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Top Myths About Pilates

  • Author: lesley.logan
  • August 15, 2019
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Top Myths About Pilates thegem blog-default - Online Pilates Classes

Just like Crossfit, Yoga, HIIT and other fitness modalities Pilates has its fair share of myths. The myths cover what Pilates is, the benefits of Pilates, who can do Pilates and where you can do Pilates. And, I am sure there are other myths that have not even been made up yet!

I’m super excited to bust these myths and give you some clarity so that you can do Pilates for what it is wherever you are!

Myth #1: Pilates is for Fit People

This one makes me laugh. I’ve also heard Pilates is for flexible people. Or, I’ll start Pilates when I get more fit or more flexible. But, Pilates is actually the best exercise no matter what your fitness level is. Pilates has 500 basic exercises. Which means it will meet you where you are! And, my clients who are personal trainers and athletes have it harder than clients who are starting fresh with almost no fitness practice. That’s because they try to “muscle” through their practice and not embody Pilates. So, if you’ve been waiting to start until you’re “fit enough,” “Strong enough,” or “flexible enough,” you are already enough. And Pilates will take you the way that you are.

Myth #2: Pilates will help you lose weight

Ok, so Pilates and other fitness workouts alone cannot help you lose weight. You might lose a few pounds but abs were made in the kitchen! So, any workout you choose if weight loss is a goal you need to work with a nutritionist and add exercise in. Pilates will help increase your metabolism for up to 48 hours after you do it just like any other strength based workout. And, it’ll make you feel sooo good when you’re done. But, all on its own it won’t move the scale the way you probably want. You should still do Pilates though!

Myth #3: You have to use the Equipment to do Pilates

Actually, Pilates was designed on the Mat first. So, if all you have is your Mat than you can still do Pilates! Now, if you have access to the equipment you’ll be able to challenge your Pilates practice in other ways.

Myth #4: Pilates is like Yoga

This one probably even annoys the yogis. Pilates and Yoga have a mat practice in common. But, it’s not the same thing. And, the similarities we can discuss. We can find similar movements to Pilates and weight training or Pilates and mediation. You can do Pilates and Yoga, Pilates and running, Pilates and Weight Training. It’s not this vs that. It’s Pilates and ___. Because Pilates helps you do everything better.

Myth #5: Pilates is for women

Pilates is for EVERYBODY! You can ben any age or gender and Pilates will meet you where you are. The sooner you start the sooner you feel the benefits! And, so many athletes have been using Pilates for over a decade now. So, #realmenddopilates

Myth #6: Pilates Is Easy

There’s a great saying that if “Pilates is easy you are doing it wrong.” It’s very true. When you are truly connected and using your whole body Pilates is hard. Not so hard you can’t do it. But it’s more than choreography. You have to focus on what you are doing in every exercise. This makes it a movement meditation!

I’m sure that as time goes by more myths will need to be debunked. But, if you have a question about whether Pilates is right for you, let me know. Whether you have injuries, tightness, aches, or you feel amazing and you wonder if you need to do Pilates know that you do. There’s a Pilates practice that is right for you! If you are brand new, try my Intro to Pilates classes.

xx~LL

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.

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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.

SHAPE OF YOU

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In this Pilates workout we’ll explore the body’s natural ability to move through the five fundamental spinal shapes: tall back, flexion, extension, lateral flexion (side end), and rotation (twist).

As we flow we’ll become more aware of the way our spine moves because the shape of your spine tells the story of how you move.

See you in class,
Megan

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, rod, box and a reformer!

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


BOOM BOOM POW

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Boomerang on the Mat isn't easy for me. It's got sooo much going on. Perhaps that's why Joe Pilates put it at the end. In this week's classes on the Mat and Reformer we'll build up the connections we need to roll through our Boomerang with strength and control. And, focus on the genius of how many exercises ready us for this chaotic controlled roll.

Props needed:
Mat: 1lb weights or water bottles
Reformer: 1lb weight or water bottle

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MOBILITY AND STABILITY

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

Throughout our movement practice we have muscles actively moving and muscles actively holding still. Whether muscles are mobile or muscles are stabilizing us, they’re definitely working and definitely getting stronger while we workout. As we bring awareness to what’s mobile and what’s stable, we hope it helps you connect more to your body, your practice and your overall confidence in movement!

