Myths about Pilates – Part 2

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

Pilates!

This is not a misconception, but our previous article revealed that its fat-burning and strength-building capabilities, its femininity, and the fact that it requires special equipment are. In the following, we will debunk four more misconceptions.

Misconception 5: Pilates is only good for abdominal muscles

It is true that the most striking result of Pilates is a flat stomach, as Pilates exercises focus on the core, specifically the transverse abdominal muscles. Strengthening the abdominal muscles results in stability and freedom of movement throughout the entire body. This is also why Pilates is recommended for those suffering from back pain.

However, Pilates is not just for tightening your stomach. With Pilates, you can achieve a flexible, strong body that can move more freely and efficiently. It trains the entire body in balance, not just the abdominal muscles.

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

Misconception 6: Pilates is easy, only for the weak

This misconception stems from several sources. Firstly, Pilates is incredibly versatile. It can be very easy, but also very difficult, depending on the individual's abilities and condition. In fact, the modifiability of the exercises is one of Pilates' greatest advantages over other forms of exercise. The other reason is related to the popularity of Pilates. As it became more popular, more and more gyms started offering beginner Pilates courses. Although this is extremely useful, as many people got to know this form of exercise this way, most of them remained at this beginner level, as there are far fewer advanced courses. The third reason why many people consider Pilates easy is that Pilates exercises must be performed precisely and with attention. The emphasis is on mindfulness and control, not speed, so to an outside observer, the exercises may seem extremely easy.

There are other reasons besides these, including that it is ideal for pregnant women, that it is used for rehabilitation purposes, and that it is suitable for both young and old. However, Pilates challenges even the most seasoned athletes.

Misconception 7: Pilates and yoga are one and the same

Both yoga and Pilates instructors grit their teeth when someone uses yoga and Pilates as synonyms. Pilates and yoga are not the same. Pilates did not evolve from yoga, nor vice versa. In fact, there is no evidence that Joseph Pilates ever engaged with yoga (although he actively studied the connection between mind and body). These are two distinct forms of movement that complement each other well, but also stand perfectly on their own, as they were conceived from the beginning as separate forms of exercise.

Misconception 8: Anyone can teach Pilates

The truly sad thing about this misconception is that it's not really a misconception. Practice shows that anyone can indeed teach Pilates who reads a thin manual, watches a DVD or two, or attends a short workshop. Unfortunately, Pilates instruction is not yet regulated at the time of writing this article. Pilates is a sophisticated form of exercise that requires an instructor with the appropriate qualifications.

Fortunately, as smart and conscious consumers, we can choose whose class to enroll in.

The Pilates mat instructor course is extremely short, often just a weekend, but this weekend is preceded by many years spent as a student. The full-Pilates instructor training is a much longer process, requiring, among other things, anatomical knowledge, teaching skills, and appropriate equipment. Most Pilates instructors have the appropriate professional background, but since no law or regulation specifies exactly who can teach Pilates, it is our job to find out who we want to enroll with.

In summary: Pilates is an excellent form of exercise, but it is surrounded by many misconceptions, so we need to thoroughly investigate whether it is the right method for achieving our goals. It is also useful if we do not engage in any other form of exercise besides it, but for the best effects, it is worth combining. Now that we have debunked the eight biggest misconceptions, perhaps we will walk to the nearest Pilates class with a little more courage.