Fun Myth Busting Facts about Pilates!

Exercise has become a major necessity for every individual in today's world. People exercise mostly to stay fit and healthy, as well as relieve stress. Exercise should not be age bound, it is something which individuals from any age group can do as a way to lead a healthy lifestyle. Iso Fit offers flexible exercise sessions that are customized according to the specific needs of their clients. Iso Fit, since its inception in 1998, is known for providing a range of Pilates and Gyrotonic sessions under the supervision of dedicated, experienced professionals. One of the reasons Iso Fit is so popular among clients is the mix of services one receives in any session – a combination of Pilates, Gyrotonic Exercise, as well as other exercises techniques such as Body Kinetics, Feldenkrais, Fit Ball, TRX, and Rommet Technique.

Pilates is known to be one of the most efficient ways to re-educate your body so you can move efficiently, stay pain free, get into shape and stay fit! Although it originated in the 20th century, there are still a lot of myths associated with the method. Let’s have some fun and bust some of these myths!

Here are 7 Myth Busting facts about Pilates:

Myth 1: It was always called Pilates.

The original name of Pilates is Contrology. Joseph Pilates, the inventor, intended it to be about the art of control, an exercise method where you control your body, mind, and muscles. The moves he designed, focus on core muscles in the "powerhouse" (abs, pelvic floor, lower back), proper alignment of the spine, and awareness of breath.

Myth 2: You need special machines to do Pilates.

Mat Moves are vintage Pilates. They have been prevalent since inception of Pilates and have proven to be effective and efficient in many ways. Machines are often used to assist with a movement which may be more difficult on the Mat!

Myth 3: Pilates is a form of Yoga.

Not true. While there are some similarities between the two, Pilates is an Exercise System of its own, developed by the wonderfully talented and visionary Joseph Pilates. These two systems, in their own way, focus strongly on improving all aspects of physical fitness (flexibility, strength, posture, muscle tone) and incorporate a strong body/mind integrative component.

Myth 4: Pilates is only for Women.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Pilates is for Men too! Pilates was invented by a man (a bodybuilder no less!), and many male athletes swear by it, including Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, members of the All Blacks Rugby Team, Andy Murray….Pilates is great for sportsmen and athletes! Converted yet?

Myth 5: Pilates is a fad.

It is true that many celebrities enjoy Pilates, for example, Lucy Liu swears by a combo of Pilates and running to give her a physical and mental boost. However Pilates has stood the test of time, and is only gaining in popularity, recognition and reputation both within the general and the medical community.

Myth 6: Pilates is only about the Core.

While it is true there is a strong focus on the core, Pilates is a whole body workout which dramatically and rapidly improves strength, flexibility, posture and overall alignment of the musculature and skeleton.

Myth 7: Pilates has too much Flexion

Pilates has a variety of functional movement patterns for the spine. Carla Mullins from Body Organics in Australia says “To fully appreciate Pilates we need to ensure that the movement patterns are representative of all the movements of the spine.   A balance movement class would have incorporated the flexion abdominal series but also a lot of other work from sides, four point kneeling to extension.” Well said!

Pilates is an excellent way to improve posture and flexibility, tone your muscles, and feel young again! If you are ready to get started, schedule your assessment session or book a group class with Iso Fit today!

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