40 Days for $40 Let’s Get Started!

Pilates Myths: The Truth About Pilates

  • Author: lesley.logan
  • March 17, 2024
Home  »  Blog   »   Pilates Myths: The Truth About Pilates
the truth about pilates online pilates classes

The Real Truth About Pilates

Maybe you’ve heard that Pilates is similar to yoga or only for women. Or maybe it’s just all core all the time, or that it’s too expensive. Well, the truth is that Pilates has been around for a really long time. And it seems to be everywhere. But there’s a lot of myths and misconceptions around it. And today I’m going to be answering all of your questions, busting those myths, and making sure you understand the real truth about Pilates.

Hi, I’m Lesley Logan, founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com™. And I’ve been doing Pilates since 2005, teaching since 2008. I was lucky enough to take training from someone who was taught by Joseph Pilates, which allowed me to travel the world teaching people about Pilates and its benefits. And because of this, I have seen and heard many of these myths, many of these misconceptions and here’s what frustrates me, it actually keeps people from doing Pilates. If they think it’s just for flexible people, they think it’s too expensive or they think something that is not correct. It keeps them from actually having the real benefits in their body. And so that’s why I’m so excited to share these misconceptions and what the real truth is with you today.

Welcome to OnlinePilatesClasses.com™, the most supportive Pilates-loving community across the globe. Enjoy new weekly classes from our amazing teachers. Download the OnlinePlilatesClasses.com™ app today.

What is Pilates?

Let’s start with what Pilates actually is. Pilates is a strength-based workout designed to balance your imbalances. It was designed by Joseph Pilates and brought to the US in the early 20s. You can do Pilates on a Mat, Reformer, Cadillac or Tower, Wunda Chair. And Joseph Pilates also create some other pieces of equipment that you could also see in a Pilates studio or have access to in your own home studio.

So, over time, marketing experts have gotten their hands on what they think Pilates is and then telling you that you need to be doing Reformer Pilates or Tower Pilates or Chair Pilates. But actually, it’s all Pilates and originally was designed for us to do on the Mat, meaning you didn’t have to have access to any of this equipment. But then, Joseph Pilates realized that we needed some support, we need to have some connections so he created the other pieces of equipment to do in conjunction with the Mat.

Due to Pilates’ evergrowing popularity, a lot of different fitness modalities have tried to jump on the Pilates bandwagon. Meaning, if they are a low-impact workout, they’ll actually put it as a Pilates workout, when it’s not actually Pilates. So Pilates is low-impact fitness but not all low-impact fitness is Pilates.

What Real Pilates Feels Like

So how do you know if you’re actually in a Pilates class? Well, first of all, you can ask the teacher. You can ask them about their training background. You can ask about their personal practice. You’re wanting to hear words like ‘comprehensive training’ or ‘450 hours.’ You’re also wanting to hear that they do have a personal practice of their own because that’s how they’re going to help teach you the best. Classes should also be about the quality of the movement, not the quantity of the movement. So if you feel like you’re doing more than 10 reps of an exercise, chances are that you’re not in a Pilates class. Ideally, you’re looking between five to 10 when you’re new to an exercise, and then around three to five, when you’re more advanced. Every session you’re in should feel like it’s a full-body workout, especially every exercise. Every exercise can feel like it’s full body every time you know you’re in a Pilates class.

To see what real Pilates feels like, go ahead and subscribe to this channel. Take a class from us. We have one coming out next Sunday.

Myth #1: Pilates an AB Workout

Let’s get into these myths. First one, Pilates is your ab workout or is your core workout for the week. Here’s the deal, Pilates can replace all your ab workouts but it is not an ab workout – it is a full-body workout. Now we move from our center, which is not just your abs, it’s the muscles around your torso around your hips, your upper back and arms, so everything that can stabilize your spine. And then your arms and legs are to destabilize it as you move.

Myth #2: Pilates is Just Stretching

Alright, next myth: Pilates is all about stretching or just stretching. Well, here’s the deal, you can get more flexible by doing Pilates – absolutely will happen for you as a benefit. However, it is not a stretch class. If you want to take a stretch class, by all means go take one, but Pilates is a strength-based workout. And then you will have increased flexibility because of the way the exercises ask the muscles to work.

