There's a lot of myths and misconceptions out there regarding Pilates. If you've never tried it you may be mistaken for thinking it's all about core strength or that it's just like yoga! Take a read of these 7 common myths and misconceptions about pilates that I will debunk with valid reasons why Pilates is in fact, brilliant!
Myth #1 - Pilates is All About the Core
While Pilates is known for its focus on core strength and stability, it's a misconception that it's only about working the abdominal muscles. In reality, Pilates engages the entire body in a holistic way, targeting muscles in the arms, legs, back, and hips.
The core is certainly a key component of Pilates, but Pilates integrates the whole body, promoting balance, flexibility, functional strength and alignment as well as an array of other benefits!
Myth #2 - You Must Be Flexible To Do Pilates
Pilates welcomes all bodies, just as they are. By focusing on proper alignment and muscle engagement, Pilates encourages the gradual lengthening of muscles and increased range of motion. Exercises target both superficial and deep stabilising muscles, helping to release muscle tension and tightness, particularly surrounding joints.
There are so many exercises and modifications available. You will gradually become more flexible through a combination of dynamic stretching, controlled movements, and mindful breathing techniques. Pilates not only improves flexibility but also enhances overall mobility, coordination, body awareness, and strength!
If you have been avoiding Pilates because you don't think you are flexible enough - think again! That's a great reason to start.
Myth #3 - Pilates is Just Stretching
Pilates is a full-body exercise system that incorporates a wide range of movements that goes further than increasing flexibility. It helps to build functional strength through resistance training, whilst developing improved control of mobility. Think also - stamina, posture and balance!
Strength + stability + mobility will give you an incredible base of support empowering you to be in control of your body and feel amazing!
I hope if you've tried Pilates it makes you feel strong, but possibly you've not yet felt more than just stretching in your Pilates practise? Let me know in the comments how it's made you feel.
Myth #4 - Pilates Will Help You To Lose Weight
The actual answer is, it depends. Pilates alone is unlikely to help you to lose weight, especially if you only practise it once a week. However, combine some dietary changes with a regular Pilates workout and you should start seeing results. Pilates (like other strength training disciplines) builds lean muscle mass, which raises your metabolism for up to 48 hours after a workout and enables you to burn more calories, even at rest.
A 2021 study found Pilates to effectively reduce body weight and body fat percentage in participants with overweight or obesity. The study found that the longer a person performed Pilates, the more significant the weight loss.
You may wish to seek the advice of a nutritionist or health coach for support with your food and fitness goals!
Myth #5 - Pilates Is Like Yoga
Pilates often gets compared to yoga, but let me clear this up: they're not the same thing! Whilst there are similarities between the two, including the fact they both have a mind-body approach, they're distinct practices.
Pilates is complete coordination of mind, body and spirit - Joseph Pilates
Both Pilates and yoga involve stretching and focus on breathwork, both can be done one a mat and both aim to improve flexibility. However, Yoga is aligned towards spirituality, using movement to connect with Prana, or universal energy. It's primary focus is in meditation before fitness, and then yoga also enhances balance and flexibility.
Pilates is primarily a physical discipline that provides an integrated, full body workout. Even the way in which breathwork is used, is very different. Pilates is more about strength and mobility than just flexibility. If you are hypermobile (HEDs) or have injuries, Pilates may be far more suited to you for it's rehabilitative qualities.
Myth #6 - Pilates Is Only For The Young And Fit
Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that can be adapted to suit people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're recovering from an injury, have specific health concerns like pain or a chronic illness, or are simply looking to improve your overall health, Pilates offers benefits for everyone. It's also not just for women or slim people!
Pilates exercises can be modified to make them easier or more challenging depending on your needs and fitness level. As you become adept at a variety of exercises, the challenge is increased. You might include more weight bearing exercises or integrated full-body movements, a reduced base of support or changed assistance/resistance of springs and props.
By practicing Pilates regularly, you can enhance your vitality and maintain an active lifestyle as you get older.
If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old; if it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.
Myth #7 - Pilates Is Easy And Not A Challenging Workout
Pilates offers a gentle, joint-friendly workout, but don't be fooled – it can be tough for even the fittest athletes. There's a reason professional football players have reformer pilates in their regime!
Pilates demands considerable concentration and control of movement, which can be both mentally and physically challenging. Deliberate, slow paced movements build muscle strength and endurance and can be harder compared to faster workouts (which are also possible in Pilates). Pilates involves integrated, full-body exercises, which with practise, creates strong and resilient bodies.
Debunked: 7 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Pilates
Whether you thought Pilates was like yoga, that it is just stretching and too easy, or just for the young and flexible, hopefully now I've cleared up some misconceptions for you. If you're looking for a practice to integrate mind and body resilience for aging, then do Pilates! Check out this page for how to book.
Need a little more motivation - be inspired by these other articles about Pilates.
Any other ideas (myths or misconceptions) about Pilates that you've heard and would like me to clarify? Drop them in the comments below.
Ali x
Reformer & equipment Pilates in Caterham, Oxted, Whyteleafe, Woldingham, Warlingham, Purley, Coulsdon, Godstone, Bletchingly, Reigate.
Comentários