Why you NEED Pilates and debunking all the slander surrounding it

The girls and guys online selling their 30 day gym plans have convinced us that lifting 300kg and tearing ligaments is the only way to move our bodies, and just like everyone else, I was hooked! I had the lululemon sets, the Myprotein powders and all the motivation in the world, but after a while I realised it really wasn’t for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love being active, but something about triceps the size of watermelons was absolutely not in my future! I still wanted to keep fit, but when I thought about my desired physique, I swayed more towards “tone” and definition, but also core strength. Whilst you can achieve this numerous ways, only one thing came to my head and I’ve never looked back…

What is it?

There are a lot of misconceptions around Pilates and honestly, I believed every single one of them until I got my grip socks on. Some think it’s “useless” because there’s quite a bit of laying down (my favourite part hehe), and others think it’s extremely difficult as the reformer machines can be intimidating, but neither are really true.

Pilates are exercises that use balance and resistance to improve your core strength, flexibility and mobility. It works from the inside out, focusing on the deeper muscles that are harder to tackle; then defining those visible to you.

Due to the simplicity of the exercises, anyone can do Pilates and the routines can be modified for any level. It all really depends on what you’re hoping to achieve. For instance: someone specifically trying to lose weight, Pilates ALONE won’t give you the results! Unless you attend a high speed, choreographed; cardio infused class, you’ll only burn a couple calories as you need cardio to achieve this goal.

Machine or guillotine

When machines/apparatus are used, this is called Reformer Pilates. This is a bit more intense as the springs and platforms add more resistance; forcing you to use your muscles more due to a creation of internal pressure. If I’m honest, yes the machines look quite discouraging, (actually between me and you I fell off multiple times in my first class lol), but once you get focused, you barely notice a difference and sometimes it feels even easier than mat. I much prefer reformer Pilates because it burns soooo good! Obviously I’m working my muscles to a different degree, so it feels different and the results are even better, but note that it can be a little pricey.

My favourite classes are at Nobu Pilates which can be quite expensive compared to others, but a great thing is that you can choose your level: beginner, intermediate, advanced. They also offer a range of classes focused on different aspects of your body. My go to at Nobu is “Pure”, because as well as an all body workout, it specifically focuses on improving your posture and advanced core strength.

Another class I attend is FS8 Pilates and when I tell you I work out….I WORK OUT!!! They split the class into a circuit of reformer and mat Pilates, and both are as intense as the other so there’s no slacking allowed. The classes are fast paced and each exercise is timed which for me makes it more competitive and fun! If you ever loose course, not only are there screens to watch that continuously instruct you on the move, but the instructors are really hands on and assist you whenever you need. FS8 will get you the results you’re looking for!

Mat

Mat Pilates is using your body weight to complete a range of exercises and movements. It’s low intensity, but this doesn’t mean it’s not effective as you’re still targeting deep muscles. Because it’s simply a mat and simple routines, you can even do this at home and follow some videos online, but if you’re looking for a similar experience to reformer, you can upgrade and get a board or even some ankle/wrist weights to increase the intensity. If you're a beginner, start with mat and progress to reformer when you feel ready.

Any mat will get the job done; realistically its all about the routines you’re following. On mat days I choose my 6 favourite exercises and stick with them for the week. I get inspiration from a few creators online and just copy exactly what they do. I recommend finding someone with similar results to your goals and sticking with them as following toooo many influences can be overwhelming (for me anyways).

How Often

If pilates is your only form of exercise, it is recommended to do it 1-3 times a week as a beginner, and intermediate to advanced 3-5 times. In full, the workout should take 45 minutes to 1 hour as this will give you the full benefits and allow your muscles to rest which is essential. If you lift or do any other form of exercise, you can and should still do pilates. Try to work it around your routine; perhaps on “low impact” days.

Switching to Pilates is hands down one of my best decisions. After almost a year of consistency in the gym, I saw more results in 3 months of Pilates. I honestly think it’s game changing but also think about the results and physique you’d like to achieve first, instead of jumping straight into it.

Find my recommended Pilates tools here xoxo

Esele xox

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