PILATES EMPOWERMENT
by Kerry De Vivo
March 2015 Scoop
5 Top Pilates Myths...De-Mystified
When I first started doing and teaching Pilates, few people knew what it was. People often said, “Pilates? Is that a type of food?” Today, most people have heard of Pilates. However, it is very rare to find someone who truly understands what Pilates is. Many of our current clients like to share the joy of Pilates with friends and family and sometimes run into some of these common misunderstandings. So, let's demystify the top five myths about Pilates I've encountered.
Myth #1 “Pilates is too hard for me”:
I often hear people say, “I need to get in better shape before I do Pilates" or “I need to get more flexible before I do Pilates.” The truth is, Pilates will help you get in shape and increase flexibility along with strength - deep, integrated strength. The original Pilates Method is demanding in that it is designed to uniformly develop the body. We are called in sessions to challenge our weaknesses and use mental focus to make our bodies more balanced. However, while Pilates is high in result, it is low in impact. While there is challenge in how we use the body and mind in Pilates, it is never harsh.
Myth #2 “Pilates is only for women”:
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| Kerry working with a local student |
Pilates was founded by Joseph Pilates, a boxer, diver, gymnast, and skier. He smoked cigars and drank beer, yet he worked diligently on his physical fitness. The Pilates Method was developed by a man for men and women. While we do have a higher percentage of female clients, we have male clients who are just as devoted to their Pilates workout. Check out my Pilates IS for Men blog article http://excelpilatesannapolis.blogspot.com/2015/02/pilates-is-for-men.html and read my dare.
Myth #3 “Pilates is just Mat exercises”:
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| Wunda Chair & Universal Reformer |
While the Mat exercises of a Pilates workout are considered the foundation of the work, the Mat is only a portion of the method. Joseph Pilates created apparatus (specific exercise equipment for his exercises, such as the Wunda Chair, Cadillac, Universal Reformer, and more), most of which are spring loaded to support the Mat work. When you work with springs, you develop your body and muscles like springs - strong, articulate, flexible, and controlled. Joseph Pilates referred to his work as Contrology when he was alive. So in a workout, we work on controlling our muscles and the apparatus. Also, the Mat exercises are designed to be done on a studio Mat, which is unique. These Mats are slightly raised, have a foot strap, side boxes, and a bar rung through the other side.
Myth #4 “Pilates is the same everywhere”:
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| Where Kerry studied with Romana Kryzanowska in NYC |
Not true. There is a lineage of Pilates teachers that can be traced back to Joseph Pilates and his protégé Romana Kryzanowska. Teachers trained in the lineage and dedicated to the original work, teach the original Pilates work which is very powerful. A properly trained teacher will know how to modify, vary, and layer in the exercises for all clients. This teacher also upholds the intent and spirit of Pilates.
Myth #5 “Iʼm not coordinated enough to do Pilates”:
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| Studio clients doing advanced level exercises with Kerry - no dance background involved for them - this photo was taken at their 10 year anniversary of doing Pilates |
Few of our clients are dancers. Of the six Pilates principles: breath, control, precision, concentration, centering, and flowing movement, none of them include coordination, so weʼre all good! Certainly coordination is an important aspect of Pilates, but do not be discouraged. Just the other day a client who is new to the studio called me to say how much she enjoys her sessions and the teachers. She finds our teachers so empowering she feels like thereʼs nothing she canʼt do. So donʼt worry about skill, weʼll guide you to discover your potential and then some.
While Pilates is similar to many things, there is nothing like Pilates. De-mystify it for yourself by coming in for a session. The best way to understand the principles of Pilates is to try it yourself. Call our studio at 410-897-0550 and I'll be happy to answer your questions and set up an introductory session.
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