When I started watching the hit TV series Off Campus—the show that has middle-aged women in a chokehold—I expected to be talking about the romance. Instead, I found myself thinking about Hannah’s boobs. Not because the show was drawing attention to them, but surprisingly because it wasn't.
Here was a young woman with a fuller chest wearing T-shirts, cute cardigans and jeans without every outfit being engineered to maximise cleavage or every glimpse of a bra turning into a moment of titillation (pardon the pun). She wasn’t squeezed into lace balconettes that no university student would realistically wear to class, nor was her body treated as shorthand for sex appeal. She simply existed as a woman with bigger breasts. That shouldn’t feel groundbreaking. Somehow, it does.
(Image credit: Amazon Prime)
Television has become remarkably good at celebrating different kinds of beauty, but when it comes to young female leads, there are still recurring visual archetypes. On one end, there are actresses like Zendaya, whose slim frame has become synonymous with modern fashion campaigns and effortless cool. On the other, there are stars like Sydney Sweeney, whose curves are often embraced as part of their on-screen appeal and whose styling frequently leans into overt femininity and sexualisation. Now it goes without saying that both of these women are beautiful and both deserve to dress however they choose, but somewhere between those two familiar images sits another body type that rarely gets to exist without commentary.
This is where I think the character of Hannah fits in. She has what many women would probably describe as a normal body. She has breasts that require actual support. Clothes fit her the way clothes fit so many of us: sometimes slightly awkwardly, sometimes comfortably, never as though they were designed solely for the male gaze.
As someone who has been a long standing member of the bigger boob club, I noticed it almost immediately. Not because I spend my life looking for women who resemble me on screen, but because it’s surprisingly rare to see someone whose body isn’t treated as a costume decision.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Women with fuller busts know the strange balancing act that comes with getting dressed. The exact same white T-shirt that looks understated on someone with a smaller chest can suddenly be read as “sexy.” A button-up shirt gaps in just the wrong place. A simple vest top attracts attention that was never invited. Your body is interpreted before you’ve said a word.
Film and television have often reflected that same logic. Women with larger busts are frequently styled to accentuate their figures, as though curves must always be part of the story. If they’re not being presented as overtly sexy, they’re often hidden beneath oversized silhouettes. There rarely seems to be space for a woman who simply gets dressed without her body becoming the defining feature of the character.
Off Campus offers some relief in this way with Hannah being attractive because she’s witty, intelligent and emotionally layered, not because the camera continually reminds us of her figure. Her curves aren’t hidden, but neither are they emphasised. They’re simply there, treated with the same casual normality afforded to countless other female protagonists.
(Image credit: Amazon Prime)
I personally think that though the distinction may be subtle, it's incredibly important. Representation isn’t just about seeing different body types on screen; it’s about seeing those bodies freed from the assumptions we’ve attached to them.
Maybe that’s why Hannah feels so refreshing?! Not because she’s redefining beauty, but because she’s portraying something television has quietly overlooked for years: a young woman with an entirely ordinary, curvier body whose existence isn’t framed through either fashion fantasy or sex appeal. Sometimes, she’s just wearing jeans, a T-shirt and a very normal bra. And for many of us watching, that feels surprisingly radical.
Off Campus is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.
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Welcome to What Lily Loves, a personal edit of the pieces, places, and ideas currently inspiring me. Think of it as your insider guide to what’s shaping my wardrobe and daily rituals. From standout finds and under-the-radar designers to shopping destinations, cultural hotspots—from restaurants and theatres to podcasts—here are the latest discoveries I’m loving.
The Designer Drop
Polène
Polène
Nomad Solé in Ebony
French label Polène has become a go-to for luxury handbags at a more affordable price point. What many fans aren't aware of, however, is its extensive sustainability practices. One priority is upcycling leather off-cuts produced during the making of its bags. Just last year, when the brand opened its first London store, an entire wall of bricks and a sculptural table were made from compressed leather off-cuts - pretty impressive.
