Top Questions I Get Asked About Pilates

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.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • July 30, 2019
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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.

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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

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bfcm opc pop up | Online Pilates Classes

No, thanks!

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.

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

THE CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

What Storms you ask? Well, Thanksgiving (USA) just happened and we’re kicking off the big Holiday Season right away. Let’s use this week’s Mat & Reformer classes to connect to our breath, center from the powerhouse, and find a little calm.

On the Reformer, we’ll be working to make Running more than that exercise you do to stretch your calves. And on the Mat well alter some of our traditional breathing patterns for a calming challenge!

You won’t need any special props, just your fabulous, Deep-Breathing selves!

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, a theraband and a reformer!

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

THE BOSS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In the states its the week of Thanksgiving which means a lot of things to do and little time for you. And whether you live in the states or not I wanted to give everyone an excuse to leave any room so they can "meet with the boss" aka take class!

And you are the boss! The meeting is with you, your practice and OPC! Tell people The Boss called. They'll let you go and they'll totally understand that 30 min is a legit time to talk to The Boss.

The prop needed on the Mat: Pillows or a bolster or ball. I'm thinking about things you might have in any bedroom to take a call.

Reformer: if you happen to have access to a Reformer this week YAY! The Reformer is going to be the boss. The sounds it makes, the way it feels, its got feedback for ya!

See ya in class,

xx~LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, pillows or a bolster or ball 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.

TINSEL AND TEASERS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’ll focus on Teaser because we can! It’s hard! And when in need a pretty great party trick.

The end of the year brings lots of parties you want to go to, some you have to go to and some you wish you could get out of.

Let this workout be and excuse for not going to a party or as a prep for the party trick you might just need!

Props: On the Mat and Reformer a theraband for your Tinsel!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

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

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

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

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

SLEIGH THE DAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Sleigh or Slay? This time of year we say both!

Reflecting on the year and recognizing all of the work we put into our practice hopefully feels like we slayed the year!! Now we are getting ready for the holidays and heading into a new year so we can sleigh and get it done!

This week I want you to feel like you can do your very best with each exercise! Meet your body where it is, have fun and dont judge how it goes! There are always those exercises you aren’t sure about, but today you just have to go into it saying, I WILL SLEIGH this one! Lets do this!!

No props needed for these classes!

See you in class,

Mindi

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.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby 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.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

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

There are some Rocking Moves in Pilates! This whole month we’ll be getting our Jingle On as we use each piece of equipment to prepare for and expand on those rolling & rocking postures. Bring that holiday spirit, let's rock!

Mat - no props needed
Reformer - Reformer Box and Pole
Cadillac - no props needed
Chair - no props needed

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

Super STAR

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

Did you know that a Superstar has definitions surrounding it that call out words like “prime attraction”, “prominent”, and “public appeal”?

I’m laughing as I write this description because this month’s theme is about the exercise STAR and I think these words are usually disassociated with that exercise! LOL!!!

If you hate doing Star, never wanted to try Star, or have no idea what Star is - these workouts are for YOU!!
If you love Star - I’d love to know why, but also - these workouts are for YOU!!

Throughout the Pilates method there aren’t many exercises where the side body is the main attraction, which is interesting because we need to use our side body to do some of the first exercises we learn. Rolling exercises, Roll Up, and Push Up/Planking - all need to call on your side body muscles to help you do the exercises.

Our focus this month is side body work to help you not only be a SuperSTAR and try STAR, but to help you connect to these muscles to do all the other exercises.

Let’s have FUN this month and forget about the stigma STAR may or may not have :)

Equipment needed:

Reformer = the box

Cadillac = no props needed!

Chair = no props needed, but you might want a yoga block to prop up your pedal

Mat = no props needed!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