Myth Busting - Pilates Style

A few extremely common Pilates misconceptions I felt compelled to write about tonight:

1.) Pilates does not use physio-balls, medicine balls, exercise balls, or any other type of balls you can possibly associate with exercise. Joeseph Pilates NEVER taught using them, and if you see an instructor teaching with one, and calling it "Pilates" you should RUN. Or, at least realize that they were poorly trained, and have a certification that is more than likely not from a reputable certification program.

Physio balls have their use. And are great! However, there are a lot of wonderful things in the fitness world. And, not all of them are called Pilates.

2.) Pilates is not Yoga, and it's not "relaxing". I covered this in the last article if you're looking for an explanation.

3.) Pilates is not just for women. Pilates was designed by a man for men, and was only later adopted for women later on when his clientele gained a huge spike from NYC dancers.

4.) Pilates can cause weight loss. It's a great way to lose weight! The biggest misconception about Pilates is that it's relaxed, slow, and easy, because much of it you get to do lying on a mat. This is hardly the case. As an instructor and an elite athlete, I can say that a Pilates mat done at a fast pace with good form can easily get your heart rate to a cardio level, and leave you in a pool of sweat.

Pilates requires so much concentration because you're asking the body to complete accurate, controlled body movements. At the end of your session when you finally stop focusing on the exercise at hand you will notice. Wow, I am sweating a lot. Often, because so much focus is dedicated to the exercise that the hour of hard work passed by faster than you thought possible.

5.) Pilates does not require flexibility. It's 100% not a requisite for performing Pilates. Yes, Pilates is easier if you're flexible. But many things are easier if you're flexible. The exercise itself will promote and improve flexibility without ever directly doing a stretch only exercise. Flexibility is created by dynamic movement, and making the muscles work for strength, but at the same time with stretch.

I could go on forever, but these 5 general misconceptions are very common.