Myths About Pilates Debunked
How many of you have heard the phrase, “What you don’t know won’t hurt you”? Well, we at Fine Body Pilates are here to say that what you know about Pilates may be misconstrued. With that in mind, we decided to clear up some of the most familiar myths and misconceptions surround Pilates
Don’t worry! We’ve compiled some of the most familiar myths surround Pilates that shouldn’t put you off from training with its methods. For a safer exercise program with awesome results, forget what you’ve heard about Pilates, and read on to get the facts straight.
1. Pilates is too easy.
Pilates is about control, centering, concentration, and precision. Without applying these principles, the exercise may feel easy, but you’re not doing real Pilates. When properly performed, Pilates should be and feel challenging and rejuvenating no matter your fitness level.
2. Pilates is too difficult.
On the other side of the spectrum, some may find Pilates to be too difficult, even for those who are fit. Pilates engages the core muscles, and in order to get the most out of the exercises, you need to understand how to do them properly. It is highly recommended to take classes with a qualified instructor who can watch and assist to perform the proper form and movements for your body.
3. Pilates is just for women.
It’s understandable that an exercise program that focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor can be misconstrued as an exercise program designed for women. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
As related in our prior post, Real Men Do Pilates, men can undoubtly benefit from this form of exercise as much as women can. Pilates was created by a man, Joseph Pilates, whose intention was to develop an exercise system with the Greek ideal of a balanced mind, body, and spirit.
4. Pilates is just stretching.
Pilates is based on six principles– centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow – in order to build strength and muscle mass. Stretching just so happens to be a byproduct of the primary purpose and you will gain flexibilty with regular Pilates training. The methods used in Pilates exercises will create longer and leaner muscles resulting in improved flexibility, joint stability, and greater ranges of motion.
5. Pilates and yoga are the same.
Both exercise systems have their similarities, yes. However, they are definitely NOT the same. The purpose of Pilates and yoga are not only different, but they both use different movement patterns and exercises.
Pilates was created to help develop a strong mind-body connection as well as develop strength, flexibility for improved posture, and an increase in range of motion. Yoga, on the other hand, is performed by sustaining certain postures in a series of flowing movements.
They both can be performed using a mat on the floor. Pilates, though, can also be done using equipment and apparatus – some designed and invented by Jospeh Pilates, like the reformer, the wunder chair, and the magic circle.
6. You need to be fit and/or already flexible to do Pilates.
As we mentioned before, Pilates can be a great fitness regime no matter your fitness level. Whether you’re a novice, have been doing Pilates for years, have various degrees of flexibility, young, or old, the beauty of this exercise program is that its application can be modified or adapted to suit all the different levels of fitness. Simply put, Pilates can truly be enjoyed by every body.