The Nomad Solé bag is one of the newest additions to the brand, and it cleverly blends upcycling with everything you would want from a chic summer carryall. The bag features a total of 382 beads moulded from leather off-cuts, each held in place by 320 hand-tied macramé knots. Few brands are able to embrace such innovative practices while simultaneously creating pieces that are anything but luxurious, which is why this handbag is at the top of my wishlist.
Spotlight On
STAUD
This month I’ve found myself constantly clicking on pieces by Los Angeles-based label STAUD. Loved by celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, the brand is my go-to for bright summer dresses and playful handbags—but this summer it has stepped it up a notch. Think fun beach totes, embellished swimsuits, and cover-ups from its collaboration with iconic Positano beach restaurant Da Adolfo. The pieces are so popular they’re already selling out fast, so here are some of my favourites so you don’t miss out either.
Shop the edit:
STAUD
+ Da Adolfo Lea Beaded Swimsuit
STAUD
+ Da Adolfo Riva fringed beaded mesh sarong
STAUD
Liliana Tulle Bandeau Maxi Dress
STAUD
+ Da Adolfo Paddle silk shorts
STAUD
+da Adolfo Mariella Cotton-Blend Mini Dress
STAUD
Port striped cotton canvas tote
New In This Week
Investment Bikinis
As I start mentally packing my summer holiday wardrobe ahead of a trip to Puglia this month, my priority is swimwear, and in particular, bikinis. A self-confessed bikini addict, I have so many I’ve never got round to counting them, and I keep bikinis that don’t even fit me anymore, or that my mother passed down to me, in what I like to call my swimwear archive. That said, I continue to shop for new bikinis, and while some great styles can be found on the high street, investing in a bikini will pay dividends.
The difference between designer and high-street swimwear is primarily in the fabric and the level of detail in the cut and size grading. Swimwear fabrics are expensive, particularly if you are looking for materials that won’t lose their colour or shape easily. Add in recycled fabrics, and the manufacturing costs begin to soar. But as the only time you’re likely to be this naked in public, buying pieces that will not only last longer but also support and flatter in all the right places comes at a price—but are totally worth it! Here are some of my favourite investment bikinis I’m packing this summer.
Shop my edit:
AWAY THAT DAY ™
Mango bikini
Montce
Seafoam Silkie Lena Bikini
Reina Olga SA
Coralli Bikini in Zebra
Monday Swimwear
Gingham bikini
SARA CRISTINA
Embellished Bikini
LILYROSE
Carla bikini
On My Radar
Off Campus
(Image credit: Amazon Prime)
It will come as no surprise to many that I’ve included Amazon’s new hit TV show Off Campus this week. The show has Gen Z and millennials (myself included) in a chokehold with its smile-inducing love-fest, steamy bedroom scenes, and catchy soundtrack that has been playing on repeat on my Deezer ever since.
Based on Elle Kennedy’s bestselling Off-Campus book series, the show follows a group of college athletes as they navigate friendships, rivalry, and romance, with the first season focusing on the relationship between lead character Garrett Graham and Hannah Wells. If you’ve got a lot to be getting on with, be warned—I think I’m on my fourth rewatch as we speak.
Growing-up, when I thought about a facelift, I envisioned rich old ladies with distorted facial features, unnaturally tight skin, and tell-tale scarring. Now, with celebs being more transparent about the work they have had, I, along with everyone else have become more aware of what a good facelift can do. And that offers a natural-looking, yet completely transformative youth boost. Kris Jenner, Sia, Lindsay Lohan (allegedly), and at least a dozen Bravo Housewives have wowed us with their new faces. So, now, as going under the knife has become more normalised than ever before—I’m starting to consider the surgery I once thought I’d never have.
I’m not alone, as according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAPPS), face and neck lifts rose by 11 per cent in 2025, while brow lifts, which are typically combined with facelifts, increased by a whopping 27 per cent. So, as the reality became not if, but when would I get a facelift, I also started to wonder if I would have to start planning my longstanding and future aesthetic treatments around my desire to go under the knife.