Myth #3: Anyone Can Teach Pilates

All right, next myth: Anyone can teach Pilates. Here’s the deal. I would love that every Pilates lover out there who wants to teach does because their passion is going to bring more people to taking this method. However, just because you have been teaching some other fitness modality doesn’t mean you can just look at the choreography and teach Pilates, you do need to understand the whole method from how it was founded, why the exercises are the way they are, and what the true concepts of Pilates is so that you can bring the full benefits of Pilates to people that are taking from them. So find a teacher who has been comprehensively trained, and understands how the history of Pilates works so that you can really get the benefits of it as you do it. At OnlinePilatesClasses.com™ all of our teachers are comprehensively certified. I am a second-generation teacher, meaning, my teacher studied with Joseph Pilates. And, all of our teachers together have a combined total teaching experience over 70 years. Make sure you check out the about OnlinePilatesClasses.com™ video so you can see everything we have to offer including tutorials, classes, and an amazing community, someone who can actually give you feedback on your practice and so much more. Plus, you will enjoy new workouts for every level here on the channel. So make sure you subscribe and make sure you get those notifications so you never miss a workout.

Myth #4: Pilates is Easy

Alright, next myth: Pilates is easy. All right. So here’s the deal. If Pilates feels easy, it’s probably because you’re understanding the choreography, the moves, what’s going where, but not from where it’s moving from. And that requires you to connect to your center which can take some time. In fact, I always tell people, if you really believe you’re an advanced practitioner, the beginner exercises are going to feel really hard, like the beginner exercises can be a little esoteric. And here’s another myth bust there’s actually no beginner from Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates didn’t have any levels to his exercises. In fact, when you would take from him, he would give you the exercises that were meant for your body. And then as you were ready, he would add more exercises in. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels came in because people had to create levels of classes for people to do it, and to help train teachers. So, when you are doing Pilates, if it feels easy, something is disconnected. And that’s an exploration you can take with your teacher to find out where those connections can come from.

Myth #5: You Need to be Flexible to do Pilates

All right, next myth is: You need to be flexible to do Pilates. Let me just say this right now, you do not need to be more flexible before you do Pilates. You do not need to lose weight before you do Pilates. There’s nothing that needs to change about yourself to start a Pilates practice. All right, you are amazing the way you are and Pilates will meet you where that is. But, Pilates is actually harder for flexible people because they are able to make it look like they’re doing Pilates without actually being connected. So the tighter you are, the easier it is to connect to those muscles and the more you’re going to feel the benefits of Pilates. For my people who are hyper-flexible, hello, I see you. We have to work really hard to find those connections and Pilates will challenge us in that way. And take us on that next journey. Remember, it balances your imbalances. So if you’re tighter, it’s going to make you more flexible. If you’re super flexible, it’s going to make you stronger.

Myth #6: Pilates is Mostly for Women

And maybe you’ve heard Pilates is mostly for women. Here is the deal. Joseph Pilates was a man. And he was a strong man in the circus and he was a boxer. And back when he was creating his fitness modality it was for men. In fact, only in the last few decades have women been encouraged to workout and so while a lot of women do Pilates, it is for you no matter who you are.

On Pilates is for dancers is the next myth that sounds like a lot like Pilates is for women. Here’s the deal, dancers started working with Joseph Pilates. They were actually sent to him to be “fixed.” But it wasn’t actually designed for dancers, however, because so many dancers were working with Joseph Pilates, and then these dancers were traveling the world, they started to teach his methods to other people, a lot of dancers do Pilates. Why? Because it balances your imbalances. And dancers have a lot of them. So it is not just for dancers. However, it is amazing for anyone who is an athlete doing any kind of sport.

Myth #7: Pilates is Like Yoga

All right, so maybe you’ve heard Pilates is like yoga, similar to yoga or a derivative of yoga. Yoga is its own thing. And while there are some exercises that are inspired or may look like they were inspired from yoga, they are actually two very different modalities and they have very different intentions. Pilates does have access to equipment, whereas yoga is slightly different, it’s always on the mat. So then when you look at Pilates on the mat, some people think, Oh, it must be like yoga. But again, the intentions and the goals of the exercises are very different. The breath you need to do Pilates versus yoga is very different. So here’s what I love to tell people: Pilates is going to make your yoga practice amazing. They are different exercise workouts. And I’m super excited because I have an entire video about Pilates and yoga coming up very soon. So make sure you’re subscribed to this channel and get your notification so you don’t miss that video.

