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I Bought This Pilates Machine as a Size 18… So You Don’t Have to Risk the Embarrassment I Did
Posted by Danielle, D.
October 28, 2025 • 4 min read
For years, I believed that working out just wasn't for someone like me.
I’m a size 18.
I avoid taking photos below my shoulders and I always scan the room for a chair without arms.
A few months ago, a video went viral on tiktok saying, “Plus-size women shouldn’t be allowed in Pilates studios.”
It wasn’t the first time I felt unwelcome as a bigger girl, but this time… IT STUCK.
Because the truth is... It wasn’t just about Pilates.
-it’s the guys I meet online that ghost me after meeting me in person.
-It’s my favorite brands stopping at size large like bodies above that don’t deserve style.
-It’s the weddings, boat parties, bachelorette trips I don’t get invited to because “we’re all wearing bikinis and matching outfits.”
-It’s group photos where I’m always asked to stand in the back.
-It’s scrolling TikTok, watching workouts, vacations, girlies in matching sets — and thinking, “That world isn’t built for someone like me.”
So when that video said "Plus-size women shouldn’t be in Pilates studios…"
It didn’t shock me...
In fact, It just confirmed what I’ve quietly felt for years:
I didn't belong anywhere fitness, beauty, or wellness lives.
That's what I thought... Until I came across this video while scrolling Tiktok.
The Video That Changed Everything For Me
I say this with all my heart.. Coming across this video on Tiktok gave me a feeling that I have not felt in a while.
I felt hopeful and motivated to finally take care of my body.
Because for the first time, I saw someone with a body like mine doing the thing I was too embarrassed to try.
She was not a size 10, tiny waist girl effortlessly moving through the pilates board.
She had curves just like me with a soft stomach, thick arms and her thighs touching. (I could finally relate...)
It was the most honest review I’d ever seen. She was on that viral Pilates reformer In her living room, out of breath doing ab crunches.
At one point she said:
"I was scared this thing would break but it didn’t… look at me actually doing Pilates!”
I didn’t scroll away. I watched it three times. Then I saved it.
It wasn’t inspirational. It was… proof.
And in the comments? I had found my people. Girls going through the same rejections as I was going through.
One girl commented:
“Does the machine come with workouts for plus size?"
Then the reply is what got me excited about life again.
Another girl commented:
“Try 28Pilates. They even have a whole community for bigger girls doing a 90 day challenge together."
And that’s when I felt it. That tiny spark I hadn’t felt in years.
Hope and motivation.
If these girls can do it. I can do it.
28Pilates: The First Time I Felt Like I Belonged Somewhere
After taking the leap from watching that one TikTok video, I decided to go all in with 28Pilates.
I just had a gut feeling that this time it would be different and that it would work out.
And I mean it when I say that this program did not let me down…
I’ve lost 83 pounds and I feel more confident in my skin since I started the 90 day challenge with 28pilates.
And I haven’t stopped working out since the very first day of my 90 Day Challenge.
28pilates is by far the best investment I’ve ever made in my life.
From having the coaches send me modifications for the exercises I can’t do, to being part of a community of women just like me.
It makes it almost impossible to drop the ball and not show up.
We check on each other.
We laugh, we complain, we celebrate every tiny win.
I actually look forward to opening the app and getting my workout done every single day.
I just feels amazing to have a community that motivates you without the judging or body shaming.
Just women pushing each other to keep going in a fun and loving way.
and I feel more confident in my skin.
Here’s Why This 90 Day Challenge Works for Plus Size Women
28Pilates and their 90-Day Challenge actually work for plus-size women and here’s why:
It's only 15 minutes a day at home.
No hour-long workouts. No overwhelm. Just press play and follow along from home.
There’s a workout for every single day.
No guessing. No “what should I do today?” You open the app, click Day 1, Day 2, Day 3… and just follow.
The coaches actually care.
They check in, send modifications when you struggle, and never judge you or make you feel behind.
You’re not doing it alone. There are 17,000+ women in the community. All doing the same program, at the same time and keeping you accountable.
Workout in the safest environment ever.
No side-eyes. No “just try harder.” Just love, humor, and accountability.
For the first time in my life, working out became fun.
Not a punishment. Not something I dreaded.
Here’s Why This 90 Day Challenge Works for Plus Sizes
Just like you reading this right now…
I had a million reasons NOT to buy it.
“What if it breaks under my weight?”
“What if I buy it and never use it?”
“What if it’s just another thing I waste money on?”
“What if I quit like I always do?”
But none of that was true.
28Pilates and their 90-Day Challenge actually work for plus-size women and here’s why:
It's only 15 minutes a day at home.
No hour-long workouts. No overwhelm. Just press play and follow along from home.
There’s a workout for every single day.
No guessing. No “what should I do today?” You open the app, click Day 1, Day 2, Day 3… and just follow.
The coaches actually care.
They check in, send modifications when you struggle, and never judge you or make you feel behind.
You’re not doing it alone. There are 17,000+ women in the community. All doing the same program, at the same time and keeping you accountable.
