40 Days for $40 Let’s Get Started!

Top Questions I Get Asked About Pilates

  • Author: lesley.logan
  • July 30, 2019
Home  »  Blog   »   Top Questions I Get Asked About Pilates
Table of Contents
Top Questions I Get Asked About Pilates thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes

Alright, here we go, the questions I get asked the most after people find out I am a Pilates Instructor. And, chances are you’ve had these questions too! If you don’t see your question below then please post it in the comments below.

1) IS PILATES LIKE YOGA? No, not really. As a lover of Yoga I think Pilates is as similar to Yoga as Pilates is to any fitness modality. I believe that it is not Pilates vs ____. It is Pilates and ____. Pilates helps you do everything you love (and don’t love) better.

2) PILATES IS ALL ABOUT ABS, RIGHT? Not at all! You center in Pilates often called your Powerhouse is more than just your abs. It includes your glutes, hamstrings, adductors, abductors, back muscles and the muscles around your shoulder girdle too! Basically, Pilates is about the WHOLE BODY!

3) IS PILATES FOR WOMEN ONLY? Pilates is for EVERY BODY! Athletes are loving how Pilates helps them prevent injury and work they underused muscles. Men should absolutely get down with Pilates. It was in fact invented by a man for men!

4) PILATES, THAT’S FOR DANCERS, RIGHT? Nope, see above. It’s for the whole body and everyone has a body.

5) CAN I GET THE BENEFITS OF PILATES WITHOUT GOING TO A STUDIO? Yes, just like those who do go to a studio you need to be consistent. Do you Mat Pilates work 4-5x a week! And, in a month you’ll really feel the benefits and see them. You can get started with my intro to Pilates classes and then work your way into my all levels classes.

6) WHEN WILL I SEE THE BENEFITS OF DOING PILATES? People like to quote Jospeh Pilates here, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel different, 20 sessions you’ll look different and 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.” What they fail to say is that you need to do Pilates 4-5x a week and that Joseph Pilates guaranteed your money back. So, where ever you find yourself doing Pilates make sure you are doing your home Pilates practice in addition to your in studio sessions or classes.

7) CAN I LOSE WEIGHT DOING PILATES? I definitely did in the beginning. But, that’s because like any workout regimen it helps speed up your metabolism. If you want to lose more than a couple pounds though you need to work with a nutritionist and find a way of eating that you can sustain for the long haul. There are no quick fixes to weight loss. Well there are but they require going under the knife. But the benefits of Pilates are compounding.

8) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PILATES? SOOO many but here are my favorite:

  • Better Posture which equates to looking leaner, having better digestion, looking and feeling confident.
  • Flexibility
  • Strength
  • Balancing your asymmetries
  • Better Coordination
  • Less stress, it’s literally a movement meditation
  • and more!

9) DO I NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE, IN SHAPE, STRONG, INSERT WHAT YOU THINK YOU NEED TO BE, TO DO PILATES? Nope, come as you are. Pilates will meet you where you are. And as you grow it will challenge you. It’s never the same because you are never the same.

10) WHAT IS PILATES? Pilates is a strength based workout that will work your entire body out in one session. It tightens what’s loose and loosens what’s tight. It helps you do everything you love better. It’s a practice that you can take with you where ever you go!

Don’t see your question? Ask it below!

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.

https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1st.webp
Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers.
https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2nd.webp
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

6 comments

  1. Hi!

    The question I have heard is, “Pilates is just the same as the Barre method, isn’t it?”

    Amie

  2. Lesley I am finding rolling over a big challenge. What can I do? I have basically been experiencing back problems for at least two years on and off. I believe stress was a major factor. I am feeling so disheartened. HELP please. Kerry

    1. Hi Kerry, first, thank you for writing in. I love helping people get more connected to their practice. And, that’s what Pilates is. A practice. So, if you are struggling with back pain due to stress then know that someday your Roll up will be there for you if you are doing your Pilates. However, if your back issues have anything to do with scoliosis, herniations etc then it might now be possible.

      If you’ve been using a strap and a poll on your mat (if you have those things) and still can’t get it then it’s time to do other Pilates exercises. We actually don’t get better at exercises by doing them on their own over and over again. We do them by doing all the other exercises. Do you have access to a Wunda Chair? Or what equipment do you have? Let me know and I can help. Also, our OPC members have access to a private FB group where you can share a pic or video of you doing an exercise and I can give you tips on where I see you are weaker or tight or even overworking.

      Let me know if you hvae any questions xx~LL

Leave a comment

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

website pop up summer tour 2025

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.

