Pilates Myths - Busted!

Pilates is just for women

Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's. He was trained in gymnastics, body building, martial arts and boxing. During the First World War he has interned in the UK and taught his fellow internees wrestling and self-defence so that they would emerge stronger after their internment than before.

He later moved to New York with his wife where they set up a studio and taught 'Contrology". It was never designed just for women! Their first students included dancers and gymnasts - both men and women! However most of the students who became first generation instructors were women which has perhaps led to the perception that Pilates is for women.

More recently however many athletes have discovered the benefits of Pilates and more men are both practicing Pilates and becoming instructors. Some famous lovers of Pilates include Tom Brady (NFL player), Lebron James (NBA player), Andy Murray (tennis), David Boudia (Olympic diver), Missy Franklin (Olympic swimmer) to name but a few!

Pilates is easy

Anyone who has actually taken a Pilates class knows it's not easy! You are working all the deep muscles in your body that are often neglected in regular gym workouts, as well as focusing on the abs - you will definitely feel it the next day. In fact, the more you do Pilates the harder it gets!

Often the simplest looking exercises are the hardest because you are focusing on using the right muscles to execute the movement with precision.

You can also add small props to increase the intensity such as flex bands, fitness circles, stability balls and small weights.

It's just for dancers and gymnasts

When Joseph Pilates first started teaching in his New York studio most of his clients were dancers and gymnasts but the principles work for everyone from beginners to athletes, whether you're in rehab or peak physical fitness you will benefit from Pilates.

As more and more people become instructors - more and more different types of people start practicing it! In 2018 just over 9 million people in the US did Pilates!

You need fancy machines

No! There are two types of Pilates classes - mat classes and equipment classes. You can easily do the mat classes at home without any equipment! If you do a mat class at a gym or studio they may have some small props such as flex bands, fitness circles or stability balls.

Equipment classes are held in dedicated Pilates studios where you will find specialist Pilates equipment such as reformers, cadillacs, and stability chairs. Home enthusiasts can also purchase this equipment for their home studio of course!

Pilates is only a core workout

Whilst Pilates definitely focuses on your core, you get a full body workout during class! In fact when developing the exercises Joseph Pilates made sure that they worked the whole body in all ranges of motion, keeping the body balanced.