Pilates aka Turning Strength Upside-down
A few common phrases I hear from my first-time Pilates students are: “that was so hard”, “you killed me”, or “I don’t get it at all.” Even my beloved regular students are hilariously vocal about their love/hate relationship with Pilates.
Now, there are a ton of things in this world we can call challenging (and we know challenge is relative) but I thought it would be valuable to fill you in on why I think what I ask you to do week after week in Pilates feels like so much work. It feels this way because on top of all of the crazy multitasking and coordination I ask from your brain and your body, I am also purposefully asking you to reconsider your definition of strength.
If you’re in class with me you know I’m not interested in any kind of superficial, outdated notion of strength – been there done that. I like rebelling against majority opinions and digging for a little more depth because I think it leads to a more meaningful life experience.
I’m interested in re-defining the word strength for my students by using their bodies as a tool so they feel empowered from the inside out not letting themselves get caught up in only thinking about strength in one way or in the way the health & wellness industry markets, defines and dictates it to us. A regular Pilates practice is the perfect hub to turn the word strength – and reclaim it in an accessible and satisfying way.
I find most people underestimate the value of a Pilates practice because they don’t know anything about it or if they do they have a hard time understanding how all these small little movements that barely look like you’re moving at all could make you stronger. While it has evolved in the last several years, I still witness the old Zeus like personalities pop up even in Yoga studios aka everything must be big, grandiose, fast, sweaty, exhausting and turbocharged to be effective in making us stronger.
I think Pilates is ‘hard’ for the majority of people because it comes at strengthening from a slightly different perspective in comparison to how mass media presents this idea of physical strength to us. The mental and physical stamina required for Pilates is unexpected for many and this tends to surprise, shock and sometimes intimidate students, but I am of the belief that these are all very healthy things.
I can’t even count the number of times a student tells me their chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist, massage or yoga therapist recommended they do Pilates regularly. I joke with my students that Pilates is basically group Physio with me entertaining you for an hour so that you do the work that (let’s face it) no one really loves doing. I remind my students I am well aware no one necessarily loves doing Pilates, but, we all know it’s good for us and it makes the rest of the movement we do throughout the day that much easier.
With a generation always looking for efficiency, this practice sets our bodies up for exactly that, so I am happy to be an advocate for it. I make it my mission to inspire students to this often less popular practice in Yoga studios and to put value on doing this diligent, detailed-oriented, gritty work to set us up for the long term in maximizing health. Classic Pilates End Goal = Freedom of Movement.
The beauty of Pilates is that the care and attention to detail orchestrated through practicing it has the potential to change so much about how you move and show up in this world by putting you into touch with quality over quantity in connection to how you experience strength. Pilates has a very different history and philosophy in comparison to Yoga but that is not to say there are not wise life lessons wired into the practice that are up for the taking alongside all of the fun cheeky butt work.
Let me Translate for You.
Pilates Theme: | Life Skill Enhanced: |
Small Concise Movements | Precision + Attention to Detail |
Auditory not Visual Cues | Listening Skills Amplified |
Focus on Posture | Confidence in Presenting your Body |
Optimal Alignment | Injury Prevention + Longevity for Muscles & Joints |
Finding Neglected Muscles Groups | Building Depth in Body Awareness |
Slow + Controlled Movements | Grounded + Calm Nervous System |
Repetition | Discipline + Endurance |
Smooth Quality Movement | Grace + Dignity |
Pelvic Floor Breathing | Using Breath as a Source of Support |
Core Control | Empowered Self Esteem + Personal Strength |
And so, my challenge to every Yoga student is always: Add 1 Pilates class into your weekly regime.
My challenge to students who already practice Pilates: Bring a friend with you next time!
I can’t promise you that you’re going to love it, but I can promise you that your body will say one big THANK YOU. And maybe…
just maybe, you too will start to fall in love with these off the radar, not so obvious ways to hone personal strength.
Now to me, that’s pretty badass.
Rebecca teaches Pilates at 889 every Wednesday from 12:30-1:30pm