Pilates FAQs

We have compiled a list of our most commonly asked questions here. If we haven’t answered your question on line, go to our Contact Us page and e-mail us or you can call us on (03) 9569 0025

What is PILATES and Who is Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Humbertus Pilates (pronounced ‘pi-lah-teez’) from Germany was born in 1880. Due to his own ill health from ailments such as rheumatic fever, rickets and asthma he began a journey at an early age to take charge of his own wellbeing.

Joseph challenged himself to a strict regime of mind and body exercise. He studied many Eastern forms of exercise such as Yoga, Zen, various martial arts, etc. and blended them with Western techniques. The combination of Eastern philosophies (ie focusing the mind before moving the body) with Western concepts (ie physical movement from the many sports he studied) became the foundation of ‘the Pilates method’.

In 1912 Joseph travelled to England where he worked as a boxer, circus performer and a self-defence instructor at Scotland Yard. During World War 1 with many other German nationals, he was captured as an “enemy aliens”. He decided to share his method with the other men and those who did his exercise program remained physically strong and kept healthy immune systems. This earliest work is what we now know as ‘Mat Pilates’.

Impressed with Joseph’s results, as the war was ending he was transferred to the Isle of Man where he worked as a nurse/caretaker looking after men who were sick and injured. To rehabilitate the patients he devised equipment. The most revolutionary piece of equipment was for those who were bedridden. He took the springs of the bed and attached them to the wall which allowed them to begin the recovery process. This was the pre-cursor for the Cadillac / Trap Table and Universal Reformer which are still widely used today with very little changes to Joseph’s original design.

The German Army requested his services as a trainer during the 1920’s but like many pioneers Joseph was ahead of his time and not all of his ideas were accepted by the German Army. In 1926 he decided to immigrate to the United States and during his voyage he met Clara who later became his wife.

Joseph and Clara settled in New York and opened the infamous Pilates Studio in New York which is still operates today. In the 1934 he wrote a book entitled ‘Your Health’.

Due to ongoing discoveries in our understanding of the human body and how it works, many styles of Pilates have come into being to incorporate new information. Since his death the essence of his method remains, however instead of just benefiting dancers or the injured, Pilates is now more accessible and more in demand just as Joseph dreamed in 1934:

What are different styles of PILATES, and what style do you do?

There are four main types of PILATES; they are:

Classical Pilates: This style only teaches Joseph Pilates original exercises the way that Joseph taught them. There should be no deviation from this. Classical Pilates is not suitable for injured or pregnant clients.

Traditional Pilates: Traditional Pilates has taken Joseph’s original work and has modified it as we learn more about anatomy, physiology and exercise science. It is often known as Studio Pilates. Traditional Pilates has developed new exercises in line with Pilates principles. It tends to be an entire body workout but can also cater for problem areas (ie lower back issues, shoulder problems, etc.). Therefore this style of Pilates suits many different types of clients and fitness levels.

Fitness Pilates: Fitness Pilates is the only style of Pilates that should be taught in Gyms or Fitness Centers. It is specifically designed to be safe in groups and is also designed to give you a strong workout.

Clinical Pilates: Clinical Pilates is a style of Pilates offered by Physiotherapists / Osteopaths. It is often slower and usually focuses on the injured/problem area of the body whereas other types of Pilates tend to work the entire body in each session. It is great for overcoming an acute injury but isn’t designed to give you the “workout” that other styles of Pilates will provide.

At The Pilates Company we specialize in Traditional Pilates with a Fitness Pilates influence. Your Pilates sessions will be very Traditional / Studio in their structure, philosophy and training but with a great “workout” that will challenge you. Whilst the workout factor is present in each session, safety is paramount and individuals’ needs are taken into account.

What is the story about Health Rebates?

At this stage, health rebates are only available for Clinical Pilates – However this may change in the future. When looking for a Pilates studio, if health rebates are a deciding factor it is very important to consider the following:

• You will be getting rebates for Physiotherapy / Osteopathy, so when you have used your rebates for Pilates you will have nothing left for Physiotherapy or Osteopathy treatments.
• If you get around $250 per year in rebates and a ten session Pilates pass is $450; how long will your rebates last for?
• If the Studio offering rebates is charging $45 per session and the Studio that doesn’t offer rebates only charges $35 per session; you’re probably better off in the medium to long term going for the studio without the rebates and save them for when you really need them.
• If your rebates are only for Clinical Pilates, consider carefully if this is the style of Pilates you are seeking to obtain the results you are after.

Although choosing a Pilates studio based on being able to claim a Health Rebate sounds great, it may be false economy and can actually be more expensive in the medium to long term.

The fact is that Health Rebates (whilst understandably worth considering) should be the least important factor in choosing a Pilates Studio. The highest priority when considering undertaking Pilates should be whether it is the right style for you and whether the Pilates Practitioner has the relevant training.

