5 common misconceptions about  Pilates 

Pilates has become a very popular form of exercise over the past decade or so.  From Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Anniston to Madonna, Selena Gomez to David Beckham and JJ Redick, Pilates has grown into one of the most well-known fitness systems in the U.S.

However, as Pilates has grown in popularity, so have some of the misconceptions about it. One very common misconception is that Pilates is derived from yoga and that the two are interchangeable. While the two are very complementary forms of exercise, there are important differences between them as well. The biggest difference is the emphasis on the spiritual side in yoga classes.

Many people are under the impression that you need specialized machines for Pilates. All of the fundamental movements and basic exercise principles of Pilates can be incorporated into a mat exercise program or with a mixture of Pilates machines such as the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Wunda chair, and the Springboard. The difference is that machines provide added resistance vs body-weight exercises performed on mats.

What about the health and wellness benefits?

Another misconception about Pilates is that it’s only for women. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, Joseph Pilates developed his exercise system based on the classical Greek ideal of a man being balanced in his body, mind, and spirit.

While it’s true that women get some added pelvic floor benefits from Pilates, the exercises are for every gender. Many of today’s prominent athletes, including the NFL’s Martellus Bennett, MLB’s Jake Arrieta, and the NBA’s Lebron James, use Pilates to support and maintain core strength, flexibility, and function.

Is Pilates a good way to lose fat?  The simple answer is that, when it comes to pure calorie burning as it relates to fat loss, there are other exercise regimens that are more effective than Pilates.

However, Pilates can help you lose fat in an indirect way because the exercises do a great job at helping you to improve your flexibility and strengthen your core; therefore, you can keep mobile and active for longer. If you’re active, you’re more likely to engage in other forms of weight loss exercises such as cycling, walking, running, or swimming.

Pilates is just for toning those flabby abs…fact or fiction?

Is Pilates just a way to combat those flabby tummies? Pilates is a great way to strengthen all of your core muscles, which, in conjunction with a balanced diet, can help you achieve a flatter stomach. But, Pilates is much more than just an ab workout. Consider the 6 disciplines that you’ll develop during a Pilates class:

• Centering
• Concentration
• Control
• Precision
• Breath
• Flow

All of the Pilates principles support the integrated mind-body experience that you will achieve through Pilates exercises.

Propel Pilates and Fitness, located in Rancho Bernardo, is the largest and best equipped Pilates and personal training studio in North County San Diego. Our trainers use specific equipment or mat exercises to strengthen your core, improve balance, increase coordination, and reduce stress.

Contact our studio to schedule a class.