“You absolutely do,” shared plastic surgeon, and Mallucci London founder, Patrick Mallucci. “The road to surgery requires as much thought as the surgery itself, because what many patients don’t realise is that the aesthetic treatments you have in the years, months and even weeks before a facelift can significantly affect the surgery and the outcome.”
Facelifts, explained
Ponytail facelift, deep-plane facelift, SMAS facelift. There is a plethora of terms for what plastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor, Lara De Luca, explains is essentially, “a surgical procedure that repositions and tightens the facial tissues and removes excess skin to restore a more youthful appearance.” What makes the latest facelift techniques better than facelifts of old is that, “modern facelifts focus on lifting and repositioning the underlying structures of the face rather than simply pulling the skin tight. This creates more natural-looking, longer-lasting results and avoids the overly stretched appearance that was sometimes associated with older techniques,” adds De Luca. But like with most aesthetic treatments and surgical procedures, one size does not fit all. “Every surgeon has their own technique, and every technique has its advantages and disadvantages. The buzz surrounding particular techniques on social media can be misleading and a distraction from the more important conversation about which technique suits you best,” adds Mallucci.
What suits you will largely be dictated by several factors: your bone structure, skin thickness, fat distribution, the level of sagging, as well as how much downtime you're willing to accept and your long-term goals. Age doesn’t really play a role, as it's less about how old you are and more about how soon you show signs of ageing. "Some patients may be suitable candidates in their 40s or earlier, particularly if they have experienced significant weight loss (often assisted by GLP-1s), extensive sun damage or have a strong genetic tendency towards early facial ageing. Others may not consider surgery until their 60s or later. Genetics, lifestyle, skin quality and facial structure all play a role," shares De Luca.
The treatments that can complicate things
Timing is key. Not just when you decide to go under the knife, but how you plan the aesthetic treatments that are often booked to push surgery further down the line—and, increasingly, which treatments you've been told to fear versus which ones actually deserve the reputation. TikTok is awash with videos vilifying certain treatments as facelift-ruiners. The truth, however, is far more nuanced than the discourse suggests.
Sculptra, in particular, has become a scapegoat for a problem that's largely historic. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Ashwin Soni explains that complaints traced back to how the product was used years ago, not the product itself. "Sculptra comes as plant-derived microparticles mixed with sterile water, and very early on, some providers weren't diluting it enough," he says. "Injected too concentrated—and often too deep, in the same plane surgeons later need to work on during a facelift—it triggered a collagen response that could potentially cause lumps, leading to a lasting reputation".
The good news is that dilution protocols have moved on, and most biostimulators now follow far more conservative guidelines. Soni often recommends Sculptra to his own patients, both to improve skin elasticity ahead of a facelift and to maintain results afterwards—provided you're seeing someone who genuinely understands facial anatomy and injection depth. In fact, Sculptra is one of the safest and most robustly researched biostimulators available today, having originally been developed over 25 years ago for medical use and put through rigorous safety protocols.
Threads, however, are a different story. Where Sculptra's reputation has outlived its risk, Soni is unequivocal that threads haven't—he never recommends them, calling the scarring risk, from both the depth they're typically placed at and the way they interact with tissue, too consistent a downside for someone planning future surgery.
Other biostimulators like hydrating Profhilo, regenerative exosomes and polynucleotides are not "a concern," reveals Mallucci, as they're designed to improve skin quality, boost hydration, and stimulate collagen at a superficial level. The same goes for devices like ultrasound-powered Sofwave and Morpheus8, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency to tighten and contour skin.
One category we should be more wary of, says Mallucci, is "deep-acting energy devices" such as J-Plasma and FaceTite, which work at a level that can scar you in the same planes a surgeon later needs. Soni makes a related point about radio frequency microneedling specifically: the risk isn't really the device category, it's whether the person holding it understands anatomy. "You need to make sure that you're with a provider who understands it," he says—the same caveat, really, that applies to all non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
What about dermal filler?