Myth #8: Pilates is Expensive

Okay, so something I hear a lot is Pilates is too expensive. I just want to actually myth bust this in a big way. Here’s the deal. If you’re looking at private personal Pilates training, yes, that can be a little bit more than you want to spend on an hour-long workout. However, it’s also very similar to what personal trainers are charging of any kind, and often it’s a lot less. Alright, when we look at Pilates classes, the reason why they can look like they’re more expensive than other fitness modalities is just space. There can only be so many Reformers in a room, often 12, whereas a yoga class, some of them have 30, 40, 50 people. I’ve been in spin studios where there’s 30, 40, 50 bikes. So based on the limited amount of space that Pilates has, for the equipment that it takes up, it can be more expensive for the session, however, you’re getting more attention. And it’s personalized to your body even when you’re in a class because you are going to do the exercise that is meant for you. And at OnlinePilatesClasses.com™, you will see that we have memberships that are actually based on the pieces of equipment you have access to. And a monthly membership at OnlinePilatesClasses.com™ is going to cost you way less than a monthly membership in a brick-and-mortar studio somewhere else. And our classes are designed for all levels. They’re on the Mat, Tower, Reformer or Chair, and again, you pick the classes that you actually have access to the equipment to. You can take a class live with us each month, you can enjoy classes on our app or on-demand on your computer. And you also can get feedback on your form in our amazing, amazing community that’s going to help hold you accountable. So make sure you check out the promo code we have below. It’s OnlinePilatesClasses.com/youtube. Give us a try and see how we can help support you in your Pilates practice.

Leave your comments below

Thank you so much for watching. I hope I answered all of your myth-busting questions. If I didn’t, feel free to put them in the comments below. I’m Lesley Logan. I will see you next week.

By lesley.logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

lesley's teaching style online pilates classes
Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers.
pilates exercise tutorial online pilates classes
Enjoying Lesley's teaching style? Willing to travel? Explore the world while maintaining your practice by joining Lesley on a Pilates retreat.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are “affiliate links”, a link with a special tracking code. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website, and we genuinely appreciate your support. By watching this video, you agree to our Terms and Conditions, which you can read here:https://opc.me/tc

2 comments

  1. hi lesley, less than a year doing pilates and very happy with results. every session is mind blowing and it’s like the only time i can truly say as my me time, being totally present in the moment, not thinking about anything but to feel each every muscle and breath.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

amazon flashcards website pop up

30-minute Mat Classes (6x)
Every Tuesday we drop a new 30-minute Mat class from one of our teachers.
Value: $144

30-Minute Reformer Classes (x6)
Every Tuesday we drop a new 30-minute Reformer class from one of our teachers..
Value: $144

50-Minute LIVE Mat Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Mat class from one of our teachers, and we invite you to join us LIVE for the filming of it.
Value: $159

50-Minute Reformer Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Reformer class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

50-Minute Cadillac Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Cadillac class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

50-Minute Chair Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Chair class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

Members-Only Community Access
Join the most inclusive, supportive, and encouraging community of Pilates enthusiasts just like you. No "Pilates Police" allowed!
Value: $120

Form Feedback Fridays
Every Friday our teaching team responds to member questions! We're the only online Pilates membership that offers direct feedback on your form!
Value: $228

Mobile App
Access everything in your membership directly from your phone! Take class, chat in the community, find new tutorial videos, listen to podcast episodes... all the things!
Value: $100

Recommended Workout Schedule
We've put together a recomended workout schedule for you to get you rolling.
Value: $20

Members-Only Perks
Members get access to our reading/equipment recomendations, special offers/deals, and more.
Value: $40

mask group 8
mask group 10
mask group 9
mask group 6
mask group 7
mask group 5
mask group 4

SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

LOVE POTION NO. 9

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Some days, just thinking about getting your full workout in can seem overwhelming! Let’s do this 2-week focus on the Mat and the Reformer in 9 exercise clips. We’ll flow through 9 exercises, then focus on a deep stretch…then jump to the next 9 exercises, and so on. 

