Unarmed The “Pilates Arms”: I Can Love Me Better Than You Can

Miley Cyrus’s arm workout has been flooding everywhere, from fashion magazines to TikTokers saying it’s ‘Pilates Arms.’

I adore Miley Cyrus’ song ‘Flower’; it’s incredibly empowering. I had it on repeat all last year, so witnessing her win her first two Grammy Awards in 2024 was fantastic.

Pilates has been in my life since it was first introduced by a friend 6-7 years ago, I’ve been into both Pilates on the mat and Pilates reformer, and I just began my yoga journey last year too.

Miley Cyrus is a strong, beautiful, and talented star, and Pilates/yoga is also one of my favorite exercises. 

But I have a feeling that the hustle of pursuing ‘Miley Cyrus Arms’ is quite similar to the Legging Legs trend at the beginning of 2024.

Why are ‘Pilates Arms’ NOT REAL?

Appreciating Miley Cyrus’s arms is healthier than pursuing “legging legs.” Her arms are strong, beautiful, and full of power, the result of years of hard work building muscles and maintaining proper nutrition.

Her physique is admirable, and achieving it requires many elements, much like creating a hit song necessitates a talented team including composers, editors, singers, makeup artists, designers, and a marketing team with budget, timing, and luck.

It’s not just Pilates; those aren’t “Pilates Arms.” 

Those are Miley Cyrus’s arms, a product of her hard work, active lifestyle (she also loves hiking and kayaking), and genetics.

I’ve encountered Pilates instructors of different ages, shapes, and ethnicities while traveling and visiting studios.

They are all excellent instructors who have dedicated years to practicing and teaching Pilates.

Many of them also have a dance background, which is common, but not all of them have the so-called “Pilates arms.”

They possess strong, capable arms, which is also why I continue attending Pilates classes.

I want my arms and upper body to be stronger, I want a better core to support the rest of my life, and I want better full-body coordination to enhance my long-term mobility.

I enjoy Pilates because it helps me achieve these goals, but “Pilates Arms” is false advertising; it promises something Pilates does not inherently offer.

A Brief Introduction to Pilates

Pilates can be traced its origins back to the early 20th century. 

Developed by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer, Pilates was initially named “Contrology” and focused on strengthening both the mind and body. 

Joseph Pilates, inspired by yoga, martial arts, and gymnastics, devised a series of exercises aiming to improve flexibility, strength, and overall well-being.

Over the years, Pilates evolved from its humble beginnings in wartime England to become a globally practiced form of exercise. 

It gained popularity in the dance and performing arts community, thanks to its emphasis on alignment, core strength, and fluid movement. 

In the 1980s and 1990s, Pilates spread to mainstream fitness circles, with many fitness studios offering specialized Pilates classes and equipment.

The benefits of Pilates are manifold and extend beyond physical fitness. 

Firstly, it promotes core strength and stability, enhancing posture and reducing the risk of injuries. 

By emphasizing precise movements and controlled breathing, Pilates fosters mindfulness and improves concentration. 

Additionally, Pilates exercises can be tailored to individual needs, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Furthermore, Pilates can aid in rehabilitation, particularly for those recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. 

Its low-impact nature makes it gentle on the joints, yet effective in building strength and flexibility. 

Moreover, regular Pilates practice can enhance muscular endurance, balance, and coordination, leading to improved overall functional fitness.

How “Pilates Arms” Could Cause Harm

Promoting “Pilates Arms” isn’t the best representation of Pilates because it misrepresents its true purpose. 

Pilates is designed for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those in rehabilitation.

Fixating on a specific body part as a standard of beauty disregards the diverse shapes and sizes that embody health and beauty. 

By promoting this singular ideal, we risk alienating those who naturally possess different body compositions.

Moreover, it can lead to frustration for individuals who don’t achieve the desired results after numerous Pilates classes. 

After 10, 20, 30 devoted class and still flappy arms? They might just give up and walk away, causing them to overlook its real benefits pilates bring such as core strength.

Idealizing “Pilates Arms” also contributes to the culture of imposing unrealistic standards on young girls. 

Instead of promoting a holistic lifestyle centered on proper exercise and nutrition, it reinforces the notion that physical appearance is paramount. 

We’ve been there, and we know it’s no good, so how about a better future generation with fewer stereotypes?

I think encouraging young girls to embrace their uniqueness and prioritize overall well-being like eating well and moderate exercise, are far more beneficial than emphasizing a specific body part.

Lastly, celebrating Miley Cyrus’s success should extend beyond her physical attributes. 

While her toned arms may be admired, her talent, music, and voice are what truly define her as an artist. 

Placing undue emphasis on her appearance detracts from recognizing her achievements and the depth of her artistry.

“I Can Love Me Better Than You Can” 

The line from “Flower” is perfect for wrapping up.

One great thing about growing older is that I know myself better; therefore, I know what’s good for me, and I can love myself better.

There is a massive amount of information out there, everywhere. 

You can absorb this information and still trust what your body tells you. 

Listen to it and love yourself no matter what.

I will continue with my Pilates class as usual, even with my still-flappy arms. 

I feel blessed and happy to see myself getting stronger every day.

It’s not about chasing a standard of arms; the most important thing about any exercise is how you feel and how you appreciate living in the moment.

I wish more people could find exercise beneficial.

I wish more people could love themselves better.

Next time on my way to Pilates class, I will still have “Flower” playing, for the song, not for the arms.