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Since its early days as a physical conditioning practice for inmates and dancers, pilates has become one of the most popular workouts around the world. But as the method spread, so have some misconceptions about what pilates is and isn’t.
So, how well do you know pilates? Check your knowledge as we bust some of the most common pilates myths.
6 Common Misconceptions About Pilates
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MYTH: Pilates is only good for toning your abs.
Truth: Pilates is a whole-body workout.
A sculpted six-pack has become synonymous with pilates – and for good reason. Pilates does focus on building core strength through exercises like hundreds and leg lifts. But there is so much more to pilates!
Along with strengthening and toning your abdominal muscles, pilates also helps you improve your posture and increase flexibility, balance, and stability in nearly every muscle and joint in the body.
And while we’re at it, let’s bust another myth. Yes, doing pilates will help sculpt your abs. But it’s not a magic bullet to the six-pack of your dreams. As they say, abs are built in the gym, but revealed in the kitchen! If you want to build a strong and toned core, you need to put just as much care into your diet as you do your workouts.
Try the Full Body Class
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MYTH: Pilates is basically the same as yoga.
Truth: Pilates is a unique movement method.
From the outside looking in, pilates and yoga seem like the same thing: completing a series of low-impact movements on a mat. They both improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
But when we look closer, these two practices differ in their approach. In yoga, you settle into a position, or asana, and hold the pose or flow into a different position. In pilates, however, you settle into a position, then move your arms or legs to achieve different goals. Stabilizing the core is a foundational part of pilates, where not all yoga exercises engage the core.
There are many other differences between pilates and yoga, but the best way to understand the difference is to try it and see for yourself!
Try a Pilates Essentials Class or a Yoga Inspired Class
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MYTH: Pilates is just for women.
Truth: Pilates is for anyone who wants to live healthier or perform at higher levels.
Pilates has become a popular exercise for many women because it is an accessible workout from anywhere, and gets results! But that doesn’t mean it’s just for women.
In fact, pilates was originally created by a man: Joseph Pilates. Joseph was a peak athlete even into old age, participating in gymnastics, boxing, and military training. He developed a unique method of physical training and conditioning, including an “apparatus” that later became the pilates reformer we know and love today. The pilates method was first used to keep inmates in shape but was later used for athletes (especially dancers).
From strength and conditioning to rehabilitation and injury prevention, modern pilates supports the whole athlete, no matter their gender.
Try the Women’s & Men’s Series
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MYTH: Pilates is too easy to be a real workout.
Truth: Pilates can be a serious workout when you want it to be.
If you think pilates is easy, or just light stretching, we’ve got news for you! Pilates is a deep workout that stimulates nearly every muscle in the body – even ones that get neglected in your average gym workout. The deliberate and precise movements that make pilates so effective are also what will make you sweat and feel the burn.
But remember, you’re always in the driver’s seat. Pilates can be as deep and intense (or gentle and restorative) as you want.
Try the Team Sweat Series
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MYTH: Pilates is just physical exercise.
Truth: Pilates is mind-body movement.
You’ll find intentional breathing exercises and mindfulness in every pilates session. In fact, a major benefit of practicing pilates regularly is an increased sense of self-awareness and a deeper connection to your body. It’s also common to feel calm and energized after pilates, just as you would after meditation or yoga.
Try the Calming Class
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MYTH: You have to be flexible to do pilates.
Truth: Anyone can do pilates, no matter their fitness level.
Watching pilates instructors bend and move gracefully through each exercise can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never tried it before. But here’s the truth – no one starts pilates as an expert! What you don’t see behind their seemingly flawless movements are the years of consistent practice, sweat, rest, and recovery.
Here’s another truth: no matter how inflexible or out of shape you think you are, you too can do pilates. Modifications help tailor the exercise to your body as you grow stronger and more flexible with regular practice.
Try the Beginner’s Intro Class or Stretch and Flexibility Class
IN SUMMARY
- Pilates not only tones your abs but is a whole-body workout. Along with strengthening and toning your abdominal muscles, pilates also helps you improve your posture and increase flexibility, balance, and stability in nearly every muscle and joint in the body.
- Pilates is a unique movement method and is extremely dissimilar to yoga. In yoga, you settle into a position, or asana, and hold the pose or flow into a different position. In pilates, however, you settle into a position, then move your arms or legs to achieve different goals. Stabilizing the core is a foundational part of pilates, where not all yoga exercises engage the core.
- Pilates is for anyone who wants to live healthier or perform at higher levels. From strength and conditioning to rehabilitation and injury prevention, modern pilates supports the whole athlete, no matter their gender.
- Pilates is a mind-body movement and deep workout that stimulates nearly every muscle in the body – even ones that get neglected in your average gym workout. The deliberate and precise movements that make pilates so effective are also what will make you sweat and feel the burn.
- No matter how inflexible or out of shape you think you are, you too can do pilates. Modifications help tailor the exercise to your body as you grow stronger and more flexible with regular practice.