Pilates In the Wild: How Pilates Helps You Stand Up More Easily: The Power of Lunges for Everyday Movement

One of the most overlooked but important movements in daily life is simply standing up from a chair. It’s something we do dozens of times a day, yet many people notice it starting to feel harder over time—needing to lean forward, push off their legs, or use their hands for support. In Pilates, especially in small group or reformer classes, we intentionally train movements that support real life. Lunge work is one of the most effective ways to build the strength and coordination needed for this exact transition.

When you practice lunges, you’re strengthening the glutes, hamstrings, and hips while also improving balance and control through the legs and feet. These are the same muscle groups responsible for lifting your body from a seated position. Strong hips allow you to shift your weight forward over your feet and generate enough power to stand without relying on momentum or your hands. Research shows that lower body strength—particularly in the hips and thighs—is directly linked to functional movements like sit-to-stand and overall mobility, especially as we age (Schenkman et al., 1990; Hughes et al., 1996). In other words, this isn’t just exercise—it’s practical, functional strength training.

Over time, consistent Pilates practice helps retrain the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease. Instead of bracing, pushing, or compensating, you build the strength to move with control and confidence. This is why Pilates is often recommended for people looking for pain relief, improved mobility, or a sustainable workout that supports everyday life. Whether you’re getting up from the couch, out of the car, or off the floor, strong, well-trained hips make all the difference—and that’s exactly what we’re working on in the studio.

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