Breaking the Silence with Unapologetic Pilates
For a long time, I believed success meant becoming what others expected. I let people define what was “acceptable,” and I played along—because stepping outside that role often meant rejection. And when you’re already battling fear or depression, rejection can feel like confirmation of every doubt you carry.
But something changed. I reached a breaking point, not with the world—but with myself. I was tired of performing. Tired of dimming my light to fit in. Tired of believing that my voice, my ideas, or my instincts weren’t valid. And when I finally stopped trying to be who others needed me to be and started honoring who I actually was, everything shifted.
That decision—to belong to myself first—wasn’t easy, but it was powerful. And it’s the same energy I bring into my work every day.
Because for me, Pilates didn’t just change my body—it helped me believe in who I am and what can I bring to the community.
It gave me structure when life felt chaotic. It showed me I was capable of more than I thought—physically, emotionally, spiritually. And that’s the kind of power I want everyone to experience.
My approach might look different. It’s modern. It’s bold. It’s sometimes unexpected. But it’s grounded in the same principles Joseph Pilates stood for: strength, control, freedom, and healing. He was a creator, a rebel, a visionary—and I believe the best way to honor his legacy is to keep creating. Keep adapting. Keep opening doors.
So yes— if a topless guy in a post is what gets people to put more attention to the Pilates possibilities, and bring curiosity for men to ask “what, is Pilates actually good for me?”, then I’m all for it.
If I need to reimagine a movement to spark curiosity or confidence in someone who thought “Pilates isn’t for me”—then I will.
If I have to challenge the mold to make this work more accessible, exciting, and empowering—I’m here for it.
Because I want Pilates to reach everyone. No matter your gender. Your body type. Your background. Your bank account. There is room for you here.
We are all carrying something—anxiety, pressure, self-doubt, old stories that tell us we aren’t enough. But inside every person is a powerful light waiting to be reignited. Pilates is one way to do that. To reconnect. To remember. To rebuild.
So yes—I’m a teacher. But more than that, I’m an advocate. For mental health. For movement as medicine. For breaking the cycles of shame and silence. For using our careers not just to succeed, but to serve.
You don’t have to fit a mold to be part of this work. You just have to show up.
With over 25 years in fitness and wellness and 13 years devoted to Pilates, Xavier Fabrega brings an athletic yet authentic approach to teaching. His fitness background inspires a modern style, but he remains committed to preserving the integrity of the true Pilates method. Xavier works closely with clients and instructors, sharing years of hands-on experience. Through international workshops and consulting, he helps studios elevate teaching quality, build inspired teams, and implement systems that truly work.