Workout in the safest environment ever.
No side-eyes. No “just try harder.” Just love, humor, and accountability.
For the first time in my life, working out became fun.
Not a punishment. Not something I dreaded.
My Before & After — The Woman Behind This Story
I didn’t think this was possible for someone like me.
But I’m proof — you don’t need to be perfect to start… you just need to be done feeling stuck.
It’s Not Just Me — 28,000+ Women Are Transforming with 28Pilates
START MY TRANSFORMATION
28Pilates: A Community That Makes You Feel Safe to Start Again
A Community That Makes You Feel Safe to Start Again
I first joined 28pilates to lose weight then I stayed for the amazing friends I made in the community.
It’s one of the few places i feel welcome and not judged for being a curvy woman
Seeing posts like this every day made me realize something:
I wasn’t doing this alone anymore.
We celebrate every pound lost, every modified push-up, every “I almost skipped today but didn’t.”
That’s when it clicked for me — the workouts are great, but this community is what keeps me going.
The Day my 28Pilates Board Arrived (and I Almost Sent It Back)
When the delivery guy dropped the box at my door, I instantly started panicking.
“What if I can’t do it?”
“What if the machine cracks under me?
“What if this was a completely waste of money?
I almost left it unopened.
But something in me said...
"Just try it!"
So I cut the box open.
And to my surprise, it was already fully assembled.
No tools. No screws. I literally unfolded it in seconds on my living room floor.
It looked… strong. Heavier duty than I expected.
But when it was time to actually step on it? My heart was pounding out of my chest.
I held my breath. Shifted my weight onto it.
No cracking. No wobbling. No judgmental eyes.
Just me… and this board… in my living room.
The Beginning of Progress
The First Week: Humbling but Empowering
I’ll be honest: Day 1 was rough. My abs burned. My legs trembled.
There’s a move called “hundreds” that looks innocent until your core starts shaking like jelly. But even through the soreness, I could feel something shifting, not just in my body, but in my mindset.
But what surprised me was how kind the instructors were. They didn’t assume I knew what “engage your core” meant. They explained every movement, offered modifications, and constantly reminded us to rest when needed.
On Day 3, I stumbled across another beginner, Sarah, in the community chat who wrote:
“I couldn’t do a single push-up when I started. Now I can hold a plank for 30 seconds without shaking.”
Then there was Michelle, who admitted she paused the videos every two minutes at first. Now she’s halfway through the Bootcamp.
And Jennifer, who joined at 52, said:
“I thought I was too old and stiff to start. Turns out, my body just needed the right kind of movement.”
Reading their stories felt like looking into a mirror, and it kept me going.
Week 2 to Week 4: The Awakening
By the second week, I noticed small but powerful changes. My posture improved, and my back pain disappeared. Climbing stairs didn’t leave me breathless. My stomach felt tighter.
In Week 3, the scale hadn’t moved much, but my clothes started fitting differently. The bloat was gone, and my core felt engaged even while sitting.
By Week 4, people around me noticed the change. “You’re glowing,” Mia said at work. “I knew the Twenty28 program would work for you!”
Weeks 5 to 8: The Visible Transformation
Halfway through, the changes became undeniable.
My waistline had visibly slimmed. The soft fat around my arms and lower stomach was melting away. My hips looked more defined, my core felt stable, and my thighs, which I’d always been self-conscious about, started to look toned.
Each week, I saw new lines of strength appear in my arms and abs. My energy was through the roof. I slept better, focused more at work, and smiled more without even noticing.
By Week 8, my body felt like it had been completely reprogrammed.
Three Months Later: The Full Transformation
Day 90 hit faster than I expected.
I took a progress photo and compared it to my Day 1 picture. The difference made me tear up. My body had completely changed.
The roundness in my face was gone. The stubborn belly fat had flattened. My arms looked sculpted, my legs leaner, and my waist was smaller by nearly three inches. I could finally wear that pair of jeans I’d hidden in the back of my closet.
Even my skin looked clearer, and my confidence felt unstoppable.
But the best part wasn’t just what I saw in the mirror. It was how I felt, calm, strong, centered, and proud of the woman I’d become.
I didn’t dread movement anymore. I craved it.
And all it took was 15 minutes a day with 28 Pilates.
The community transformations are wild, and they’re all real women who started as total beginners.
The transformations are real, and they all started from zero.
Maya, 29
Reviewed in the United States on September 03, 2025
Verified Buyer
"Day 90 done! Honestly, I joined just to get rid of my back pain from sitting all day. Didn’t expect much, but 14 lbs down later, my posture’s better, I feel taller, and my back doesn’t ache anymore. I can actually sit at my desk without discomfort now. Still can’t believe 15 minutes could do that."
