Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance. Pilates is named for its creator, Joseph Pilates, who developed the exercises in the 1920s.

A Pilates routine generally includes exercises that promote core strength and stability, muscle control and endurance, including exercises that stress proper posture and movement patterns and balanced flexibility and strength.

Can beginners do Pilates?

It's a common misconception that Pilates is only for serious athletes or professional dancers. While these groups first adopted Pilates, they aren't the only ones who can benefit from this approach to strength training.

Another common misperception is that Pilates requires specialized equipment. Maybe you've seen a Pilates apparatus — called a Reformer — that looks like a bed frame with a sliding carriage and adjustable springs, or perhaps you've seen a type of trapeze table. But, don't let those machines intimidate you.

The reality is that many Pilates exercises can be done on the floor with just a mat.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

By practicing Pilates regularly, you can achieve a number of health benefits, including:

• Improved core strength and stability
• Improved posture and balance
• Improved flexibility
• Prevention and treatment of back pain

Is Pilates for everyone?

If you're older, haven't exercised for some time or have health problems, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Pilates is no exception. 

Pilates can be adapted to provide a gentle strength training and stability program, or it can be modified to give a seasoned athlete a challenging workout. If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to go slow at first and gradually increase the intensity of your workout.

Pilates may not be recommended or may need to be modified for individuals who have the following:

• Unstable (labile) blood pressure
• A risk of blood clots
• Severe osteoporosis
• A herniated disk

Because it's essential to maintain the correct form to get the most benefit — and to avoid injuries — beginners should start out under the supervision of an experienced Pilates instructor.

Fleur is an experienced instructor, and can help those with mild to moderate osteoporosis and disc issues to modify exercises to help you take the more appropriate precautions to do a safe workout. 

How does Pilates fit into a total fitness program?

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy adults include aerobic exercise and strength training in their fitness programs, specifically:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week
• Strength training exercises at least twice a week

Pilates can be a good strength training workout, but it isn't aerobic exercise. You'll need to supplement it with aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, running, biking or swimming.

Here's an introduction to Pilates video created by Fleur created in 2020.

Thank you to the Mayo ClinicLinks to an external site. for major portions of this content.