How Olympic Star Cayla George Stays Strong with the Pilates Method

The Australian athlete demonstrates how the balance of strength, mind, and body can transform athletic performance and personal life.

In the world of professional basketball, where power, strategy, and discipline define every play, few athletes shine with as much presence and authenticity as Cayla George. A three-time Olympian, World Cup medalist, and mother, Cayla has proven that true strength is not only measured in points or trophies, but also in how you stay grounded.

Originally from Mount Barker, South Australia, Cayla now splits her time between the Sydney Flames, the Las Vegas Aces, and the Australian national team, the Opals, all while raising her young daughter, Pearl. But there is something else that deeply connects her to her well-being: her consistent practice of the Pilates method.

A Career Marked by Passion and Resilience

From her first steps as a player to her participation in three Olympic Games, Cayla has experienced moments that have defined her. Among her most exciting memories is the 2018 World Cup semi-final, where Australia defeated host nation Spain. "I hit a crucial three-pointer at the end of the game, and that moment changed everything. Winning the silver was incredible," she recalls.

But it hasn't all been glory. In 2022, Cayla experienced another of her most emotional moments during the World Cup in Sydney, where the Opals won the bronze medal. "Playing at home, alongside my lifelong teammates, with my idol Lauren Jackson... it was full circle. A dream come true."

Mother and Athlete: A Balance That Needs Practice

Cayla is not only a high-performance athlete; she is also a mom. "They ask me all the time how I do it, and the answer is simple: you find a way. You just make sure your kids are happy," she laughs.

This combination of motherhood, travel, and competition is part of what makes Cayla so highly value the physical and mental balance she finds in Pilates.

How the Pilates Method Changed Her Training

Cayla discovered Pilates in 2020, during the lockdown. While basketball training was paused and the future of the Tokyo Olympics was uncertain, she decided to try something new: "I Googled 'Pilates in Cairns' and found Studio Pilates. I went... and I fell in love."

Since then, Pilates has become an essential part of her training.

"It made me feel lean, agile, and strong without feeling heavy. I had more control in my movements, more lateral speed. It was another version of me."

Today, Cayla continues to combine her on-court work with regular studio Pilates routines, focused on strengthening her core, improving her mobility, and maintaining the mental stability demanded by high-level competition.

"I loved and hated every class at the same time. I would finish exhausted, but happy. And I knew I would come back the next day."

What Pilates Teaches Beyond Performance

For Cayla, the Pilates method not only transformed her body, but also her relationship with movement. It gave her a new physical and emotional awareness. "I felt a real connection between strength and lightness. It helped me move better, but also feel good about myself."

That body-mind connection is the essence of Pilates: a practice that teaches you to listen to your body, improve posture, and cultivate strength without rigidity. It's not just about training to win, but about moving with purpose.

An Athlete's Advice for the New Generations

When asked what she would tell her younger self, Cayla doesn't hesitate: "Start Pilates as soon as possible. Don't wait until you're 30," she says with a laugh. "And surround yourself with good people. There are tough times in sports, but having a support circle changes everything. Maintain your self-worth and don't let anyone else define it."

Her words reflect what many athletes discover over time: that strength is built not only with muscle, but with self-awareness, calm, and community.

Cayla George: A Story of Consistency, Balance, and Purpose

Cayla's story is an inspiration for those looking to stay active, balanced, and strong—regardless of their stage of life. She demonstrates that movement can adapt to change, that motherhood doesn't stop dreams, and that Pilates can be a powerful tool for supporting the body and mind.

Her secret is not just in the workouts, but in the consistency, passion, and love for movement.

Pilates: The Method That Powers Body and Mind

The Pilates method is not exclusive to elite athletes: it is a discipline that everyone can practice to improve strength, posture, and mobility. Whether you are looking to prevent injuries, gain stability, or simply reconnect with your body, Pilates is a conscious and effective way to do it.

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Because, just like Cayla, you too can feel stronger, freer, and more you.