Though dermal filler has arguably been knocked off the top spot with the rise of biostimulators and fat transfers, many aesthetic doctors still believe it has an important role to play when it comes to lifting, and contouring the face—especially in the years leading up to a facelift. "However, large volumes of filler can sometimes mask the true extent of age-related volume loss or tissue descent, making assessment more challenging," explains De Luca. "They’re not a contraindication to surgery, but it’s important that patients disclose their filler history during the consultation so the surgeon can plan accordingly."
And you might not even have to dissolve your filler pre-surgery, “In some cases it might be an advantage to dissolve the filler before the facelift. In other cases, it’s not necessarily required. It depends on where it’s been put and how long ago,” adds Mallucci.
Find one doctor, not five
If there's one piece of advice that cuts across all of this, it's not about which treatment to avoid—it's about who's administering it. Soni is candid that patients hopping between providers make surgical planning harder, simply because no one has the full picture. "People need to have a long-term game plan with a doctor, with whom they're in a long-term patient relationship," he says, pointing out that skin quality and anatomy shift over time regardless of what you have or haven't had done.
His advice for anyone choosing a provider: do your homework and research them in depth. Check before-and-afters, ask about training and experience with facial anatomy, read reviews, and confirm their registration with the various governing bodies like the General Medical Council, or the Nursing & Midwifery Council. The BCAM Pre-Consultation Safety Questionnaire is a handy six-step checklist designed to help you choose safely. It covers practitioner qualifications, insurance, premises standards and product sourcing, and can be printed or sent to a clinic ahead of time.
When to stop tweaking
Whether you choose to get a facelift in your 40s, 50s, 60s or 70s, the healthier your skin is, the better—if we ensure our skin is well-hydrated, collagen-rich and resilient it will make a meaningful difference to both our results and recovery.
What we must do is be totally transparent with our future surgeons and go for our first consult at good amount of time before our ideal surgery date. “As a rule of thumb, stopping treatments at least six months before surgery, and ideally up to a year in some cases, allows for better assessment and surgical planning. Patients also need to disclose all previous aesthetic treatments, as well as any previous facial surgery or trauma. This information can significantly influence surgical planning and helps avoid unexpected findings during surgery,” says De Luca.
I’m planning to create a digital diary of all the treatments I’ve already had (everything from injectables to lasers), and log all my future treatments too, so by the time I have my first consultation with a surgeon I’ll be armed with all the info they need. Let the countdown begin...
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice - always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before treatment decisions.
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It's hard to summon a put-together outfit when the weather is set to scorchingly warm, which is why it's best to rely on pieces that were—quite literally—made for each other: co-ords.
Timed perfectly to coincide with our latest heatwave comes not one but two collaborations that include the kind of co-ord—easy and yet elegant—that will make holiday packing, but also getting dressed for the office, not a cinch but certainly manageable. The first comes from Monikh Dale, who's once again partnered with resort brand Faithfull, creating a capsule, Monikh x Faithfull, that mirrors the minimal silhouettes, and earthy colour palette, of the stylist's own wardrobe.
(Image credit: Faithfull The Brand)
Alexis Foreman has also collaborated with Asceno, another brand that does swimwear, and summer dressing, with an ease that you'll very much want to emulate. The AF x Asceno co-ords, available in espresso, white and black, are made from materials that will feel cool against the skin (the silk-twill tunic and matching pants set is particularly tantalising).
Keep scrolling to see which co-ords suit which occasions, although, truthfully, anything that feels comfortable will also look chic. And in this weather, that will be music to most ears.
Sarah Corbett-Winder's takes a "pile it on" approach to holiday dressing, but grounds the look with this checked two-piece—also from Faithfull. A shirt-and-shorts set is another tried-and-tested co-ord when you're by the beach, allowing you to separate the components and make them work harder (it's not their holiday!) with everything in your suitcase.
Faithfull
Isole Strapless Checked Cotton And Linen-Blend Top
Faithfull's elongated bandeau top couldn't be more elegant, either with the matching checked shorts or linen trousers.