48 people found this helpful
Nina, 33
Reviewed in the United States on September 01, 2025
Verified Buyer
"Took a rest day yesterday (body was sore!) but caught up today. I joined mostly to manage my stress, and it’s been the best mental reset I’ve ever done. My anxiety’s lower, I’m sleeping better, and my jeans finally zip up again. Hoping for a strong weekend ahead"
76 people found this helpful
Jess, 26
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2025
Verified Buyer
"Never thought I’d stick with anything fitness-related, but here I am on Day 45 and I actually look forward to my sessions. I’ve never been this consistent before. It’s become my calm space, just 15 minutes that make everything else in my day easier."
21 people found this helpful
Samantha, 31
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2025
Verified Buyer
"I’ve tried so many programs, but this one just clicked. It doesn’t feel like punishment; it feels like something made for real people. I’m stronger, leaner, and so much more confident now. For once, I don’t feel like I have to change who I am to make it work."
30 people found this helpful
There are hundreds of stories like these. Different body shapes, different starting points, all proving the same thing: you don’t need experience to transform your body and mind.
Will This Actually Work for You?
This is not another yo-yo program.
It’s a fun routine made specifically for women who feel like every workout program was built for someone smaller, fitter, or more disciplined than them.
You feel too heavy or out of shape to start
You hate gyms, mirrors, or people staring at you while you work out
You’ve tried workouts before but quit because you had no support or structure
You’re a beginner and need someone to literally tell you what to do each day
Free extras like meal plans, a sweat belt, and a strategy call
🚫 This Program Is NOT For You If…
✘ You want fast, unrealistic results with no effort
✘ You’re looking for a quick fix, fad diet, or magic pill
✘ You’re not willing to show up for at least 15 minutes a day
START MY TRANSFORMATION
Here’s what convinced me to finally try it: the 28 Pilates 99-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
Follow the 90-Day Bootcamp. If you don’t see results, you have 9 extra days to request a full refund, no questions asked.
Most fitness brands give you 30 days because they expect people to quit before that.
28 Pilates gives you 99 days because they know their program delivers results.
Your Turn
If you’ve been telling yourself, “I’ll start next week,” this is your sign.
You don’t need a gym. You don’t need experience. You just need 15 minutes a day — and the willingness to start.
Because you’re not behind. You’re just one decision away from feeling stronger, more confident, and more you.
Reset Your Body Today
IMPORTANT UPDATE
Since writing this article, GroundingWell has told me that demand has absolutely exploded. People everywhere are sharing their sleep transformation stories on social media, and they're running low on inventory. If you want to try this for yourself, don't wait—order today before they sell out.
👉🏻 Get Your 50% Off GroundingWell Sheet 🚨
In This Article
New to Pilates? This Is Where I Started (and How It Changed Everything)
My Coworker’s Recommendation
But, hey! I've Never Done Pilates Before!
The Fears That Almost Stopped Me
The Setup: Easier Than I Expected
The Beginning of Progress
28000+ Customers Love And Trust 28 Pilates
Why 28 Pilates Works
The 99-Day Guarantee That Proves It Works
Your Turn
Featured
Recommended
2,900+ Reviews
★★★★★
Transform your body in just 90 days
Work out anywhere, anytime
Build strength, flexibility, balance
Affordable alternative to studios
START MY TRANSFORMATION
Trusted by 67,000+ Curvy Women
What You Actually Get with 28Pilates
This isn't just a product. It's everything you need to get “bikini-snatched” from home — even if you're 40+, busy, or just starting over.
Available Colors:
Purple,
Black,
Pink,
Turquoise,
Matcha
Here's what's included:
Fat Burning Signature Kit
2 Feet Attachments for comfort, stability & reformer-style moves
1 Waist Trainer to boost fat burn & core activation
1 Measuring Tape to track real progress
3 Pilates Grip Socks for safety & support
5 Resistance Loop Bands to scale your workouts
28Fam Welcome Necklace — a symbol of your new beginning 🌟
90 Day Guided Pilates Challenge
101+ Meal Plans to eat clean without counting calories
1-1 Breakthrough Call With a Certified Coach — to help you set your goals & stick to them
30-Day Access to Our Accountability App & 28Fam Community
(17,000+ women doing the program with you)
START MY TRANSFORMATION
4.89 out of 5 Based on 2437 reviews
Choice #1
Stay exactly where you are — just like last year
Keep scrolling, saving workouts you’ll “start tomorrow”
Keep eating your stress, then hating yourself for it
Keep avoiding mirrors, cameras, and dressing rooms
Keep canceling on your plans
Keep wondering “what if I just tried?”
START MY TRANSFORMATION
Choice #2:
Start Showing Up For Yourself in 2026 (For Real This Time)
Commit to just 15 minutes a day for yourself.
Start showing up for yourself, not just for work, kids, or other people.
Start feeling confident in your own skin again.
Be surrounded by 17,000+ women who actually get it.
Follow a plan that tells you exactly what to do
START MY TRANSFORMATION
This isn’t about becoming perfect.
It’s about choosing yourself — finally.
Our 99-Day Money-Back Guarantee
It's very simple. 28Pilates want you to win.
If you don't see results in 99 days, you can request a full refund. No questions asked.
Email hello@28pilates.com and get every penny back.
