Given that you’re reading a blog for a Pilates studio, you may think we’re about to gush about how Pilates is the greatest movement system on earth and that it will help you achieve whatever fitness goal you have.
We love Pilates for its ability to provide students with movement skills and a dependable and adaptable practice that will support them throughout their lives, no matter what life throws at them.
So is Pilates right for you? Well, the truth is, it may not appeal to you if you’re looking for heavy lifting, major weight loss, a heart-pounding workout, or miraculous body transformations in a short amount of time.
What Pilates Won’t Do
No exercise or movement regimen is designed to do everything. And this includes Pilates. It’s an amazing tool that’s highly effective though when used for the purpose for which it was designed. As such, Pilates is NOT recommended for people who wish to focus solely on the following:
1. Hard-core Cardio
Pilates classes and sessions do vary in intensity. And you will move. You may even break a light sweat. But if your goal is a high-endurance sweat fest that will majorly boost your heart health, Pilates won’t accomplish this. Activities like swimming, cycling, and running are better designed for this. Of course, adding Pilates as a supplement to these would allow you to move your body more safely when engaged in these activities.
2. Immediate Rehab from Injuries
There’s a misconception among some in the fitness world that Pilates could replace your regular workout regimen immediately following an injury. The confusion lies in the fact that Pilates is an amazing tool in injury recovery. But not in the acute phase. Medical care and physical therapy are suggested at this point.
It’s important to note that Pilates-based physical therapy is also an option at this point. Going this route will allow you to use Pilates movements under the watchful eye of a physical therapist who’s been trained in this modality. Then once your body is stable enough, you can move to regular Pilates as part of your recovery.
3. Bulking Up
To say that Pilates is only about building long and lean muscles is a fallacy. Pilates does involve strengthening muscles. Particularly the deep stabilizer muscles in the body that are needed for balance, control, and alignment. So while Pilates isn’t going to build larger muscle mass, adding it to a traditional strength training routine will complement it beautifully and allow you to move more safely and with control.
4. A Quick Fix
No, you won’t experience dramatic body changes or quick weight loss in a short amount of time by doing Pilates. No matter what the marketing says.
Yes, once you have a regular Pilates practice, you will likely experience some positive changes to your body. But more importantly, you’ll notice over time that you feel better and move better. You’ll recognize the benefits of moving with purpose and precision so you can support yourself through all of life’s challenges. And at the end of the day, this translates to living better.
And That’s the Magic of Pilates
Pilates isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. It’s an amazing movement system though that can help your body to move through life with more ease, better perform your favorite activities, greatly lower the risk of injury, and recovery safety when you do.
In other words, Pilates is amazingly versatile. And whether it’s your sole practice or you supplement your workout routine with it, the result will be greater stability, more clarity, and a deeper connection to yourself. Pilates will adapt to what your body needs at any given moment.
Is Pilates Right for You?
So is Pilates right for you? The best way to find out is to try it for yourself!
Whether you’re looking for classes to get you started or are seeking Pilates-based physical therapy to deal with an injury, we can help.
Contact us today. And discover the many ways Pilates can shift and adapt to your ever-changing fitness needs.