Faithfull
Aurora Checked Cotton And Linen-Blend Shorts
These checked shorts can be paired with the intended top or your favourite bikini by the pool.
Skall Studio
Edgar Shirt
This vibrant cobalt blue will be particularly appropriate if you're hunkering down for a seaside holiday.
Skall Studio
Edgar Shorts
The mid-thigh length of the matching shorts means they can be paired with sandals, heels or sneakers.
Evening Co-Ords
Monikh x Faithfull (Image credit: Monikh x Faithfull)
A knitted co-ord works especially well after the sun has set when you might otherwise need a layer. The Monikh x Faithfull collaboration has a plum duo—a slouchy knit that drops off one shoulder plus a maxi skirt—that will be effortless to wear but still make an impact.
Monikh x Faithfull
Micah Top
Monikh Dale's collaboration with Faithfull, her second to date, contains a knitted co-ord that's perfect for evenings in the city or, equally, by the coast.
Monikh x Faithfull
Micah Skirt
This knitted maxi skirt, in a pleasingly deep shade of plum, could also be teamed with a tank.
Massimo Dutti
Striped Sarouel Trousers With Cummerbund Detail
Massimo Dutti has a wealth of co-ords, but this halter-neck style would look particularly good with ankle-tie gladiator sandals at dusk.
Massimo Dutti
Striped Sarouel Trousers With Cummerbund Detail
These striped trousers, complete with cummerbund waist, will suit a multitude of occasions.
The office can be an oasis of air-conditioning during the hottest weeks of summer, but you have to get there in one piece. Ironically, a two-piece might be the slickest way to do heatwave workwear; a shirt-and-skirt set being a particularly good option that you can pair with simple leather sandals.
Toteme
Fitted Jersey Shirt
A lightweight jersey shirt can be surprisingly chic—not to mention office-smart—with a matching column skirt.
Toteme
Draped Jersey Skirt
The skirt can also be weekend-friendly when teamed with a simple white tank.
COS
Sailor-Collar Knitted Top
This sailor-knit is smart but won't feel stifling on your commute into work.
COS
Knitted Flared Mini Skirt
This knitted mini would suit ballet flats, simple leather sandals or loafers, depending on the heat of the day.
Many of the above co-ords will be suitable for off-duty, but the truly savvy will shop for a versatile set that can be worn multiple ways (a minidress that can also double as a top or subtly-tailored linen pants that can be styled with their partner or any of your other button-downs).
Matteau
Organic Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress
Matteau's lightweight mini can be worn has a dress or a top, making it even more versatile.
Matteau
Drawcord Pant
These cotton-poplin trousers are perfect heatwave material.
Arket
Relaxed Linen Shirt
A simple linen co-ord, which you can mix and match with other pieces, will serve you well over these scorching weekends.
Arket
Tailored Linen Trousers
Arket's linen trousers are ever-so-slightly tailored, meaning they're weekend and office-appropriate.
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Le Meurice is a dream for art lovers, its prestige unmatched worldwide. The luxury Paris hotel, situated on the historic Rue de Rivoli since 1835, is considered Paris' first 'Palace Hotel' and has a storied past. Le Meurice famously hosted the lavish wedding banquet of Picasso and Olga Khokhlova, bringing together Parisian high society in the hotel's Versailles-inspired Salon Pompadour. Le Meurice also charmed Salvador Dalí, who was so captivated by the hotel that he booked the Royal Suite Alphonse XIII for a month, every year for over three decades.
It was Dalí's part-time residence that inspired the father-and-daughter designer duo, the legendary Philippe Starck (the mind behind Sanderson London) and Ara Starck, when they refreshed the Dorchester Collection hotel in 2016, leaning into surrealism within the décor. Most notably, the Dalí restaurant features a stunning ceiling mural by French artist Ara, where dancers glide beneath the restaurant’s glass dome.
