The trainer for the new 'Barbie' movie used Pilates to get the cast in shape — it was a 'no-brainer'
- The cast of "Barbie" got in shape for the movie with a mix of Pilates and strength workouts.
- David Higgins, their trainer, said using Pilates was a "no-brainer" because "it gets results."
Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and the rest of the "Barbie" cast did Pilates to get in shape for the blockbuster movie, the film's trainer told Insider.
The Kens did four days of strength and conditioning training and two days of Pilates each week, while the Barbies did the reverse.
Pilates is a full-body, low-impact workout designed to strengthen muscles to reduce the risk of injury, which focuses on the core.
David Higgins, who has worked with Robbie since 2016, told Insider he was amazed that all the cast members had done Pilates before so they all a) knew what it was and didn't have the misconception that it's the same as yoga, and b) brought their own experiences.
"I find that I can teach Pilates to a group of people from different levels so you can target individually but also in a group setting," Higgins said. "Also it gets results, it's a no-brainer."
Higgins is a fan of reformer Pilates, which uses a machine to add resistance — with Robbie once even hopping on a machine in full Barbie costume — but each workout started with core activation.
"I'm from a Pilates background, so for me, engaging the core is everything at the beginning of the workout," he said.
"It's more about longevity and injury prevention rather than anything aesthetic," he added. "But the aesthetic value definitely comes because you're targeting it so specifically and then integrating it into everything that we do."
Move in a way you enjoy
Higgins may be a fan of Pilates but advises people to try different ways of moving until they find what they enjoy.
"I would suggest to try different things, don't get stuck in the rut of doing one thing," he said.
Trying different forms of exercises can lead to better results, he said. This is because you're challenging your body in different ways.
"There's a lot in the fitness world out there and a lot of good stuff to experience, and your body will thank you in the long run," Higgins said.
He believes it's important to balance training for enjoyment and health. "It's very important to exercise and do what you like, but also to challenge yourself and do what you need," Higgins previously told Insider.