As a Pilates instructor, I get asked a lot of questions about Pilates, fitness and health in general. Here are some of the most popular questions and my answers.
Q: Will Pilates help me lose weight?
A: Maybe, Pilates may or may not help you lose weight. Any form of movement is great for overall health and weight loss. Pilates is an intelligent form of movement that will challenge you both mentally and physically, which is key for weight loss. However, If weight loss is your ultimate goal, I will refer you to a Registered Dietitian or health care provider first. Then we can work together towards meeting your goals.
Q: Will Pilates tone and strengthen?
A: Absolutely, Pilates (Mat and Equipment) is resistance training, which is ideal for strengthening and toning your body in a safe and effective way.
Q: Is Pilates right for me?
A: I haven’t met anyone that isn’t right for Pilates. Pilates is for everyone no matter your age (I have multiple clients 65+), weight, fitness level or gender (yes guys, Joseph Pilates developed this method and he was a man).
If you are experiencing active pain or are looking to rehab an active injury, I will refer you to a medical professional first to be assessed before starting a Pilates program.
Q: Do I need to be in shape to do Pilates?
A: NO, (I get this a lot!) “I want to do Pilates, but I need to get in shape first.” Pilates meets you where you are. No matter if you are an Olympic athlete, postnatal mom or 60 years old and brand new to exercise. The beauty of one-on-one Pilates sessions is that each class is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Additionally, group classes are leveled by experience. My Online Pilates Membership (add link) has classes for beginners to advanced level.
Q: Is Pilates the same as Yoga?
A: No, both Pilates and Yoga are mind body exercise systems. Both use a mat. Both will help you increase strength and flexibility. However, Pilates is not just a different type of yoga. Pilates is a unique exercise modality that utilizes the mat as well as a number of different apparatus that provide support and resistance.
Q: Does Pilates only work your core?
A: No, while Pilates puts a lot of emphasis on core control and strength, Pilates is in fact a total body workout. At the end of a Pilates session you can expect to feel your whole body (in the best way possible).
Is Pilates just stretching?
A: See Above
I hope this helps to answer many of the questions you have regarding Pilates. If you are still skeptical, or there is something I didn’t answer, please shoot me an email (add link) and I am happy to help!
