A Little Pilates FAQ

Q1) What are the benefits of Pilates?

A1) A stronger core (back, tummy, hip and abdominal muscles), strengthening and lengthening of the limbs (stretching muscles), better balance, coordination, cardiovascular function, body composition and general improvement in health.

Q2) How does it work?

A2) Each exercise challenges you to maintain core stability while moving your periphery in some way. For instance, Leg Circles requires you to keep the torso still while making small circles with one leg lifted straight up. In this way the core and the limbs are both worked. Each of the 40 Classic Matwork exercises work the core and limbs in different combinations and together the whole body. Core stabilisation (Pilates called it Centring) is key to the discipline and its main differentiator from other systems, shaping how exercises are learnt and performed.

Q3) So are there only 40 Pilates exercises?

A3) The Classic Matwork series is the core of the Pilates Method. In fact there are many variations of each of these and other series, some using equipment: Magic Circle, Reformer and Reformer on Mat, Cadillac, Wonder Chair, Ped'a'Pull. About 500 created by Pilates and another 1000 or so since Pilates died.

Q4) Did Pilates make up all these exercises himself?

A4) Pilates drew inspiration from many sources including: weight training, yoga, boxing, dancing and gymnastics. Part of his talent was combining features of different disciplines. He was also a student of Kinesiology and undoubtedly learnt from contemporary leaders in his field such as Eugen Sandow. Pilates instructors have also drawn from the work of Physical Therapists.

Q5) Is Pilates only for women?

Q5) No. Pilates originally worked with men almost exclusively. It is easy to see how this idea has become common place and it may surprise many to know that Pilates was a cigar smoking, beer drinking gymnast and acrobat.

Q6) Why is Pilates often recommended to help people with bad backs, knees and so on?

A6) Pilates balances cooperating muscle groups around joints. Initially, short muscles are lengthened and over time, weak muscles are strengthened. Obviously, this requires quite detailed anatomical knowledge as everybody has individual problems. Sometimes the line between Pilates instructor and therapist can be a little blurry.

Q7) Why did you decide to take up Pilates?

A7) I wanted to be stronger and more supple but I don't like Gyms too much. I wanted something I could do without lots of expensive equipment and could be adapted to suite my needs. Pilates seemed to really fit the bill and my first class was like nothing I'd done before.