What a great way to reward our efforts and work on our flexibility! And if you’re short on time, your workout is already in bite-sized chunks. 

Jump in where you’d like!

See you in class,
Tami

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


COME AS YOU ARE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Come as you are. As a friend. As I want you to be.

It’s the first month of the year, which tends to put a lot of pressure on people to be a certain way or to start working on new goals, but not this week.

The teachers at OPC want you to come to our classes as you are, because we will meet you where you are. Show up for yourself this week, without an agenda or any goals in mind, and let us celebrate you for showing up and taking class. Simply come as you are.

Props needed:
Mat: barrel, blanket, or bolster
Reformer: small ball

See you in class,
Rachel

PLANK YOU VERY MUCH!

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

After the holidays we can be left feeling like it's been a while since we've moved our bodies. If it's cold where you are then your shoulders are even more forward. And, if the end of the year is at all stressful for you, then hello shoulders in your ears.

This month we are going to explore our "Achy Breaky Hearts." Focusing on extension, tall back, amazing posture and also if we can get our hearts open without over arching.

Mat - Bolster and light weights
Reformer - Theraband/Pole
Tower/Cadillac - no props
Wunda Chair - no props

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

HIP HIP HOORAY

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

We will turn on the heat in your Hips and Thass® this month! When your hip flexors and/or lower back are feeling tight from stress, overwork or sitting too much, these classes can help! Yes, tension in the hip area needs stretch, but tight often means weak - so we will build strength and awareness in your entire lower body.

Enjoy freed and happy hips on Reformer, Wunda Chair, Mat and Tower/Cadillac!

Props needed:
Mat - Magic Circle
Reformer - ball, box & pole
Tower/Cadillac: no props (if you don´t have a bottom hook for Standing Leg Springs you can use a Theraband)
Wunda Chair - Yoga block (not required)

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

PILATES IS MAGIC!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Its my bday week! I'm turning 42 and in my research to find a song or something epic around 42 I found quite a few things. In the intro's of class I explain some of them. But one I found was that Rainbows start at 42 degrees of the reflection. And something I love about Rainbows is they show us how possible it is to find the longest arc always. Rainbows don't sag anywhere.

Props needed:
Magic Circle: If you don’t own a Magic Circle, grab a ball or pillow. Or a resistance band that you can tie to make a circle!

See you in class,
Megan

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


IT'S ALL ABOUT THE EXHALE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In Joseph Pilates book "Return to Life" he talks about the importance of our breath and how most of us do not exhale enough. In this week's class, we will focus on the exhale. Of course, you should still inhale!

You don't need anything extra. Just you and those lungs.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE EXHALE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In Joseph Pilates book "Return to Life" he talks about the importance of our breath and how most of us do not exhale enough. In this week's class, we will focus on the exhale. Of course, you should still inhale!

You don't need anything extra. Just you and those lungs.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


LOVE POTION NO. 9

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Some days, just thinking about getting your full workout in can seem overwhelming! Let’s do this 2-week focus on the Mat and the Reformer in 9 exercise clips. We’ll flow through 9 exercises, then focus on a deep stretch…then jump to the next 9 exercises, and so on. 

What a great way to reward our efforts and work on our flexibility! And if you’re short on time, your workout is already in bite-sized chunks. 

Jump in where you’d like!

See you in class,
Tami

DEFYING GRAVITY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Defying Gravity - kinda of how we do Pilates always! Our practice improves the more we understand that our entire body is working in every exercise. Nothing is over working or under working. In fact, the idea of using tensegrity in our workout can help us identify where we need to explore more strength and length.

This workout, inspired by Wicked and Cynthia Erivo is designed to help you see the power you have within you!

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, barrel, blanket, a broom stick/pole/yard stick and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, small ball and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


PILATES IS MAGIC!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Have you felt the magic of Pilates? Pilates feels so different when we are not only moving joints but finding connections, and it’s magic ✨. In this class we will use the Magic Circle to find those magical connections and then practice finding the connections without our prop.

Magic Circle: If you don’t own a Magic Circle, grab a ball or pillow. Or a resistance band that you can tie to make a circle!

See you in class,
Megan

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL