Yasmin Karachiwala’s path to becoming a celebrated Pilates instructor began after she struggled to lose belly fat post-pregnancy. Having worked as a personal trainer for around 10 years, she found that traditional workouts were not enough. “I researched online and discovered Pilates. It was described as an exercise that focuses on the core,” Yasmin recalls. At first, she thought the core meant just the abdominal muscles. Excited by the potential to lose belly fat, she contacted a well-known Pilates studio in the US. Soon after, she traveled there and completed three months of intensive Pilates training.
However, Yasmin’s journey was not without challenges. She faced significant obstacles while establishing herself in the field. “The hardest part was explaining to people what Pilates actually was and why the classes cost more than regular personal training,” she explains. Many people did not understand why Pilates was priced higher. Yasmin’s approach was simple: “I told them, ‘Come try a class and see how it makes you feel.’ You cannot truly understand Pilates until you experience it.” Once people tried it and felt the benefits, they became convinced, and her struggle to justify Pilates ended.
Pilates has grown in popularity in India, and Yasmin credits its unique benefits for this rise. She says, “Pilates is the perfect mix of strength and stretch. Unlike other exercises that work from outside to inside, Pilates works your body from the inside out, starting from the core.” She adds that Pilates makes people feel stronger, more flexible, and energetic — all without making them feel exhausted or wanting to avoid exercise. “Everyone I teach looks forward to their Pilates sessions,” Yasmin shares.
For those unfamiliar, Yasmin Karachiwala owns 11 Pilates studios worldwide, including locations in Mumbai, Gurgaon, Indore, Bhopal, Dhaka, and Dubai. Her newest studio, YKBI Juhu, recently opened with her son, Zahaan Karachiwala, and his business partner, Zainab Bashey, managing the venture.
Yasmin’s Advice for Pilates Beginners
Yasmin offers clear tips for those starting Pilates:
Ensure your instructor is certified.
Focus on building a strong foundation before attempting advanced exercises.
Avoid rushing into complex moves seen on social media until your foundation is solid.
She also warns against common mistakes during Pilates:
Never compromise your form to complete a movement.
If you feel the need to “cheat” on form, your body is not yet ready for that exercise.
Build your strength and flexibility gradually but never sacrifice correct form.
In conclusion, Yasmin stresses that each person’s body has unique needs. There is no one-size-fits-all routine. However, she advises that consistent Pilates sessions, combined with mindful eating and some cardio, can improve vitality and overall health.
