17-05-2025
Pilates studio slams influencer who sparked outrage with fat-shaming views and put weight limit on exercise
A Texas Pilates studio has broken its silence after an ex-member went viral for her fat-shaming rants - claiming people over 200 pounds should be excluded from the popular exercise.
The internet went up in flames when Monica Cruz, who goes by Succulent Addict on her online platforms, posted the first of her jaw-dropping TikToks earlier this week.
'This might be a hot take for some people, but if you're 200 pounds, you shouldn't be in a Pilates class,' the sunglasses-wearing influencer confidently declared while sitting in her car after a Pilates class.
'There's no reason why they should allow 200-pound people in a level 2 class. Or, you shouldn't be allowed to be a Pilates instructor if you have a gut and you're fat.
'What the f**k is going on? Is this even real? Is this America? Standards are so f**king low.'
The 30-year-old sparked instant outrage, with viewers in disbelief of her blatant ignorance.
But instead of shying away from the negative attention, she decided to double-down on her unpopular belief in a follow-up video.
In the clip, she baselessly claimed people over 200 pounds do not benefit from Pilates and are better off joining a regular gym.
As her hateful tangents caught traction, her Pilates gym, the Club Pilates in Quarry Market, deemed her behavior unacceptable.
Ashton Hallett, the regional marketing manager of four Club Pilates locations, including the Quarry Market one, addressed Cruz's exclusionary remarks.
'We want to be clear: the individual who made this video has been permanently removed from our member base and is no longer welcome at any of our studios,' she wrote to
'These comments are not only hurtful, but they also directly oppose the values we uphold as a studio and a community.
'At Club Pilates Quarry Market, we believe Pilates is for everyBODY. Our mission is to foster a welcoming, inclusive space where individuals of all sizes, ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels feel safe, seen, and supported.'
Hallet said even though Cruz's comments were disheartening and offensive, it opened up an important conversation about the fitness industry.
'It's a reminder of how vital it is to continue challenging outdated, narrow ideas of what fitness 'should' look like and instead champion spaces where everyone belongs!' she explained.
Hallet also shared a brief video on Instagram, updating other members on the situation and reinforcing the studio's 'zero-tolerance' policy for bullying.
In a tearful apology, Cruz claimed she was not only barred from the exercise club, but fired from her job.
was unable to confirm if she was actually removed from her job. According to her LinkedIn, she has ties to a San Antonio dental office as a marketing coordinator.
The office did not provide with any information on the matter.
'It's just so toxic and I'm so sorry about that,' Cruz said in the apology, that many viewers slammed as fabricated.
All three of her controversial videos have since been deleted from her TikTok account.
But other users have shared their passionate reactions, calling Cruz out for her bizarre and outdated stance.
'I don't know what possessed her to come out and say this, this is nasty, evil,' TikTok user Uncle Juan shared in a post.
He went on to describe her as an entitled 'snob', who is giving the Pilates community an awful reputation.
Another user, Kiizoe, was simply not buying Cruz's apology.
'You are toxic, and you're not sorry... You just look bitter, you just look like you have nothing better to do than to put someone down,' she said.
Pilates instructors have also shared their takes on the heavily publicized situation, pointing to a larger problem within the community.
Kersten Veronesi, a self-described 'Plus Size Certified Pilates Instructor' wrote on TikTok: 'Unfortunately there are many like her, the worst are the instructors who think this way bc it actually takes a skilled instructor to truly teach for all bodies.
'The industry is changing slowly. Me and my big belly are going to continue to teach all bodies how to enjoy Pilates.'
Another instructor, Norah Myers, uploaded a statement on Instagram, commending Club Pilates for taking action against Cruz.
'I am so thankful that Club Pilates did what they did - it shows that they stand for inclusion, diversity, representation, and kindness,' she wrote.
'I am so thankful that the Pilates community has come together to promote Pilates for what it's actually for: posture, strength, balance, mobility, flexibility, pain relief, and recovery from injuries and surgeries.'
