How to Track Your Pilates Progress (Without Getting Frustrated)

Have you been practicing Pilates for a while and feel like you're not making progress?

Breathe. Sometimes progress isn't seen, but it's felt. At Mindbody Pilates, we always say: progress isn't about doing everything perfectly, it's about doing it with intention. And if you dare to track your progress, you'll discover you've achieved much more than you think.

Why Is It Worth Tracking Your Progress?

You don't have to. Simply moving your body is a gift. But if you have clear goals, tracking your progress can motivate you, help you make decisions, and, most importantly, show you how far you've come since you started.

Tracking allows you to:

• Visualize your real achievements

• Measure your evolution with data (not judgments)

• Adapt your practice if necessary

• And celebrate every small victory

Step 1: Clearly Define Your Goals

Pilates can offer you many things: more strength, mobility, energy, stability. But to notice real progress, focus on one or two specific goals. For example:

• "I want to improve my abdominal strength."

• "I want to hold a plank longer."

• "I want to feel more flexible in my back."

This will be your starting point. You build from there.

Step 2: Is Your Goal Physical? Measure It Kindly

Physical change is valid, but it must be measured with respect.

• Take photos at the beginning with the same clothes and lighting each time.

• Take measurements with a tape measure, not just the scale.

• And, most importantly: appreciate your body now, not just the one to come.

Gaining muscle, for example, may not show on the scale, but it will show in your strength and posture.

Step 3: And Your Strength? Track It with Key Exercises

Choose 2 or 3 exercises you want to use as a reference. This could be a set of repetitions with weights or core work. Note how many you can do with correct technique. Repeat it once a month, and celebrate your evolution.

Step 4: Measure Your Flexibility Concretely

Can you touch the floor with your hands? Has your shoulder mobility improved? Choose a specific position and return to it periodically to notice the changes. With Pilates, improvement is often felt before it's seen.

Step 5: Evaluate Your Muscular Endurance

Here, the challenge is to hold. Do a plank, a wall squat, or a static position. Time how long you can maintain it before muscle failure. Week by week, you'll see those seconds grow, and so will your confidence.

Don't Punish Yourself for Not Progressing "Fast"

Progress is not a straight line. There will be days when everything flows, and others when you feel like you're going backward. But if you look back objectively, you'll see how much you've accomplished.

And Remember: Not Everything Valuable Is Measured

• Pilates is also about releasing tension

• Sleeping better

• Having more energy for your day

• Feeling more connected with yourself

  That counts too, and it counts a lot.

Want to Practice with Intention and Professional Guidance?

At Mindbody Pilates, we support you in moving with purpose. We offer in-person classes in Roma Norte, CDMX and also virtual options. Whatever your level, we help you progress, at your own pace and with realistic goals.

Contact us and start tracking your progress today!