Props needed:
Mat: Squishy ball or bolster
Reformer: None
Tower: None
Chair: Optional box and mat

See ya in class,
xx-LL

IT TAKES 2!

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

Yaasss, it does take 2 to make a thing go right! This month, we’ll only be doing 2 reps of each exercise on the Mat, Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac/Tower. This is such a fun challenge for our bodies. Have a towel nearby because we’re gonna’ work up a sweat!

Props needed:
Mat: Magic Circle
Reformer: None
Tower/Cadillac: None
Wunda Chair: None

See ya in class,
xx-LL

BOOM BOOM POW

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Boomerang on the Mat isn't easy for me. It's got sooo much going on. Perhaps that's why Joe Pilates put it at the end. In this week's classes on the Mat and Reformer we'll build up the connections we need to roll through our Boomerang with strength and control. And, focus on the genius of how many exercises ready us for this chaotic controlled roll.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1lb weights or water bottles and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1lb weight or water bottle and a reformer!

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


FLIP IT AND REVERSE IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Ever wonder why some of the exercises that require more stability, balance, and control are at the end of the order when we’re tired? I have, and I can’t help but think “Why all the madness???”

We know there was definitely a method to the matness (puns intended), but I wonder if there’s a bit of madness to the method. I want to know if it really makes a difference to do the order from beginning to end…so, why not flip our Order and reverse it and then talk about it?

Join me for this week’s classes where we are going to flip it & reverse it! We are going to start at the end of the order and work our way to the beginning. Let’s explore how our bodies feel when doing the “end of the order” exercises while we are COLD and how it feels to do our “warm up” exercises while we are HOT (and maybe a little tired)!

Grab a barrel or a blanket for the Mat class. We might need a little help connecting at the beginning of our workout, and a barrel or blanket will help us do that! Grab a ball and you’ll have everything you need for the Reformer class.

See you in class,
Rachel

PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Pilates is often thought of as a "core" workout. But, if you've been around OPC long enough you know its all about the center and that includes the back. In this weeks class on the Mat and Reformer we are going to explore how our back is part of every exercise.

Props needed:
Mat: 1 exercise a the beginning with the Magic Circle and 1 exercise a theraband or leggings. After that no props needed.
Reformer: None

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic, Theraband or leggings and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1-2lb arm weights and a reformer!

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


SHAPE OF YOU

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In this Pilates workout we’ll explore the body’s natural ability to move through the five fundamental spinal shapes: tall back, flexion, extension, lateral flexion (side end), and rotation (twist).

As we flow we’ll become more aware of the way our spine moves because the shape of your spine tells the story of how you move.

Props needed:
Mat: none
Reformer: Rod and box

See you in class,
Megan

FLIP IT AND REVERSE IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Ever wonder why some of the exercises that require more stability, balance, and control are at the end of the order when we’re tired? I have, and I can’t help but think “Why all the madness???”

We know there was definitely a method to the matness (puns intended), but I wonder if there’s a bit of madness to the method. I want to know if it really makes a difference to do the order from beginning to end…so, why not flip our Order and reverse it and then talk about it?

Join me for this week’s classes where we are going to flip it & reverse it! We are going to start at the end of the order and work our way to the beginning. Let’s explore how our bodies feel when doing the “end of the order” exercises while we are COLD and how it feels to do our “warm up” exercises while we are HOT (and maybe a little tired)!

Grab a barrel or a blanket for the Mat class. We might need a little help connecting at the beginning of our workout, and a barrel or blanket will help us do that! Grab a ball and you’ll have everything you need for the Reformer class.

See you in class,
Rachel

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, barrel or a blanket and a mat!

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

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

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


ARM WEIGHT FUN

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Everytime I use Arm Weights in my workouts I have a lot of fun playing around with the exercises. These little weights have a big impact on our form, control and execution and we also get a sweaty workout. Let´s grab your 1 to 2 pound Arm Weights and get together on your Mat & Reformer to play around and have some fun!

See you in class,
Yasmin

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