Why Pilates?

Pilates: A Prescription for Everyone - I’ve done many different workout routines throughout my life. Like many, I switched it up for various reasons, but the main reason was simple: I never felt like any of the workouts were truly complete. They always seemed to be lacking in some way, whether it was the strength aspect, flexibility, or overall balance. That changed when I walked into a Pilates reformer studio. Suddenly, I found the complete package I had been searching for.

Today, Pilates has become a buzzword. Along with countless quick fixes, trendy workouts, and the latest medications we see on TV or social media, it can be overwhelming to sift through it all and know what will truly deliver the results we’re looking for. It’s easy to wonder, “What is Pilates all about and is it for me?”

Think about how drug commercials are structured. They start by telling you how the medication can help, but before you’ve even processed the good news, they fire off a rapid list of side effects that often sound worse than the original condition! It leaves you wondering why anyone would take that medication at all.

This risk-reward balancing act happens all the time in life. Something may seem great on the surface, but dig deeper, and you start to see the potential negatives. So how about Pilates? Is it different?

YES, it is different. Pilates is one of the few things that, the more you dive into it, the more benefits you uncover—without the negative side effects.

What is Pilates, and Why is it Different?

You’ve probably heard about Pilates from someone and wondered if it’s for you. I get a lot of questions from people curious about trying it:
“What exactly is Pilates? How is it different from other workouts? Isn’t it just stretching? Isn’t Pilates only for women? Do you need to be flexible to do it? Am I too old for Pilates? What if I don't have balance? Will Pilates help me lose weight? Is Pilates good for injuries or chronic pain? Do I need special equipment? How long before I see results? I don't have time for Pilates?"

These are all valid questions. Let’s start with what Pilates is and what it does. My favorite definition comes from John Howard Steel, a student of Joseph Pilates himself: "It is a system of coordinated movement, concentration, and breathing that fully absorbs the actor in what he or she is doing. It adds grace and efficiency to daily life, relieves stress, increases circulation, augments self-esteem, becomes a habit, and most importantly, is fun!"

Pilates is a full-body, mind-enriching practice that goes beyond just exercise—it harmonizes the body and mind, leading to a more connected, fluid experience that leaves you feeling aligned with yourself. And that’s why Pilates is for everyone.

Why Pilates is the Gift We All Need

Life is tough. We hear daily about rising rates of mental health issues, chronic disease, obesity, and more. And not only do we hear about it—we live it in some form or another. We’re also constantly told how important a positive mindset is, but maintaining one is easier said than done. That’s where Pilates comes in.

Pilates is like a prescription that counteracts the daily grind. It allows you to take a break and simply flow, leaving you more aligned and connected with yourself. And while the many benefits of Pilates are fantastic, they are just the by-products of something deeper.

Here are some of those incredible benefits:

• Improved mobility: Pilates keeps your body moving, increasing flexibility and preventing stiffness.
• Injury prevention: By strengthening the core and improving balance, Pilates helps avoid injuries in everyday life and sports.
• Stress and anxiety relief: With its focus on deep breathing and mindful movement, Pilates calms the nervous system and promotes relaxation.
• Increased circulation: The flowing movements and breathwork boost circulation, leaving you feeling energized.
• Better back health: By strengthening the core and aligning the spine, Pilates can relieve chronic back pain.
• Improved pelvic floor health: Essential for core stability, Pilates strengthens the pelvic floor and can help manage incontinence.
• Efficient full-body workout: Pilates works the entire body in one session, building strength, flexibility, and better posture.
• Better athletic performance: Athletes benefit from improved balance, coordination, and core strength—key elements in any sport.
• Core strength and toning: Pilates targets the core, which is the foundation of movement, while creating lean muscle and toning the body.

While these benefits are amazing, they are not the main reason people keep coming back for more. The real magic of Pilates lies in how it makes you feel.

The Flow, or Being in "The Zone"

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You never forget how someone made you feel.” The same goes for Pilates. When you’re in the Pilates flow—some call it being in "the zone"—you experience a deep connection with your body. Your movements are smooth, your mind is clear, and nothing else matters. You’re not thinking about the next task on your to-do list—you’re fully present, in control of your breath, body, and mind.

This sense of being in the zone is why Pilates has stood the test of time, even when it nearly disappeared after Joseph Pilates passed away. It’s this feeling—of mind and body harmonized, of complete control—that keeps people returning to Pilates again and again. It’s addictive in the best way possible.

Pilates: A Lifelong Practice

In a world where we constantly weigh the pros and cons of what we do, Pilates stands out as a practice with endless benefits and no downsides. It’s more than a quick fix—it’s a lifelong journey that grows with you. And the more you commit, the more it gives back. Pilates is for everyone and that includes you.

If you’ve been thinking about trying Pilates, consider this your sign. It’s not just about flexibility or core strength. It is not just a workout routine. It’s about how it will make you feel—more aligned, balanced, and connected with yourself. The gift of Pilates is one that keeps on giving, and once you start, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. I know I do.