6 Pilates Myths Debunked By A Pilates Instructor

Chantel Maree, a qualified personal trainer, Pilates instructor and the name behind health and wellness blog ‘Talking with Tel' provides us with a daily dose of fitness motivation. Her toned physique is a result of hours of grueling training and dedication, a journey she documents and shares with her dedicated following. We recently spoke Pilates with Chantel, asking her to debunk some common misconceptions about the fitness class we have had on our “to do” list for far too long. 

Pilates is SUPER hot at the moment! It’s a low-impact form of exercise that promises to improve strength, tone, posture, movement and flexibility, so it’s no why all the A-list celebrities are going crazy over it. Just like anything that’s ‘hot’ myths start to circulate around who should and shouldn’t be doing it – So that’s where I come in – a no BS approach to the in’s and the outs of ever popular, ab popping, toosh tightening Pilates 

Let's set the story straight… 6 common Pilates myths debunked. 

1. You have to be a supermodel to participate: I know we see a lot of hot, young, toned, tanned models doing Pilates – this doesn’t mean A) you will end up looking like them after 3 sessions and B) Pilates is strictly for the rich and famous. Because Pilates is learning how to move better whilst correctly activating certain muscles, I’ve found it to be highly beneficial for those over aged 60+ to help them move with freely without pain, as well as for women post pregnancy to get everything back to feeling tight again and even those just starting their fitness journey, wanting a safe low impact alternative to exercise – Pilates is for everyone all shapes and sizes – Pilates doesn’t discriminate. 

2. Pilates the same as Yoga – FALSE:  It’s common to believe yoga and Pilates are ‘practically’ the same thing so the best way I like to explain the difference between the two is: YOGA focuses more on stretching – you will do various ‘poses’ during a flow each with the intent to lengthen muscles having you leave feeling loose and fresh. PILATES focuses on learning to use the correct muscles at the correct time - you learn how and when to breathe, alignment of the body (meaning awesome posture), core strength and glute activation. The session will take you through various targeted exercises leaving you feeling muscle fatigue, stronger and toned. 

3. Pilates is for females ONLY: This myth couldn’t be further from the truth, although Pilates is more female orientated many male athletes use Pilates to help get their body functioning properly to better their game – Pilates helps male athletes with prehab (to prevent injury) and rehab (to treat injury). We see footballers, swimmers and even golfers – The creator of Pilates - Joseph Pilates was himself in fact male – so grab your other half and drag him along. 

4. Pilates will give you flat ab’s:  – So you’ve been doing Pilates consistently now for one month and you see no difference in your body BUT what you fail to tell us is you’ve been doing Pilates now for one month as a pre-brunch sweat session. Just like with all physical activity you can’t out exercise a bad diet. Although Pilates will 110% tighten you up it, unfortunately, won't melt away daily lattes and cheeky donuts… #ifonly 

5. Pilates must be done on special equipment: There is an array of fancy Pilates beds and machines which are all fantastic but floor work Pilates is just as beneficial, it is cheaper and can also be done at home. Plus it gives you an excuse to go out and purchase a fancy yoga mat… 

6. You have to be flexible to do Pilates: Can’t touch your toes to save your life? Not a problem! We start new things to become better at them – Pilates is no different. We don’t expect you to come in and perfect everything, where’s the fun in that! It’s all about learning new movements, bettering yourself and your body and eventually progressing within yourself. Overall there are many clichés about who should and shouldn’t do Pilates but as an experienced instructor I can say it truly does benefit everyone – so put yourself out there and give it a go – you’ll be hooked in no time! Stay Strong & Stretch.