on our friend chat but she keeps trying to lock me down separately as well.

Any advice ?

Just tell her that it will make you feel uncomfortable

If she's lovely then tell her how you feel

“I’m sorry it doesn’t work for me right now. Perhaps in a few months”. “Actuallyl’d prefer not to discuss why at the moment”

"Hey thanks for offering but Pilates isn't quite my cup of tea. It's so popular though, I'm sure loads of people will be interested cos your great at it.

Is she keeps bringing it up, just say, 'Like I said, it's not for me, still love you though'.

It’s shit feeling uncomfortable in your own body but I just wanted to offer another perspective. Pilates classes are not cheap, are you sure you don’t want to take advantage of what your friend is offering? If you’re trying to lose some weight, it will help to make you feel better about yourself. Is your friend really going to judge you, or is she more likely to be thrilled to bits that she’s helped you achieve something really positive? Only you know that, but don’t let your own insecurities pass up an opportunity that might help you.

I know it’s a bit daft but there’s some real pearls of wisdom in Baz Luhrman’s ‘Sunscreen’ song:

“Enjoy your body, use it every way you can
Don't be afraid of it or what other people think of it
It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.”

Do you already do Pilates? I'm 115 kg and I do four classes a week, it is the perfect exercise to strengthen and build muscle. You can do it at whichever level is most comfortable. It also gives you body confidence as you need to be precise and controlled to do it properly. A good pair of compression leggings and a decent sports bra will help too!

This 😊

I have been struggling wiih mobility issues. I need to take it into my own purview
And decided to get on the exercise bike . Its a bit like you have to make your own minnd up

^^
bike

in my experience, pilates helps you strengthen your muscles and lose some fat, so if you could manage to go along to the classes, it would probably contribute towards you getting slimmer and feeling better about your body.
the only person who'll be paying attention to you is her - the other students should be focussing on their own bodies and movements - so maybe just make sure she knows that you're feeling sensitive about how you look right now - a decent pilates instructor aims to treat learners with respect and consideration, so the class is a positive experience for them, and hopefully she will be trying to do this.

Indeed this.

You shouldn't have to say 'no' more than once or explain yourself. And I wouldn't give a reason to someone who is being persistent, because they'll just give a counter reason.