Pilates Myths Debunked

Myth: Pilates is basically stretching

Truth: Pilates is a full body workout, centred on the core

Pilates is so much more than stretching. It can be a challenging, full body workout that focuses on connecting the mind and the body. Of course, at TPP, we incorporate stretching into our classes and we even have a dedicated Stretch category. But the idea that Pilates is “just stretching” couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Myth: Pilates is the same as Yoga

Truth: Pilates and Yoga are 2 completely different forms of movement

So, both Pilates and Yoga are mat based and low-impact, but you could argue that that’s where the similarities end. In Yoga, you settle into a position and hold the pose or flow into a different position. In Pilates, however, you settle into a position, then move your arms or legs to achieve different goals. Stabilizing the core is a foundational part of Pilates, where not all yoga exercises engage the core.

The best way to understand the difference is to try both Pilates and Yoga and see for yourself. And, we are going to let you in on a secret, we have some Yoga classes coming to TPP very soon. 

Myth: I can’t do Pilates, I’m not flexible

Truth: You don’t need to be flexible to start Pilates

Watching Pilates instructors bend and move gracefully through each exercise can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never tried it before. But here’s the truth – no one starts Pilates as an expert and you certainly don’t need to be flexible. 

This might surprise you, but no matter how inflexible or out of shape you think you are, you too can do Pilates. It’s all about finding the right class. Modifications also help tailor the exercise to your body as you grow stronger and more flexible with regular practice. 

Myth: Pilates is just for women

Truth: Pilates is for everyone who wants to lead a healthier lifestyle

Pilates has become a popular exercise for many women because it is an accessible workout from anywhere and gets results! But that doesn’t mean it’s just for women. In fact, Pilates was originally created by a man, Joseph Pilates.

From strength and conditioning to rehabilitation and injury prevention, modern Pilates has become increasingly popular with all men, but in particular men involved in sport. But, we know that joining a Pilates class can be intimidating for males, especially if you feel you could be the only male in the room. Queue online Pilates! Even better yet, we have created a Pilates for Men category on TPP with Sports Pilates, hip mobility, core strength and many more classes. Some of the classes even feature Aoife’s husband Brendan, to try and encourage more males to participate in Pilates.

Myth: Pilates is easy. It’s not a real workout 

Truth: Pilates can be gentle, but it can also be really, really challenging and it most certainly is a workout!

Pilates is most certainly not easy. Even in the most gentle classes, you’ll feel your muscles working. This misconception about Pilates probably stems from the fact that it is low-impact and it’s often performed slow and controlled. But, this certainly doesn’t make it easy. Slow and controlled movements mean you’re not using momentum, so you will feel every single exercise, even the exercises that look “easy”.

Pilates can be incredibly challenging and often is a full body workout. But, it all comes down to the class that you do. On TPP you’ll find gentle, beginner friendly classes, but you’ll also find really challenging classes. Our favourite challenging classes are our Full Body Sculpt classes and our TPP Strength classes.

Whatever you’re feeling like, TPP has the perfect Pilates class for you.