It makes sense, then, that an exercise that can help us to stand straighter and stronger can have a big impact on confidence levels.

“As a pilates instructor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the powerful connection between posture and confidence,” says Kristina Rudzinskaya, a pilates instructor and founder of Etalon. “When you hold yourself upright with an open chest and a lifted spine, you’re not just standing taller physically, you’re also sending signals to your brain that you’re more confident. This inner conviction radiates outward, affecting how others perceive you.”

As well as increasing confidence by working on our posture, pilates can also boost confidence by improving our overall mental health.

“Pilates enhances confidence through heightened body awareness, improved posture, and increased muscle tone,” says pilates instructor Alexsandra Warburton. “At its core, pilates as a practice focuses on the principles of concentration, control, centring, precision and flowing movement and breath, which all contribute to a strong mind-body connection, fostering emotional regulation and a sense of control.”

How to feel more confident: try these 5 at-home pilates moves for better posture and self-esteem