Ed Sheeran Says Pilates Made Him ‘Not Squishy Anymore’: Here’s Why the Workout Works

If you’ve ever felt like your body moved like it carried “extra baggage”, maybe less spring in your step, less tone in your arms or core, you’re not alone. And when a musician known for his plain-T-shirt, guitar-slung-over-the-shoulder image says he’s “not squishy anymore,” you might lean in. Recently, English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran revealed a fitness secret that’s catching attention: Pilates. 

Known for his energetic performances and long tours, Ed credits Pilates for transforming his body and mind, telling Hits Radio, “I’m not squishy anymore.” But why Pilates? Why does it work, and how might it help regular folks, too? Read ahead as we reached out to our fitness expert, Varnit Yadav, who explained why it may help. 

Ed Sheeran’s Pilates Workout

Ed Sheeran has been doing Pilates consistently since January of this year. In a recent interview, he said, “That’s all I do. I love it. I’ve been doing it on maximum spring since January. It’s good for the core, good for the mind; that’s probably the most in-shape I have gotten. I’m not squishy anymore.” 

Fans following Ed’s social media have seen glimpses of his Pilates routine, particularly his work on the Reformer machine. A Pilates apparatus that uses springs and pulleys to add resistance and support. This focus on core strength, flexibility, and mental clarity has helped Ed maintain stamina even during a gruelling world tour lasting months.

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How Does Pilates Work and Can it Help You?

We spoke to Vanrit Yadav, a fitness expert, to understand why Pilates is gaining so much love, even from unexpected corners like the music world. He explains, “Pilates is unique because it combines strength training, stretching, balance, and controlled breathing all in one. It targets your core muscles, the deep stabilisers around your abdomen and spine and improves posture and body awareness.”

Vanrit adds several key benefits Pilates offers:

• Builds balanced strength without bulkiness
• Improves flexibility and joint mobility
• Enhances mind-body connection through focused breathing
• Helps prevent injuries by promoting proper alignment
• Offers low-impact resistance training suitable for all ages

“Many people think of Pilates as slow or gentle, but don’t mistake it for easy,” Vanrit says. “The Reformer machine adds resistance that you control, so you could be working hard on modest movements. It’s perfect for both rehab and high performance.”

According to a study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2025), practising Pilates for just 8 weeks can significantly improve core stability, muscle endurance, and reduce lower back pain in adults. The study also highlighted improved mental focus and reduced stress levels in participants.

How You Can Start Pilates Today

For those interested in giving Pilates a try, Vanrit advises:

• Start with mat Pilates to get familiar with correct postures and movements
• If possible, incorporate Reformer Pilates to benefit from resistance and support
• Focus on breath control as it’s key to the Pilates method and the mind-body connection
• Aim for 2-3 sessions per week for noticeable strength and flexibility gains
• Consult a trained instructor to ensure proper form and avoid injury

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Conclusion

Ed Sheeran’s journey with Pilates is a reminder that effective workouts don’t have to be loud or flashy. Pilates offers a balanced approach that strengthens the body’s core, enhances flexibility, and sharpens mental focus, all without high-impact strain. Whether you’re a performer, athlete, or someone just looking to stay fit and healthy, Pilates could be the workout that helps you feel strong, stable, and ready for anything.