FAQ

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a full body, low-impact movement and strength-training system that promotes strength, stability, flexibility, posture, balance, and body control/awareness to help your body move with greater ease, flow and function.

The methodology was created by Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1883. He was a sickly child who took to exercise to improve his health. He was a gymnast and a boxer, and these methodologies influenced his method along with yoga and martial arts. During WWI he was interned in a British war camp for four years, and he began developing the foundation of his method, helping injured soldiers improve their strength and mobility through his exercises. He later immigrated to the US in 1926 where he brought his method, called Contrology, to dancers and performers in New York, helping them rehab and prevent injuries.

Pilates invented various pieces of spring-loaded equipment that provide resistance for muscle strengthening while balancing muscular force at the joints. This promotes flexibility through effective joint range of motion and proper musculoskeletal alignment.

The six principles of Pilates - control, breath, flow, precision, centering, and stability - are woven into every exercise, and this approach is highly effective for building a strong mind-body connection.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

A few of the benefits of Pilates include: improved core strength, improved posture and flexibility, improved balance and coordination, rehabilitation and injury prevention, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced sports performance, and assistance with joint pain and range of motion.

Who is Pilates for?

Pilates is about achieving functional movement, so Pilates can adapted and modified to suit any body, any age, any fitness level, and any stage of life. With a wide variety of exercise modifications and equipment options to either increase or decrease the challenge, Pilates can be adjusted to suit each individual’s needs and abilities, delivering a safe and effective workout for everyone.

With its full-body approach to improving strength, flexibility, endurance and body conditioning, Pilates compliments other activities such as strength training, rehabilitation or sports. Athletes often incorporate it into their training to enhance mobility, agility, and overall performance.

With its focus on mindful breathing, body awareness and mind-body connection, Pilates also offers stress-relief benefits and can be useful for people recovering from injuries, dealing with chronic pain, or looking to prevent injuries.

Is Pilates like Yoga?

Pilates and Yoga are both forms of mindful movement, and both practices emphasize intentional breathing and mind-body awareness. There are some key differences, however, between the two practices:

• Pilates focuses on precise, controlled movements prioritizing alignment, stability, strength and deep core activation. Yoga focuses on held postures that increase flexibility, balance and strength with an emphasis on breathing and meditation.

• Pilates may involve equipment such as the Pilates Reformer, whereas Yoga is a bodyweight-only practice.

• Pilates is a 100-year-old exercise modality based on a set of principles; Yoga is an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy and spirituality.