Pilates Myths

Next time you hear someone claiming any of these common misnomers as truth, you can stand up and declare, "That is a pilates myth!"

Myth: Pilates is for women only.

Truth: Ok, how could this be true? Especially when you realize that Joseph Pilates was a man and he invented the method!

It might be true that most classes have more women than men, but its not because pilates is just for women. Its most likely because pilates is marketed more towards women.

Men, you have a lot to gain from pilates- flexibility, core strengthen, and rejuvinating your whole body will help you advance in the other sports you participate in!

Myth: You're too fat for pilates.

Truth: People of all sizes, shapes, and ages do pilates. Most commercial material shows thin people doing pilates, which isn't necessarily a fair representation of what an actual class full of people looks like.

Even if you feel that your weight prohibits you from moving properly through the exercises, don't let it hold you back from trying a class. You'll be surprised how your teacher can show you modifications for the movements that you can't do. And you'll feel proud of yourself as you advance and you become able to move with more freedom and flexibility.

Myth: Pilates is exercise for dancers.

Truth: Joseph Pilates did teach his method to dancers in New York City, but he also taught people of all professions. Dancers were attracted to him because he was able to help heal them from their injuries. Today, many dancers teach pilates as a side job to their dancing. However, these factors don't mean that pilates is only for dancers.

Myth: Pilates lengthens your body.

Truth: Its not physically possible to literally lengthen your body, unless you get that surgery when they break your legs so you can be taller. As far as pilates is concerned, your body will look and feel lengthened. You'll definitely feel like you've "grown taller" from doing pilates but-

Its not that you literally grow taller, but you actually regain your true height... the height and length that you are capable of when you don't let gravity win.

Myth: Pilates is not a real workout.

Truth: You might hear gym-goers or personal trainers say this, usually because they've never done pilates or they feel insecure about pilates as their competition. If your personal trainer says pilates is a great workout and an very good compliment to your personal training sessions... then you have a great personal trainer who really knows what's good for the body!

Of course pilates is a real workout, if it wasn't, what would explain the way you look and feel after a great class, or the fact that we use weighted springs and bars, or the fact that you develop muscles from pilates....

Myth: Using the equipment is harder than just a mat class.

Truth: Both are challenging in their own ways, though I think most people who practice pilates would agree that the matwork is harder than the equipment. You might not expect this to be true, until you realize this:

The equipment does provide resistance, but it also provides assistance. On the mat... you're on your own, fighting against gravity without any help at all!