Frequently asked questions about Pilates

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of movement, stretching and strengthening originally created by Joseph Pilates in Germany in the beginning of the 19th century. Pilates’ focus was to address people’s injuries with the Pilates Reformer and other equipment, and once they were healed, teach them the Pilates based exercise and fitness program of maintaining overall balance and strength so that they could avoid injuries in the future, or heal from injury more quickly.

How is Pilates different from Yoga?

Pilates and Yoga are both movement therapies, but very different in practice.

·      Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s first in German, and later in New York. Yoga evolved over hundreds of years in India.

·      Yoga typically has a spiritual dimension to the movement practice that Pilates does not.

·      Pilates is more focused on strength and stability, and Yoga is most focused on flexibility, balance, and quieting the mind.

·      There is only mat work in Yoga, whereas Pilates has a whole repertoire on the mat but also on specialized machines.

Can I start a Pilates program if I have never done Pilates or Yoga?

Yes. Pilates can be the perfect form of exercise for beginners – as long as you start with private sessions from a qualified instructor or attend a beginner class of gentle Pilates exercises from a qualified instructor.

Can I start a Pilates program if I am out of shape?

Absolutely. Pilates is one of the best ways to start a fitness program of any kind, as long as you start with gentle exercises and not rush into an advanced mat class.

Can I start a Pilates program if I am getting over a chronic illness or recovering from an injury?

Yes, Pilates is perfect for recovering illness or injury, but only if you work with a qualified instructor with many years of experience in this type of deeper work focused on small but steady progress toward greater strength and mobility.

Are there men who do Pilates?

That is a resounding yes! Plenty of men do Pilates and get great benefits from Pilates, even though it seems that currently it is mostly women who choose to benefit from Pilates based work.

How long does it take to see results?

Most people see some sort of results pretty much right away. You will experience better and quicker results if you commit to a daily home program or take multiple classes per week.

Can I do Pilates if I have had abdominal surgery?

Yes, but wait until a few months post-operation to start Pilates, and always start with basic exercises that do not tax the core too much. Never just jump into a Pilates mat class at a gym or fitness center. Abdominal surgery recovery takes time and should be process-ortiented, and follow a step-by-step method that will show slow, but steady results.

Will Pilates help me lose weight?

Pilates is not aerobic, so is not a weight loss method. That said, many people report losing inches as they strengthen and tone. Many people report paying closer attention to diet once starting a Pilates Program, and lose weight as a result of better eating habits and a greater focus on their body and good health.

Can I do Pilates if I am overweight?

Yes. Start slow and build up over time.

I am really inflexible and never stretch, can I still do Pilates?

Yes, Pilates will increase flexibility and lengthen muscles.