The Pilates method of exercise is hot right now. Real hot. It’s what the kids would call “fire.” And while it’s trending on all the socials and in cafes, it’s
not a new trend. Not to seem like I’m flexing my coolness, but I’ve been teaching and instructing Pilates for more than 25 years. Just saying…
From 2012 to 2019, the Pilates market was on a steep climb going from more than $5.3 million to over $10 million in seven years. COVID put the brakes on growth when we could no longer attend our Pilates classes, but the rebound was swift in 2021. Today, approximately 12.9 million people practice Pilates in the United States. Last year, Women’s Health reported that “Pilates is the fastest growing workout modality.” And it’s not just thanks to celebrity endorsements, from Margot Robbie, Dua Lipa, and Bella Hadid. It’s mostly because of what Pilates does for your body.
But what exactly is Pilates and what are its benefits?
The Pilates Method is a low impact form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core muscle
s, posture, flexibility, and controlled movement. It was created by Joseph Pilates, a German citizen who developed it while a POW during World War I. Joseph was not a soldier. He had traveled to England just before the war broke out and was interned in a camp on the Isle of Man. In the camp, he practiced and taught his physical regimen, planting the seeds for the program we know today. He originally called it Contrology—the idea being that the mind should control the muscles.
The key principles include:
- Core Strength — abs, lower back, glutes
- Controlled movements — slow and precise, not rushed
- Breathing — deep, coordinated with movement
- Alignment and posture
- Mind-body connection
Pilates can be done on a mat using your body weight, or on a reformer—the most popular—a machine with springs for resistance as well as other equipment including the Cadillac, a chair, ladder barrel, or spine corrector.
The benefits include improvement in posture and balance, increased flexibility, a stronger core, and healthier joints. It can also help relieve back pain and may enhance overall body awareness.
It is excellent for people recovering from an injury as Pilates is often used in rehab, which is where Joseph Pilates actually started. It’s for anyone wanting a strong, lean, toned body without high impact. And Pilates is easy for beginners to get into while allowing you to advance into more challenging exercises at your own pace. Pilates is not about sweating buckets. It is more about precision and control. You’ll feel muscles working deeply especially your core, even with small movements.
So try a reformer class, a mat class, or an at home online class. Your mind and body will thank you for it. Let The Posture Genie know about your Pilates experience by joining our Facebook group, Every Day Victories.