(Image credit: Dorchester Hotel Collection)
Stepping into the lobby, there's a lot to take in; Le Meurice's unique style blends traditional elegance with modern flair and a firm focus on art, both classical and contemporary. Leather seats are surprisingly embossed with portraits of 18th-century figures, mixed with Dalí-inspired furnishings. A painting by Baron François Girard, showing the hand of the 19th-century Parisian socialite Madame Regnaud, hung above the reception and is an instant talking point. Eero Saarinen's Tulip chairs offset the grand decor of Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, which was initially inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles. There are plenty of playful touches, from Philippe Starck's interactive frosted mirror to Zoulikha Bouabdellah's modern art sculpture, 'The Kiss', in the lobby. Le Meurice is a seriously impressive hotel, but part of its charm is that it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Le Meurice is one of Paris' 12 Palace Hotels - along with the likes of the grand Le Bristol (rumoured to be the Kardashian's hotel of choice in Paris) and Le Hôtel Plaza Athénée, an accolade that celebrates hotels that transcend usual standards of luxury and veer into the exceptional, often housed in grand, historic buildings - basically the crème de la crème of French hospitality.
(Image credit: Le Meurice)
The hotel first opened its doors in 1835 and was named after its original owner, Charles-Augustin Meurice. Over the years, it's undergone multiple renovations from creatives and designers who've put their own stamp on the interiors. Yet, the hotel has retained its original spirit as a place for creatives and thinkers in the heart of Paris, with a vibrant, lively atmosphere, particularly at Le Dalí restaurant and the dimly lit Bar 228, which plays live jazz every night of the week until 1 am.
ROOMS
(Image credit: Dorchester Hotel Collection)
Each of the 160 rooms and suites (121 rooms and 39 suites) is designed in the same style, 'modern Versailles' style, by design studio Lally & Berger, who fuse classic Louis XVI styling with contemporary touches. Try and book a park-view room if you can - there are just 40 in the hotel, complete with classic iron balconies and romantic French windows, so these book up quickly. The plush bathrooms are crafted from marble, with fluffy robes and towels, and all feature a free-standing tub and a separate, large walk-in shower with luxury toiletries from Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Complementary water, fruits, and artisan chocolates are replenished at the end of each day.
The suites are suitably jaw-dropping, with huge bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe and classic Parisian dressing rooms. And let's not forget the views. For those lucky enough to stay in the Belle Étoile Penthouse, meticulously designed by Lally & Berger, the private rooftop offers spectacular panoramic views of the Tuileries Gardens and landmark sites like the Louvre, the Eifle Tower, and Notre Dame in the distance.
FOOD & DRINKS
(Image credit: Dorchester Hotel Collection)
The food at Le Meurice is one of its biggest draws, with the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse among the premier dining spots in Paris, housed in a beautiful space overlooking the Tuileries. For a fine dining experience, this luxurious restaurant offers a journey through French flavours.
The more relaxed Restaurant Le Dalí offers a lively setting to enjoy French classics, with a strong focus on local and seasonal ingredients. You'll find nods to the surrealist painter throughout the restaurant, including the hand-painted canvas by artist Ara Starck, depicting a series of dancers in bold shades, adding a little bit of theatrics to the surroundings.
For an aperitif or nightcap, the sumptuous Bar 228 is a luxurious den with dark wood pannelling and deep leather armchairs to sink into after a long day's exploring. Guests can also pop in for a high-brow pastry at La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cedric Grolet, a charming pastry boutique dedicated to the hotel’s own pastry chef.
ACTIVITIES
(Image credit: Dorchester Hotel Collection )
At Le Meurice, the sights of central Paris are quite literally on your doorstep, and if you want to venture further afield, the Tuileries Metro stop (Line 1) is a short stroll away. For those exploring on foot, the Tuileries Gardens, offering a lush green oasis in the heart of the city, are a good place to start. As a bonus, the Eurostar is just 15 minutes away, so getting to the hotel is a complete breeze.
Back at the hotel, there's a small spa with four treatment rooms (two for couples and two for individuals), as well as saunas and steam rooms. Treatments are suitably luxurious, including Valmont facials and a wide range of massages, from hot stone to Swedish.
