#BazaarWomenInFocus: Pilates guru Namrata Purohit is redefining wellness with passion and purpose

For Namrata Purohit, wellness is more than a routine—it is a philosophy, a lifestyle, and a journey of resilience. As India’s most sought-after fitness expert and co-founder of The Pilates Studio, she has revolutionised the way the country approaches health, blending accessibility, innovation, and performance.

Her story begins not in a gym, but with a challenge. In her youth, a serious fall from a horse left her with a knee injury that forced her to step away from dancing and sports. For many, it would have been the end of the road. For Purohit, it was the beginning of a new path.

“You know, my journey actually started with a fall. I fell off a horse, injured my knee, and I was told I actually can’t play any sport again. I had to stop dancing and doing all the things I loved. And that’s when my mom came up to me and said, "You know, life is like a boxing match, you don’t lose when you fall, you lose when you refuse to stand back up. That’s really how my journey started, and that fall has been that silver lining in the dark cloud that led me to trying Pilates and being like: 'Wow, this really helps!'”

That silver lining became a spark that ignited a career spanning 17 years in wellness. Alongside her father, Sameer Purohit, she co-founded The Pilates Studio—the first in the world to combine Pilates with simulated altitude training under one roof. Her approach is holistic, blending strength, flexibility, and mental clarity, and her method has transformed the lives of celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sara Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor, as well as countless everyday clients seeking balance and strength.

Her vision for wellness is deeply personal yet universally relatable. Purohit's work goes beyond physical fitness; it’s about building resilience, cultivating self-awareness, and inspiring people to reclaim control over their bodies and minds. Her emphasis on accessible, science-backed fitness has made Pilates a household name in India, while her dedication to innovation continues to raise the bar for the global wellness community.

At the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year 2025 Awards, Purohit was honoured for her decades-long contribution to health and fitness in India. In her heartfelt speech, she expressed gratitude for the support that shaped her journey:

“That’s how we started Pilates in this country with my father, Sameer Purohit, who’s always been my rock—he is everything. I don’t think I’d be able to do it without him. So thanks to him, thank you Harper’s Bazaar for recognising this. It’s been 17 years in the wellness field; I started when I was in school. So thank you so much for recognising me, because it really motivates me to keep going. Thank you," she concluded.

Purohit's story is one of transformation, not only her own but also of her clients she trains every day to be stronger, physically and mentally. Her perseverance, expertise, and guidance make wellness feel achievable and engaging, and it has also encouraged thousands to turn to Pilates to achieve a fit body and mind.

Through her work, Purohit has turned a personal setback into a platform for inspiration, showing that true strength lies not in avoiding falls but in learning to rise again and again.
 

Also read: #BazaarWomenInFocus: Janhvi Kapoor is defining stardom on her own terms

Also read: #BazaarWomenInFocus: Arpita Mehta is redefining what modern Indian couture looks like