Pilates myths debunked
Pilates Myths Debunked
There are lots of myths out there about Pilates! Read on to find out about some widely held beliefs about Pilates, that are actually just myths…
That it's the same as Yoga
Whilst Pilates and Yoga are both low-impact forms of exercise that emphasise a mind-body connection, they are distinct practices with different approaches and techniques. See my separate blog post for a more in-depth dive into the differences between Pilates and Yoga.
That you can only do it if you are a Yummy Mummy who meets her other Yummy Mummy friends afterwards for coffee and avocado on toast in a trendy coffee shop!
This is what happens when people confuse the world of Instagram with real life. In real life people of any age, gender, weight and ability are practicing Pilates – and EVERYONE should be practicing it!
That it's only for the young and fit
Pilates is adaptable and can be beneficial for people of all ages and fitness levels. As a low-impact exercise, it is particularly suitable for older adults or those recovering from injuries. Scientific studies show Pilates improves balance, flexibility, and core strength, crucial for healthy aging.
That it's easy, and not a serious workout
While Pilates is adapted for various fitness and experience levels, it is by no means an easy workout. Anyone who has tried the full version of the original 34 exercises will be in full agreement that they are not easy!
Pilates focuses on controlled movements that engage both the body and mind, often targeting deeper muscle groups that are not addressed in other forms of exercise. Stabilising these core muscles has shown to be key to improving overall strength and fitness.
It is usually men who think that Pilates is going to be easy (Pilates - it’s just a bit of stretching isn’t it?). I remain extremely humble about my own abilities, as despite the amount of Pilates I do myself I still have extremely weak abdominal muscles! However, there is a little satisfaction in taking a group of cross-fit types who think they are extremely strong and seeing them taken down a peg or two by their inability to lie on their back and lift their legs into the air!
I always challenge anyone who says Pilates is easy to come to one of my classes and see if they are still saying that even after the first 10 minutes!
That it's only for women.
Pilates is for everyone, regardless of gender. Men are much harder to persuade to try Pilates. However, once they have tried it and they realise that - 1) it's a serious workout, and 2) they start to feel the benefits, they are usually long term Pilates practitioners unless some health challenge prevents them from practicing. One of the biggest benefits for men generally is improved mobility in their hip region, which is not as naturally loose as women’s. Men tend to be much stronger in the larger muscle groups (such as quads, hamstrings, glutes and also the upper body), but weaker in the smaller, deeper core and stabilising muscles that surround the spine. Pilates focuses heavily on building strength in these stabilising muscles.
You need lots of expensive specialist equipment
Pilates can be practiced with or without equipment. Mat-based Pilates exercises are extremely effective and can be done using just your body weight. In fact, Mat classes can provide a significant challenge compared to using some of the bigger Pilates equipment as there is nothing to “assist” in the movement. Small equipment such as Pilates balls, rings, resistance bands and hand weights are inexpensive, and they don't take up much space when not being used. You can get an extremely varied and challenging workout using the small equipment.
Pilates is Boring
Pilates is anything but boring. Sessions require concentration and mindfulness, making them mentally engaging as well as physically. With a variety of exercises and modifications, Pilates routines can be dynamic and challenging. Many people (especially those like me who don't enjoy the gym environment), find the focus on breath and movement to be a refreshing and invigorating experience.
You need to be flexible to practice Pilates
Practicing Pilates will help increase flexibility, but being flexible isn't necessary to start. In addition to increasing flexibility, Pilates can help practitioners to increase their range of motion and reduce stiffness. Obviously, this doesn't happen overnight, but takes regular practice.
Pilates doesn't help with weight loss
Pilates doesn't burn as many calories as some other higher-intensity forms of exercise, BUT it can still be a valuable part of a weight loss program. Pilates builds muscle mass which can increase metabolic rate. Pilates also has so many other benefits such as improved body composition, energy levels, proprioception, and mobility, which all contribute to a positive weight management program. Especially if people are quite overweight to start with, then higher intensity exercise may help them to lose weight quicker, but these forms of exercise put more strain on joints and heart and blood pressure etc so Pilates would be a safer form of exercise for them. Very often lots of high intensity exercise like running and other cardio will also only be a short term thing – as soon as people stop that exercise, the weight piles back on. Lots of people don’t actually enjoy that kind of exercise either, they are just doing it to lose weight, which makes it much harder to sustain on a long term basis, whereas more people look forward to a Pilates class which makes it much more likely to be a sustainable habit for the long term.