NEED TO KNOWS
Rooms at Le Meurice start at £1,277 per night, and you can book through the hotel's website.
Address: 228, Rue de Rivoli, Paris, 75001, France
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By now, you'll know that we're big fans of Pilates here at MC UK. The low-impact, full-body workout has soared in popularity in recent years, with boutique studios and on-demand platforms popping up left, right and centre. While social media might make it seem like a passing wellness trend, the method has more than a century of history, not to mention a growing body of research to back up its benefits.
Popularised by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, the classical format of the workout was first developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, who created his method - which was originally called Contrology - to help improve strength, posture, flexibility and body awareness through mindful, controlled movement.
Today, Pilates is widely recognised for far more than its sculpting credentials. Research suggests regular practice can improve core strength, balance and functional mobility, while systematic reviews have also linked it to improvements in wellbeing and quality of life. In other words, those slower, more intentional movements can deliver benefits that extend well beyond toned abs.
But perhaps the best part? Scientists are continuing to uncover lesser-known ways the practice may support both body and mind.
For those of you who don't know me - I'm Ashlea McKee, a classical Pilates instructor, MC UK Master and founder of Élan Wellbeing and the Pilates with Ashlea app. Below, I've explained the one benefit you might not have heard about yet - plus exactly why Pilates is worth adding to your routine this year.
You'll know from my first Marie Claire Masters article back in March that I think Pilates is an incredible all-rounder of a workout - but there's one lesser-known benefit that no one seems to be talking about.
You see, Pilates is an incredible method to train alongside cardio disciplines, like running, as it boosts core strength, coordination, recovery times and injury prevention (I'll go into more detail on each below).
First up: training Pilates alongside your weekly mileage helps to aid joints and improve mobility and body awareness, making you a more fluid, form-focused runner. It also assists with any postural imbalances which, if left unnoticed, could lead to potential injuries down the line. It's an excellent workout for boosting abdominal and pelvic stability, too, creating a stronger core foundation which, in turn, supports better balance, control, and running efficiency.
Connecting to your breath is a key tenet in both disciplines; focusing on your breath during Pilates will only improve your ability to do so during training miles or races. Breathing is one of the main principles of Pilates, as you'll know, and there's a big focus on connecting your breath to movement. To sustain your pace while running, breathing is essential, and efficient breath control can help take your performance to the next level.
One of the things I love most about Pilates is what a mindful form of movement it is: it creates a powerful connection between breath, mind, and body.
Next, Pilates trains controlled, low-impact movement in a way that running can't. Running is high-impact and cardio-based; Pilates is a slower and controlled low-impact workout. Train them both together, and you'll reap the cardio benefits from your mileage and the strength gains from the mat or Reformer work. Pilates can improve running efficiency and economy in many ways, in other words, making you a stronger, faster runner.
And finally? Pilates can help reduce injury risk during marathon training, mainly by improving form, body awareness, and breathing. It helps runners move more efficiently and stay stable during long-distance running, especially when you start to tire. Pilates gives runners the tools to better support their bodies throughout training, which you can then take into your race.
Take it from those who've tried it
I asked the members of my Pilates community who workout regularly with me while fitting in their weekly miles, and they said the main benefits they've noticed themselves span:
The core stability and control helps with your leg control and therefore your stride.
The coordination of your arms and legs with the power and pace you're generating.
The posture perspective - if you're running long distance, staying straight and aligned through the trunk and spine helps to sustain pace, movement, and speed, as well as distribution of weight.
The reduction of tension, aches and pains
The stamina from the classical order (progressions and transitions).
The importance of a strong core and glutes
Underpinning many of the Pilates moves I'd recommend if you're a runner is a focus on core and glute strength. Both muscle groups are essentially for runners and non-runners alike: they carry you through your day-to-day and help to boost lifespan, too.
