Pilates FAQ

Pilates is a functional system of movement created by Joseph Pilates to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body.

Everyone can do Pilates regardless of age, body type, and fitness level. Its benefits are an important adjunct to physical rehabilitation, pro and amateur sports, dance, active aging, and people interested in mindful, safe, therapeutic movement.

The benefits of Pilates are numerous. Most significantly, people who practice Pilates increase lung capacity; improve circulation, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and posture; strengthen the core; improve bone density and joint health; become more aware of their bodies, and elevate their sense of well-being and overall mood. 

There’s a famous quote from Joe Pilates, “In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body.” We refer to Pilates as a practice -versus an instant gratification workout - because it is a movement system where you continually work deeper to improve movement patterns and build upon the six Pilates principles of Concentration, Centering, Control, Breathing, Precision, and Flow. The bottom line is not to hold yourself to Joe Pilates’ statement of having a new body in 30 sessions because everyone is different. But you will notice a positive transformation in overall health and wellbeing. 

Pilates is always a good idea, whether you practice daily or once weekly. Joe Pilates said you could do Pilates every day because his method has enough variety to not overstress muscle groups, causing injury. Realistically, Pilates takes time and good instruction costs money, so three days a week can be considered optimal. Even practicing once or twice weekly will have a positive effect.

Both Pilates and yoga are mind-body, low impact practices that focus on the breath and eccentric (lengthening) contractions of the muscles. Pilates is different in that the focus is on the Powerhouse, the area of the body that powers movement, also a concept used to describe “the core and more.” It is a movement system that emphasizes specific movements that strengthen the Powerhouse and align the spine. Pilates is also excellent for those recovering from injuries. The bottom line is that Pilates and yoga are complementary, so you can do both!

Yes, with modifications as needed through each trimester, Pilates is a safe and excellent way to strengthen your body while pregnant. Pilates helps improve stability, the connection to the core, spinal mobility, breathing, alignment, and overall strength. After having the baby, ask your healthcare provider when it’s okay to return to Pilates. Postnatal Pilates is a gentle way to reconnect with your body and find those deep abdominal muscles, improve the pelvic floor, and open the shoulders, among other benefits.

There are many Pilates certifications out there, that’s for sure! There are two types of Pilates – although the industry would like to move away from this idea – Classical (Pilates as created by Joseph Pilates in its original form of the exercises, order, and transitions) and Contemporary (based on Joseph Pilates’ work but with variations based on modern research). Both methods are excellent, and many teachers use a hybrid of the two. Look for a certified teacher whose training includes mat and all the apparatus, including the reformer, chair, Cadillac, and tower. 

Not every Pilates school requires certified instructors to take continuing education coursework to maintain a certification. Continuous learning is important! It's really no different than a licensed healthcare professional not taking their CECs to renew their license. It’s how Pilates instructors stay current and understand the latest science to work with their clients. That’s why Delta Pilates is the only studio in Scottsdale where Jeri trains. All of the instructors there are properly certified through leading classical Pilates schools and take continuous learning seriously.