About Pilates

While most have heard of Pilates, many people know very little about what it is and how it differs from other forms of exercise. Here are answers to some questions I often hear about this unique approach.

What is Pilates?
How is Pilates different from Yoga?
Which is better, Private Instruction or Group Classes?
Am I fit enough to begin learning Pilates?
I have some movement limitations due to an injury/medical condition. Can I do Pilates?
What should I wear?
Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Isn't Pilates mainly for women?
What is the Pilates equipment all about?

What is Pilates?
Pilates is a gentle method of exercise that targets the body's core to develop long, strong, lean muscles, while teaching your body to move more efficiently. It is well known for providing relief from various kinds of back pain, improving postural problems, and guarding against injury, among many other potential benefits. Pilates starts from the center, teaching you to identify the deep core muscles, using the breath to help engage them fully and use them for support as you learn to align and stabilize the spine. From there we move outward, learning to articulate smoothly through the spine in all directions, and then out to the limbs, considering the proper support and alignment of each joint as the whole body becomes stronger. Pilates helps you develop flexibility within a safe range of motion for each joint, and encourages a deep mind-body connection that only deliberate practice can bring.
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How is Pilates different from Yoga?
While Pilates and Yoga may look similar at a glance, in practice they are very different. Yoga generally involves a series of static postures, while Pilates exercises involve constant movement. While both methods offer great benefits in strength and flexibility, Yoga has a definite emphasis on developing flexibility, while Pilates is very much centered on core strength. Yoga practitioners develop that flexibility through poses which gently take the limbs beyond everyday movements to open the joints, while Pilates keeps the joints within a more functional range. Your choice depends on your goals and personal preferences, and many people find value in practicing both!
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Which is better, Private Instruction or Group Classes?
Pilates was originally intended as a one-on-one activity, and private instruction offers a level of customization to your individual needs, goals and schedule that group instruction simply cannot offer. At the same time, group classes provide a fun, affordable workout with lots of variety, and movements can be modified to suit the needs of individuals in the group. While individuals may stick with one or the other, many students get the best of both worlds by scheduling regular private sessions along with their group classes. Others choose to learn the basics thoroughly and at their own pace through private instruction, then move into group classes once they have the basics down. The choice comes down to your personal preferences, schedule, and budget.
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Am I fit enough to begin learning Pilates?
In a word - YES! The beauty of Pilates is that it can be used to benefit most any body, no matter what your starting point is. If for some reason an individual doesn't feel comfortable starting with a group class, private instruction could certainly be an option, either ongoing or in preparation for a group class. Everyone has to start somewhere, and wherever you're at is, quite simply, where you are! Come on in.
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I have some movement limitations due to an injury/medical condition. Can I do Pilates?
Most likely, the answer is yes, but it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. When there is any doubt, I would ask you to do this, simply to make sure we keep you safe! In some cases, group classes may not be appropriate, if many modifications are needed for your condition, or the instructor is unable to provide enough individual guidance to be sure you are performing the movements safely.
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What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes that allow you to move. Yoga clothes are commonly seen in Pilates studios, but sweats and a t-shirt work just as well!
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Will Pilates help me lose weight?
While it does not offer a cardio workout, Pilates can be a positive addition to your weight loss plan. Building lean muscle mass is essential in any plan, and Pilates will help your body move more efficiently in other forms of exercise and daily life.
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Isn't Pilates mainly for women?
Absolutely not! Pilates was created by a man, and men get just as much benefit from practicing it as women. Despite the impression you might get from the wonderful world of fitness trends marketing, the reality is that Pilates never was just for women, and it does not need to be changed to be suitable for men. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and Pilates can help (and challenge!) anyone.
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What is the Pilates equipment all about?
Joseph Pilates created several pieces of equipment, each uniquely customized to the way in which he wanted to move, lengthen and strengthen his students' bodies. Many use spring resistance, others simply provide the perfect shape to encourage specific spinal movements. One thing they all have in common is that they aren't meant to do any of the work for you - they may provide guidance and gentle resistance or support, but it is up to you to perform each exercise with proper alignment and correct sequencing. There are exercises that can be performed on all the different pieces including the mat, and others that are unique to one piece.

The equipment has changed very little since his original designs. Of course various manufacturers have added bells and whistles, but the basic intent of each piece is still at the core of even the fanciest models. Below is an overview of each piece.
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	Reformer - This is the primary piece of resistance equipment. The padded platform, called the carriage, glides smoothly along the rails. The carriage is attached to a set of springs at one end, and a rope and pulley system at the other. There are hundreds of exercises that can be done on this piece, from the gentlest rehab work to the toughest Teasers in the land.
	Cadillac - Also called the Trapeze Table, the Caddy offers a variety of spring lengths and tensions coming from all different directions, and adds a host of three-dimensional movement options into your workout. There are exercises in lying, seated and standing positions, and even some hanging from the bars!
	Stability Chair - My personal favorite, this is a small (chair-sized) piece, with a pedal on one side that can be pressed down against spring resistance. The small base of support and highly adjustable spring tension challenges your overall stability and balance, and the pedal can be split into two, allowing you to work both sides, just one, or both reciprocally.
	Barrels - The Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Arc Barrel are all tools to increase mobility and flexibility in various ways. The Arc Barrel is often incorporated into Matwork exercises, to increase or decrease the level of challenge.
	Mat - Most people wouldn't think of the Mat as a piece of equipment, but the Matwork is absolutely integral to the Pilates method. Bringing it down to you, the floor and gravity, often the Mat version of an exercise is the most challenging. In fact, it's often said that if you have mastered the entire Mat repertoire, you have no need for any equipment! top