What do Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna and many world-class NBA basketball players have in common?

Pilates!

This isn’t a myth, but as our previous article revealed, its fat-burning and strength-building properties, its appeal to women, and the fact that it requires special equipment are. Below, we debunk four more myths.

Myth 5: Pilates is only good for the abdominal muscles

It is true that the most noticeable result of Pilates is a flat stomach, as Pilates exercises focus on the core, or more specifically, the transverse abdominal muscles. Strengthening the abdominal muscles leads to stability and improved range of motion throughout the whole body. This is also why Pilates is recommended for those who suffer from back pain.

However, Pilates isn’t just about toning your stomach. With Pilates, you can achieve a flexible, strong body that can move more freely and efficiently. It trains the whole body in a balanced way, not just the abdominal muscles.

Pilates also has a positive effect on the mind. The six principles of Pilates – control, centring, concentration, breathing, flow and precision – all contribute to improving the quality of the connection between body and mind.

Myth 6: Pilates is easy; it’s only for the unfit

This misconception stems from several sources. Firstly, Pilates is extremely versatile. It can be very easy, but also very difficult, depending on the individual’s physical abilities and fitness level. In fact, the adaptability of the exercises is one of the greatest advantages of Pilates compared to other forms of exercise. The other reason is linked to the popularity of Pilates. As it became increasingly popular, more and more gyms began offering beginner Pilates courses. Although this is extremely useful, as it has introduced many people to this form of exercise, most have remained at this beginner level, as there are far fewer courses available at an advanced level. The third reason why many people consider Pilates to be easy is that the exercises must be performed with precision and concentration. The emphasis is on awareness and control, not speed, so to an outside observer the exercises may appear extremely easy.

There are other reasons as well, including the fact that it is ideal for expectant mothers, that it can be used for rehabilitation purposes, and that it is suitable for both young and older people. However, Pilates presents a challenge even for the fittest athletes.

Myth 7: Pilates and yoga are one and the same

Both yoga and Pilates instructors cringe when someone uses the terms ‘yoga’ and ‘Pilates’ as if they were synonyms. Pilates and yoga are not the same thing. Pilates did not evolve from yoga, nor vice versa. In fact, there is no evidence that Joseph Pilates ever practised yoga (although he did actively study the connection between mind and body). These are two distinct forms of exercise which, whilst they complement each other well, also stand perfectly well on their own, as they were conceived from the outset as separate disciplines.

Myth 8: Anyone can teach Pilates

The truly sad thing about this misconception is that it isn’t actually a misconception at all. Experience shows that anyone can indeed teach Pilates simply by reading a slim manual, watching a couple of DVDs, or attending a short workshop. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the teaching of Pilates is not yet regulated. Pilates is a sophisticated form of exercise that requires an instructor with the appropriate qualifications.

Fortunately, as smart and discerning consumers, we can choose whose class to sign up for.

The Pilates instructor training course for floor exercises is extremely short, usually lasting just a weekend, but this weekend is preceded by many years spent as a student. Full Pilates instructor training is a much longer process, requiring, among other things, knowledge of anatomy, teaching skills and the appropriate equipment. Most Pilates instructors have the necessary professional background, but as there are no laws or regulations specifying exactly who is allowed to teach Pilates, it is up to us to check carefully who we wish to enrol with.

To sum up: Pilates is an excellent form of exercise, but it is surrounded by numerous misconceptions, so we need to research it thoroughly to ensure it is the right method for achieving our goals. It is beneficial even if you do not engage in any other form of exercise alongside it, but for the best results, it is worth combining it with other activities. Now that we have debunked the eight biggest myths, perhaps we will feel a little more confident about heading to the nearest Pilates class.