PINK PONY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Let's talk Horseback? Its not an exercise you might know if you only do the Mat. So when you see Horseback think Spine Stretch Forward. However, both exercises look possible when you see them. Only to be discover there are many many layers. On the Mat we'll focus on what Spine Stretch forward reveals we need to work on and what we might be ready for. On the Reformer Horseback is a revealer exercise. Its not one you go slow on. And, it definitely shows where we have work to do!

See you 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.


UNDER THE SEA

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week’s theme is water named exercises - swan, swimming, seal, and crab. Here’s what’s awesome about these exercises - you learn swan before you learn swimming, and you learn seal before you learn crab. So, when it comes to swimming or crab, you can always replace it with swan or seal as you build yourself up to swimming and crab. And you may be able to practice the crab exercise today if it’s not in your regular practice because we’re going to break it down.

On the reformer, there are swan and swimming exercises, but no seal and crab exercises. However, there are exercises that are similar, and there are exercises that can support you so you can practice seal and crab exercises. Maybe even give it a go after your reformer practice to see how it helps!

Mat Prop: Magic Circle
No props for the reformer.

See you in class,
Christine

BUILD IT UP

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

We are extra excited for this month’s theme: Build It Up! It’s the perfect theme to meet you where you are in your practice.

We’ll start each exercise by doing a few reps of a basic version of the exercise, then we’ll gradually build into the full expression by adding more pieces. We are giving you options to work on any version you feel confident with, so you can find the best version for your body this month. How cool is that?

Props needed:
Mat: No props needed
Reformer: Reformer box and pole
Tower: No props needed
Chair: Reformer box, foam roller is optional

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

UNDER THE SEA

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week’s theme is water named exercises - swan, swimming, seal, and crab. Here’s what’s awesome about these exercises - you learn swan before you learn swimming, and you learn seal before you learn crab. So, when it comes to swimming or crab, you can always replace it with swan or seal as you build yourself up to swimming and crab. And you may be able to practice the crab exercise today if it’s not in your regular practice because we’re going to break it down.

On the reformer, there are swan and swimming exercises, but no seal and crab exercises. However, there are exercises that are similar, and there are exercises that can support you so you can practice seal and crab exercises. Maybe even give it a go after your reformer practice to see how it helps!

See you in class,
Christine

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 and a reformer!

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


SUMMER SUMMER SUMMERTIME

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Summertime brings all types of fun activities such as paddle boarding, hiking, biking, swimming and more! This class will focus on some of the strength needed for these activities. Mindi loves paddle boarding, so she will show you some of the exercises that help her with that activity! Let's work the whole body and have some fun with Summertime!

Mat - stretch band or leggings to use as a stretch band
Reformer - no props

See ya in class,
Mindi

SUMMER SUMMER SUMMERTIME

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Summertime brings all types of fun activities such as paddle boarding, hiking, biking, swimming and more! This class will focus on some of the strength needed for these activities. Mindi loves paddle boarding, so she will show you some of the exercises that help her with that activity! Let's work the whole body and have some fun with Summertime!

See ya in class,
Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, stretch band or leggings to use as a stretch band 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.


HAPPY FEET

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

During our lives, our feet carry us up to 100.000 miles (160.000 km)! I would say "Great job!". Unfortunately we often don´t give them the attention they deserve. Joe Pilates saw the importance of foot strength and mobility and invented special appartuses and exercises like for example Foot Corrector and Footwork.

In this week's classes on Mat and Reformer we are going to focus on integrating our feet in our routines. With strong feet that are mobile and stabilizing we gain a healthy posture, a better circulation and good connection to our Thass! Lets get started.

Mat Props: Mat, firm small ball (for example tennis ball), small towel
Reformer Props: Magic Circle, 2 Yoga blocks (both not absolutely necessary!)

See you in class,
Yasmin

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Wondering when to breathe in an exercise? If you're new to Pilates I don't love to overwhelm you with instructions on how to do an exercise, what to focus on AND when to breathe. So, if you're brand new please don't let the breath cues overwhelm you. Please just keep breathing. If you've been doing Pilates for a while, this week focus on your breath. Does it help you get more out of an exercise?

Also, if possible, breathe in and out through your nose.

No props needed.

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.


TREE HUGGERS UNITE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Tree & Hug a Tree are 2 of my favorite Pilates exercises! They both have fun variations, promote amazing posture, and help us feel more powerful every time we do them. Let’s increase our connections to these 2 faves!

You’ll need a Magic Circle. A ball or a pillow can be used as a substitute.

See you in class,
Tami

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