A strong core helps you hold yourself taller and feel lighter while running. Strong abdominals also support better posture, and better posture helps you breathe more efficiently and sustain your pace for longer. Remember - it's all connected! Pilates emphasises movement from the centre in every exercise, helping to build strong foundations through the deep abdominal and stabilising muscles. This, in turn, creates better control and stability, especially as fatigue sets in.
Next up, your glutes. The glutes play a major role in powering and supporting movement, and the hips need to be both strong and mobile for an efficient stride. As we know, running is high impact, so if the glutes and hips are weak or tight, other muscles begin to compensate, which can lead to poor form, fatigue, and even injury. Pilates helps strengthen and mobilise these areas to improve overall running performance.
If you only have ten to fifteen minutes to work out, remember this: it's always better than nothing, and can still be super effective. Focus on moving the body through all planes of movement.
A beginner classical Pilates order is a great place to start with exercises like The Hundred, Roll Up, Single Leg Circles, and more foundational movements that never date.
Keen to prepare your body for smoother, more efficient running and reduce the risk of injury? Try the moves below.
7 Best Pilates Moves for Runners
Warm up: Bridges
One simple change runners could make this week to improve performance is simple: to warm up and cool down. Taking care of your body is key for longevity, injury prevention, and performance.
A warm-up can include some breathing, standing Pilates, spinal mobility, and hip, knee, and ankle mobility, keeping it dynamic but controlled.
A cool-down post-run can be more focused on releasing through stretching and mobility work for the hamstrings and hips, using exercises such as Child’s Pose, the Roll Up, Spine Stretch Forward, and a side-lying quad stretch.
Best for: Warming up the body, spinal articulation, glute activation, pelvic stability, and mind-body connection.
(Image credit: Ashlea McKee)
Move one: The Hundred
How to: Lie on your back, lift your head, neck and shoulders, and extend your legs to tabletop or a 45-degree angle while engaging your core. Pump your arms up and down in small, controlled movements, inhaling for five pumps and exhaling for five, until you've completed 100 arm pumps (10 breath cycles).
Best for: Breath, deep core activation, coordination, and full-body warm-up.
(Image credit: Ashlea McKee)
Move two: Single Leg Circle
How to: Lie on your back with one leg extended on the mat and the other raised towards the ceiling. Keeping your hips stable and your core engaged, circle the lifted leg in a slow, controlled motion, making small circles before reversing the direction.
Best for: Hip mobility, pelvic stability, and single-leg control.
(Image credit: Ashlea McKee)
Move three: Shoulder Bridge
How to: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press through your heels to lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, then slowly lower back down with control, keeping your core and glutes engaged throughout.
Best for: Pelvic stability, posterior chain (back body) activation including the glutes and hamstrings, ankle mobility through dorsiflexion (flex) and plantarflexion (point).
(Image credit: Ashlea McKee)
Move four: Side-Lying Bicycle
How to: Lie on your side with your head supported and core engaged, legs extended. Bend the top knee and draw it forward, then extend it back as you rotate from the hip in a controlled “cycling” motion, keeping the movement smooth and the pelvis stable throughout.
Best for: Hip and knee mobility, lateral hip stability, and single-leg control.
(Image credit: Ashlea McKee)
Move five: Single Leg Kick into Swimming
How to: Lie face down on your mat, propped lightly on your forearms with your elbows under your shoulders and your chest lifted. Bend one knee to kick the heel towards your glutes twice, then switch legs, maintaining a steady core as you transition smoothly into alternating opposite arm and leg lifts in a controlled “swimming” motion.
Best for: Hip flexor and quadriceps focus, posterior chain strength, and postural focus
(Image credit: Ashlea McKee)
Move six: Single Leg Stretch
How to: Lie on your back, lift your head, neck and shoulders, and draw one knee into your chest while extending the other leg away at a low diagonal. Switch legs in a controlled, rhythmic motion, keeping your core engaged and your upper body lifted throughout.
Best for: Deep abdominal strength, breath coordination, core and pelvic stability, control, and hip mobility
(Image credit: Ashlea McKee)
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