What are the principles behind PILATES?

PILATES improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. The principles used are:

• Concentration
• Breathing
• Core Connection
• Isolation
• Control
• Precision
• Fluidity
• Integration

Does PILATES concentrate on breathing?

All Pilates exercises are taught with a breath sequence, but it isn’t the main emphasis of the technique.

Why should I practice PILATES?

Pilates will work your body in a posturally aligned position. It will create strong core (abdominal) and pelvic stability needed more today than ever before.

What are the benefits of PILATES?

The physical and mental benefits are enormous and there are too many to list all of them on this web site. Listed below are a few examples:

• longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
• improves postural problems
• increases core strength/stability and peripheral mobility
• helps prevent injury
• enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
• balances strength & flexibility
• heightens body awareness
• no-impact – easy on the joints
• complements other methods of exercise
• improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating, etc.)
• improves balance, coordination & circulation

Is PILATES like Yoga?

Pilates exercises done on the floor (mat work) can be very similar to Yoga. Both are mind/body programs with a specific breathing technique. However Pilates uses its breathing technique for a different reason to Yoga. Some mat exercises may simulate Yoga movements however the principle is different. Very few Yoga styles incorporate the deep core work used in the Pilates method.

When Pilates exercises are done on the reformer bed with resistance it becomes a unique workout and very different to yoga. The goal with PILATES is to achieve functional fitness.

I have a bad back. Will I be able to do PILATES?

You should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine; a Pilates workout is controlled with no sudden jarring actions. However the following distinction needs to be highlighted:

For those managing a back problem that is under control, general fitness classes are acceptable.

For those with back issues that need treatment or rehabilitation, Pilates should be done under the supervision of their health care professional until they are given the “all clear”.

I am 50 years of age, do you think the PILATES program will be too strenuous for me?

Absolutely not! Pilates caters for everyone from beginners to advanced and is suitable for all age groups. As long as you do not require rehabilitation or special needs, you can start with our technique classes before moving into a general class.

Can I use PILATES for general fitness training?

Yes, because when practiced regularly, it addresses all aspects of fitness, such as strength, flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular, motor skills and relaxation.

How long will I have to do PILATES before I see results?

If only doing Pilates, 2-3 classes per week should see some results within 10-12 classes. If you participate in other physical activities 1-2 classes per week is still going to give you a result.

Can I lose weight with PILATES?

Pilates like any form of exercise will facilitate weight loss.

Can I cross-train with PILATES?

Absolutely! Pilates benefits all forms of exercise and will help you use your body better in whatever sport or daily activities you currently do. In fact, we recommend that you undertake more than one type of exercise.

If I’m doing PILATES, should I still do my regular workout?

Yes. PILATES is a musculo-skeletal conditioning program. In combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness, etc.), it’s all you need.

How is PILATES different or better than weight training or other resistance exercise?

PILATES exercises can be performed using all movement planes. Spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention. Pilates exercises focuses on rebalancing muscles around the joints, correcting muscle imbalances from over training and emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility. This type of exercise is crucial for injury prevention and more efficient movement.

Studio

What is a Reformer?

Our Studio uses high quality Reformer beds. These are sliding horizontal beds with detachable springs. This piece of equipment can accommodate hundreds of variations of exercises. The springs provide the advantage of progressive resistance while providing proper back and neck support as well as abdominal control.

Will I get the same results with a mat workout as with a Reformer/equipment workout?

Mat-based workouts are very convenient and they can be done anywhere. However, a mat workout will provide no added resistance. A Reformer workout will add resistance to your routine and can correct muscular imbalances better than a mat routine would.

Why are springs used for resistance instead of weights?

Spring resistance provides gradual resistance as your muscles contract, which ensures the muscles are being worked properly. Unlike weights that pump muscle, using spring resistance you are creating longer, leaner muscles without over or under developing muscles.

Is this equipment good for flexibility?

Yes, the reformer is excellent for improving flexibility.

Is the equipment used at the studio like the equipment I’ve seen for sale on TV?

No. We use top-of-the-line equipment primarily used in clubs, personal training and rehab facilities.

Why should I come to a Studio instead of attending classes at a gym?

In a studio it is rare to have more than 6 to 10 people in a class and you receive personal and tactile instruction. Gym generally have anything up to 50 people per class, because you are in a large group environment it is not conducive for personal or tactile instruction and the learning curves for Pilates tend to be a lot slower.

What should I wear to a PILATES class?

Comfortable close-fitting clothes are best, because your instructor will want to make sure your body is moving with precision. Socks are recommended, however footwear is not required. We recommend that you bring your own towel and water bottle.

(The Pilates Company – Hampton) (The Pilates Company – Carnegie)