After 100-Lb Weight Loss, Chrissy Metz Tries Pilates for the First Time—‘Do the Things You’re Afraid Of’
The 'This Is Us' star got real about finding joy in new exercise routines
Chrissy Metz became a household name thanks to her unforgettable role as Kate Pearson in the award-winning drama This Is Us. Since the series finale in 2022, Metz hasn’t slowed down. She released her debut country album Prayed for This Day, produced and starred in new film projects (including Faith in the Flames, which debuts on Lifetime July 19) and continued sharing her personal health journey with fans. Here we break down Chrissy Metz’s exercise routine—including a new foray into strength training and Pilates—and how it helps her maintain her 100-pound weight loss while feeling her best.
Why Metz added strength training to her exercise routine
Since Metz lost 100 pounds, she has spoken openly about the role that walking and maintaining a calorie deficit played in her success. Fortunately for fans, she’s also been candid about the new routines she’s exploring.
In an April 2025 exclusive with the Daily Mail, Metz revealed that strength training is now a consistent part of her wellness regimen.
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“I like lifting weights,” Metz told the Daily Mail. “I like working out in that regard. So that’s been… something that has been new and I’ve been consistent with. I have a personal trainer in Nashville, and…what’s great is, like, he’s been through [a] weight loss journey himself. I feel like we have things in common where it’s not just, like, why are you doing this?”
“I don’t want to be yelled at,” Metz continued. “I want to be lovingly supported in whatever it is that I’m doing. It doesn’t matter what it is. And…I want to age the best way that I can, and I want to be strong and that’s really the impetus behind any of it.”
Metz faced her fears and tried Pilates
On July 3, Metz posted a video reflecting on her first-ever Pilates class. She admitted to feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect, from what to wear to how to use the machine. But that didn’t stop her from giving it a try.
“I had no real idea of what to expect,” Metz admitted. But “the victory is that I went. I tried to face [my fears],” Metz continued, revealing that she now sees why others are fans of the fitness routine.
“I want to stay as healthy as possible and do what’s best for my body, my soul and my spirit,” Metz said in the video of trying new exercise routines. “I encourage you to do things that you’re afraid of or that might get you out of your comfort zone, because you never know what you’re going to like.”
“Do the things that you’re afraid of… you never know what you’re going to like.” —Chrissy Metz
What is Pilates?
Pilates has gained popularity in recent years and has been praised by many for promoting strength and flexibility. But what exactly is the form of fitness people claim is life-changing?
“Pilates is a method of low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength, control and alignment,” says Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT,ISSA-CNC, a Certified Personal Trainer at Garage Gym Reviews. “It helps build muscle endurance, improve posture and support joint stability. Mentally, it requires focus and breath control, which can help people feel more present and grounded.”
There’s another variation of Pilates that people opt to try in their health journey called reformer Pilates. “Reformer pilates uses a machine with springs, straps and a sliding carriage to add resistance and variety,” says Dvorak. “It tends to offer more full-body engagement and support, especially for people with injuries or mobility issues.” (Not up for pilates? Check out our chair exercises for strength and flexibility instead.)
Nervous about trying a new exercise routine?
Metz’s hesitation to try Pilates is something experts say is completely normal.
“It’s common to think you’ll be the only one who’s new, or the instructor will be mean or people will judge,” says Jill Brown, Master Health, Fitness & Nutrition Coach, Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, Functional Strength Coach and Certified Pilates Instructor at Jill Brown Fitness. “What I tell my clients who feel nervous about trying a new workout is this: Everyone was new once and everyone remembers their first time. If you feel like people are looking at you, they’re actually remembering how they felt their first time and cheering you on to keep going. Chances are no one is watching you even if you think they are, because they are focused on getting their workout done.”
Metz found community through the experience
Metz shared that her fears were ultimately met with support. “I got to, thankfully, be instructed by an amazing woman,” said Metz in her video. “And she was very patient, very affirming and everybody in the class was very nice.”
Despite the welcoming community, Metz shared that she felt some level of embarrassment while getting used to the Pilates reformer. “I felt so silly because I was like, ‘oh, what spring, what this, what that?’ And turning over and flip-flopping like a fish.”
Experts say a learning curve with reformer Pilates is common.
“It’s true, reformers are not intuitive machines and the exercises are a bit different than traditional strength training exercises,” says Brown. “The instructor will tell you how many springs to use for each exercise, and if you don’t feel in control, they will have you change the number of springs. It’s just like picking up any other kind of weights—if it’s too hard (or easy), you simply change the resistance (springs).”
Metz views trying Pilates as a win
Metz shared that despite having an adjustment to her class, she viewed even just attending as a win. ”It was challenging, and it was a beginner class, but it was really meditative and calming, especially in the morning.”
Metz closed her video with an encouraging message for those who want to try Pilates themselves. “If you’re thinking about Pilates, just do it,” said Metz. “Just do it. Even if you fumble through, even if you feel like you look awkward. Who cares? Who cares? Like, nobody is great out of the gate, right?”
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