The 5 Biggest Myths About Pilates
In our fast-paced “go big or go home” world, it might seem like the slow and mindful movements of Pilates have nothing to offer. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
For those in the know, Pilates is an amazingly holistic exercise method that strengthens and tones while improving balance, coordination, flexibility, and overall well-being.
So if you’re considering giving Pilates a try, it’s important to understand the myths about Pilates and why you shouldn’t buy into them.
The 5 Biggest Myths About Pilates
Pilates is a dynamic practice that offers so many benefits. Yet, it’s still a practice that’s misunderstood. As such, there are those who fallaciously believe that Pilates is the following:
1. Just Stretching and Not a Real Workout
Uh, yeah! You’re going to gain some serious flexibility with a regular Pilates practice. But the focus doesn’t stop there. The dynamic exercises in Pilates require precise movement patterns that help you build strength, control, and coordination.
In fact, the challenging and full-body focus of Pilates has an increasing number of professional athletes incorporating it into their training regimen. Not only does it help to enhance their performance, but since the exercises in Pilates challenge stability and proprioception, they go the distance in preventing injuries too.
2. Mostly For Women and Young People
If you attend a Pilates class, there’s a good chance that you WILL see more women than men. And depending on the class, the crowd may lean toward the younger side. Here’s the thing though – Pilates can be adapted to suit people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s also a great practice for men.
The practice itself was created by Joseph Pilates (yes, a man) and was initially utilized by mostly male soldiers and athletes. Eventually, ballet dancers (male and female) found it an invaluable part of their training.
In all likelihood, the ‘young female’ representation is a result of marketing gurus attempting to appeal to a youth-obsessed culture. This is unfortunate because Pilates is beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their health.
3. More of a Rehabilitative Practice
Some are familiar with Pilates as a proven therapeutic modality for anyone recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition. Yep, it’s great for that. In fact, Pilates-based physical therapy is often recommended by doctors and other specialists for rehabilitative purposes.
This is not its sole purpose though. As mentioned above, Pilates is a dynamic practice that provides numerous benefits. Key among these is the enhancement of body awareness to reduce the risk of injury during any physical activity.
4. An Expensive Fad
Come on, now. How can a practice that’s been around for over a century be a fad? Sure, Pilates has evolved since the early days of Joseph Pilates. New research continues to spawn innovative techniques. Even so, the time-tested practice is still based on its six core principles to achieve optimal health and fitness.
As far as expense goes, there will always be studios charging more than you want to pay. But you can take advantage of introductory classes, community programs, and even online workouts. If you get a regular practice going and befriend fellow practitioners, you can also arrange private classes and split the cost with them. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
5. Done Exclusively on Specialized Equipment
First, the good news. Many of the exercises in Pilates can be done on a mat. And we mean MANY. Mat Pilates is completely accessible and requires little to no equipment.
For those who wish to try some of the machinery, we know how intimidating it can be. One of the most widely known pieces of machinery, the reformer, can seem a little overwhelming at first. As with everything though, you’ll feel more at home once you’ve used it numerous times.
Don’t Buy Into the Hype!
The above are just five of the myths about Pilates floating around out there. No need to pay them any heed.
Of course, the best way to discover this amazing practice is to try it for yourself. So if you’re curious about how Pilates can improve your overall health, contact us today. We offer a variety of classes to get you started.
Plus, if you’re seeking Pilates-based physical therapy, we’ve got you covered. Our highly trained therapists will help you get on the road to recovery through Pilates. So don’t hesitate to reach out!