Pilates FAQs

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a mind-body exercise system developed in the early 1900s by Joesph Pilates. Pilates was ill as a child and was bullied because of his weedy appearance. He worked hard to improve his strength – so much so that he became a model for anatomical drawings. Originally from Germany, Pilates moved to Britain in 1912, just before WW1. When the war broke out, he was interned in a prisoner-of-war camp on the Isle of Man. Seeing fellow inmates confined to bed and unable to exercise, he rigged up springs on the metal bedframes with a number of pulleys so that patients could exercise while still in bed. This became the basis for development of the Pilates “reformer” – an exercise table with a system of metal springs and pulleys, enabling a huge variety of exercises. Pilates later developed a set of mat-based exercises that could be done without any equipment. Pilates taught both mat and equipment classes until his death in 1967 at the age of 83.

Is Pilates similar to yoga?

There are definitely some similarities, but they are not the same. Pilates focuses on core strength and stability. (Your core includes your deep tummy muscles, lower back, bum and pelvic muscles.) Each exercise is repeated a number of times. In general, the spine is kept in a safe, neutral position. Yoga focuses more on flexibility, with each pose being held for a number of seconds before moving on to the next pose, with some styles also focusing on meditation and deep spiritual awareness. As mentioned above, Pilates was originally developed on a piece of equipment called a “reformer” – the mat-based exercises were developed much later to make Pilates accessible to those who did not have the equipment.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates exercises both the body and mind. Each exercise must be done with control and precision, which requires a lot of concentration. While the exercises focus on the “core” muscles (the deep tummy muscles, pelvic muscles, bum and lower back), Pilates works the entire body.

• strong core muscles support your spine, helping to prevent injury and aid recovery from previous injury. (You can read how Pilates helped with my back injury here.)
• strong pelvic floor muscles help prevent or reduce incontinence and aid sexual function.
• strong core muscles help your overall balance and coordination.
• Pilates works on lengthening the spine, making you feel and look taller.
• the focus required to perform the exercises helps improve your concentration.
• the breathing techniques used help to maximise your lung capacity, improving overall fitness, blood circulation, mental awareness, calmness and feelings of well-being.

How is Pilates different from other forms of exercise?

Pilates is a low-impact system of exercises that is gentle on the joints, making it safe and accessible to all ages and levels of fitness. Modifications are available for those with injuries or physical limitations. Pilates works the whole body and challenges the mind. You will feel improvements in your balance, coordination and overall sense of well-being within just a few sessions.

I have never tried Pilates – do you start at the beginning?

Yes, my Beginners’ classes start at the very beginning. I explain all the principles of Pilates, explain the exercises in detail and take you through simplified modifications of the exercises before progressing to the full versions. I can provide additional modifications as needed. I keep my classes quite small so that everyone gets individual attention, ensuring a safe and beneficial session.

Is Pilates safe for everyone?

Pilates is accessible to a wide range of bodies – even those with injuries or physical limitations such as tight or inflexible joints or muscles. Those with significant or recent injuries will need clearance from their doctor or physiotherapist before taking classes. I work hard to keep everyone safe from injury. If you have significant issues or limitations, I may suggest private classes so we can modify the exercises to suit your needs.

Is Pilates a cardiovascular workout?

Beginners’ classes can be slow as the exercises are explained in detail and time is given to ensuring you are doing them correctly. As you progress, classes will become more fast-paced, moving smoothly from one exercise to the next. The number of repetitions or the level of effort may also be higher. In some cases, we might include some pops of cardio exercise to really get your heart thumping!

Do you have any women-only classes?

At this time, I don’t. The demand for men attending my classes is currently quite low, so it doesn’t make sense for me to set up separate classes. While many of my classes are attended only by women, men are welcome in all my classes.

Do I need any special equipment?

You need a decent mat – and that’s it! I recommend buying a yoga or Pilates mat that is at least 6 cm thick and longer than you are. You will spend a lot of time on the mat and it’s worth a little extra to be comfortable, especially as you will be resting on your knees, elbows and spine. There’s no need to spend a lot – I have a great mat that I bought years ago in Tesco. You will also get good value in TK Max. Do check the measurements on the pack to ensure the mat is long enough. Some of the German retailers do sports mats that are only 150 cm long (just under 5 foot) which is too short for most people.

You may also find it useful to bring a large towel or blanket that you can sit on or use under your knees or elbows as padding. (Note that towels cannot be used in place of a mat as they do not provide enough grip or padding to allow you to safely practice Pilates.)

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, stretchy sports clothing. Note that you spend a lot of time on your back with your legs raised, so you might find that leggings work better than loose trousers. Loose shorts or very short shorts are not appropriate. Wearing layers that you can peel off as you warm up is useful. You can then put back on a warm t-shirt or sweater for the final stretches if you start to feel cool. Note that we don’t wear shoes on the mat – you can either wear your socks or be barefoot.

Do you accept under-18s in your classes?

Sorry, no – my classes are currently available to over-18s only.

Got another question about Pilates? Just ask below and I’ll be happy to answer!

Like what you see? Then please subscribe for updates on wellness, food, travel, photography & country life. You can also follow on Facebook & Instagram.