Why Is Pilates So Much More Than Just a Workout?
Why Is Pilates So Much More Than Just a Workout?
If you think Pilates is just another exercise class, think again!
With Pilates becoming more popular than ever, particularly Reformer Pilates, it's easy to see why people might think it's simply another way to get fit, strengthen their core or work up a sweat.
And yes, Pilates can certainly give you a good workout. In fact, some of the exercises are far more challenging than they look!
But here's the thing...
Pilates is SO much more than just a workout!
It's about learning how your body moves, developing strength and control, and discovering things about yourself that you probably never even realised.
And that's what I love most about it.
It's Not Just About What You Do, It's HOW You Do It!
One of the things that makes Pilates different from many other forms of exercise is the attention to detail. It's not simply about completing a certain number of repetitions or making a movement as big or as difficult as possible.
It's about HOW you move.
Are you controlling the movement? Are you using the right amount of effort? Are you breathing? Are you compensating somewhere without even realising it?
Sometimes the smallest adjustment can make an enormous difference to how an exercise feels. And believe me, I've lost count of the number of times a client has said, "Oh WOW, I can really feel that now!"
That's the magic of Pilates.
It's not always about doing MORE. Sometimes it's about doing things BETTER.
Your Body Is Always Learning
Something I often remind my clients is that Pilates is a practice.
You're not expected to walk into your first class and get everything right.
In fact, even after years of practising Pilates, there's always something new to learn, refine or understand. You might suddenly discover that one side of your body feels stronger than the other, or that a movement you've been doing for months suddenly feels completely different.
And that's perfectly normal!
As you develop greater body awareness, you start to recognise how you're moving, where you might be holding unnecessary tension and how to approach exercises with more control. It's one of the reasons I never get bored of Pilates.
There's ALWAYS something to work on!
It's Not Just About Your Core!
Ah yes, the famous Pilates core!
Of course, developing strength and control through your trunk is an important part of Pilates, but it's certainly not the whole story.
Pilates works the entire body.
Your feet, legs, hips, back, shoulders, arms and even the smaller muscles involved in balance and coordination all have a part to play.
And when you start exploring the wider Pilates apparatus, things get even more interesting!
The Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrels and other pieces of equipment all offer different ways to support and challenge the body.
Some exercises help you understand a movement more clearly, while others will have you wondering how something that looks so simple can be SO difficult!
And trust me, the smallest movements can sometimes be the most challenging.
You Don't Have to Be Flexible, Fit or Young to Start
This is something I feel really strongly about.
I hear people say things like:
"I'm not flexible enough."
"I'm too old."
"I'm not fit enough."
"I need to lose weight first."
And my answer is always the same...
You don't need to be good at Pilates to start Pilates!
That's what your teacher is there for.
With appropriate guidance, exercises can be adapted to suit different abilities, ages and levels of experience.
You don't need to be able to touch your toes, perform complicated exercises or look like the people you see on social media. You just need to be willing to give it a go. And if something feels difficult at first, please don't be disheartened.
We all have to start somewhere!
It's About Building Confidence, Not Just Strength
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching Pilates is watching people's confidence grow. Sometimes a client arrives feeling nervous, unsure of their ability or convinced they won't be able to do certain exercises. Then, gradually, things begin to change.
Movements start to feel more familiar, strength and control improve, and exercises that once seemed impossible become achievable.
And suddenly you hear those wonderful words...
"I couldn't do that when I first started!"
I LOVE those moments!
Because Pilates isn't just about what happens during your class.
It's also about helping you feel more confident in your body and what it's capable of.
And What About Your Mind?
Let's face it, life can be pretty hectic!
We're constantly juggling work, family, responsibilities and a never-ending list of things that need doing.
One of the things I love about Pilates is that it requires you to concentrate. When you're thinking about your breathing, your movement, your coordination and what your body is doing, there's often very little room to think about everything else!
For some people, their Pilates session becomes a little bit of time that's just for them.
A chance to switch off from the outside world and focus on themselves for a change.
And while Pilates isn't a cure for stress or anxiety, many people find that concentrating on movement and breathing helps them feel calmer and more relaxed.
I've had clients tell me they arrive feeling stressed and leave feeling like a completely different person.
And that's a pretty lovely thing to hear.
Good Pilates Teaching Makes a Difference
Now, this is something that's particularly important to me.
Pilates isn't simply about following someone through a series of exercises.
A good teacher should be watching how YOU move, understanding what you need and knowing when to adapt, progress or simplify an exercise.
Because no two bodies are exactly the same.
What works brilliantly for one person might not be right for another.
And just because you managed something last week doesn't necessarily mean it will feel the same today.
That's why I love teaching smaller classes and working with clients individually.
It gives me the opportunity to get to know people, understand their goals and help them develop their Pilates practice at their own pace.
For me, teaching Pilates is about much more than counting repetitions!
Pilates Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix
We live in a world where everyone seems to want instant results.
A flatter stomach in four weeks, a stronger body in ten days or a complete transformation by next month.
But Pilates isn't really about quick fixes.
It's about consistency, patience and gradually building a better understanding of your body. Some improvements might happen quite quickly, while others take time.
And that's OK!
The more you practise, the more opportunities you have to develop your strength, control, coordination and confidence.
You might even find that your reasons for doing Pilates change along the way.
Perhaps you started because you wanted to improve your fitness, but now you love the way it makes you feel.
Or maybe you joined because someone recommended it, and you've discovered a whole new appreciation for movement.
Whatever brings you to Pilates, there's always more to explore.
Ready to Discover What Pilates Can Do for You?
If you've been thinking about trying Pilates but aren't quite sure where to start, please don't worry!
Whether you're a complete beginner, returning after a break or looking for a more personalised approach, I'd love to help you discover what Pilates has to offer.
At my studio in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, I teach Pilates with an emphasis on movement quality, individual attention and helping you develop strength and confidence at your own pace. From Mat Pilates to the wider Pilates apparatus, there's so much to discover.
If you're unsure which class would suit you best, just get in touch. I'm always happy to have a chat and help you find the right place to start.
or email me at info@stephhammondpilates.com.
Comments