How fit do I need to be?
The beauty of the Pilates method is that it lends itself to all levels of physical fitness and all ages. There is no need to be flexible to enjoy the sessions. All you need is to be healthy and free from pain or injuries. The instructor will guide you through the different exercises and we encourage you to ask questions if you are unsure about anything. You are welcome to work at your own level and to suit your own mood.

Can I learn Pilates from a video instead?
You can certainly learn the moves from a book or video; however, there is no guarantee that you will perform them correctly. "I learned Pilates out of a book, but I was doing everything wrong, ", says Zayna Gold of the Boston Body Pilates studio, "Once I got to a class, I realised that I was bastardising all the exercises." If you do learn Pilates from a video series, make sure you start with the beginner version of the series and watch it all the way through before trying the exercises.

Will I need to do other types of exercise as well?
Yes, the general guideline is that you should keep active most days of the week. Pilates is not a cardiovascular workout, which challenges your heart and lung capacity. To be truly fit, you need cardiovascular fitness, as well as strength, endurance and flexibility. Cardiovascular fitness also keeps your heart strong, helping you to work at a higher intensity.

Will Pilates improve my fitness?
You will improve your posture, through strengthening your core muscles. Pilates has fitness advantages through increasing your strength and improving the quality of your movements. It is also preventative, and can help you avoid e.g. back problems and other stress-related symptoms.

I’ve heard that Pilates is great for toning up the abdominals – how does it differ from my conventional abs training?
Pilates concentrates on the deep-lying muscles, unlike regular abdominal crunches which primarily target the superficial abdominal muscles. In Pilates you will become strong from the inside and out.

I have a back problem – could Pilates help?
Yes, provided that you are pain- and injury-free and that you have medical clearance to exercise.

What should I wear when doing Pilates?
Anything in which you can move comfortably. Trainers are not necessary, but do bring a pair of socks. Fitted and stretchy fabrics are best, allowing us to see your movements.

I’m already really fit from my gym workouts and step classes – why should I do Pilates as well?
You will be surprised how challenging it is to perform isolated movements. In regular fitness, balance work is not always included. Including Pilates in your exercise routine, will help you achieve better balance.

How does Pilates differ from yoga?
Breathing techniques differ, but there are similarities between yoga and Pilates. When devising this technique, Joseph Pilates drew inspiration from various types of yoga as well as other techniques, such as the Alexander Technique.

Is Pilates only for ballet dancers?!
Pilates can be taught on many different levels and the exercise programme can be tailor-made to suit individual requirements. Traditionally, Pilates was mainly used by dancers or performers, however, nowadays the original 34 exercises have been modified to suit a wider audience. New exercises have also been added, making the exercise library exceeed 500 exercises. The Body Control Pilates® Association has been at the forefront of such development.

For more information on a variety of topics, take a look at our TipSheets!