Why Pilates Should be Part of a Balanced Workout Routine

Throughout my adult life, I have tried every kind of workout under the sun. Yoga, paddle boarding, yoga while paddle boarding, barre, aerial, TRX, Zumba, Pound, spin, and even pole dancing have been part of my routine at one point or another. The two workouts that I have consistently come back to for the last few years is running and pilates. More on my running journey in a future post, but today I want to focus on Pilates.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of resistance training, originally developed my Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s. It is a complete, whole body practice, which focuses on the “core or center” muscles in the body. Correct Pilates movement generates from the core, and radiates through the rest of the body. Traditional Pilates methods are highly beneficial for increasing strength, coordination, balance and flexibility.

Joseph Pilates created movements that can be done both on a mat, or on a reformer which he developed in order to perfect the moves originally done on the mat. Pilates can be practiced by practically anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability. I was even able to continue my practice throughout my pregnancy last year until about week 34. Because there is no mastery of the Pilates method, there is always a way to take the practice to a new level of challenge. I have been practicing traditional Pilates methods consistently for about 2 years now, and I have recently been advancing to a whole new level.

Not all Pilates classes are the same. There are many studios that do some form of what Joseph Pilates originally created, but some are almost unrecognizable to his original practice. I have taken classes at more than ten studios over the years and the differences between some of them are vast. In the last several years, I have become a Joseph Pilates purist. I appreciate a studio that sticks to the traditional methods. Some newer forms of Pilates try to incorporate more reps and even cardio in the routines to try and be the only form of exercise one needs. To be clear, Pilates is for strength training, and most people need cardio in their workout routine to get a good balanced workout. It shouldn’t be the only form of workout in ones routine.

Why I love it!

I love Pilates because it gives me lean and strong muscles by stretching and strengthening simultaneously. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I practiced Ballet. I have an appreciation for the strong, but lean bodies that dancers have. Pilates gives me the toning that ballet used to while giving me the same mental calmness as dance. I am able to tune out the stresses of life while practicing Pilates by only focusing on my body’s movement.

I also love the continual challenge that Pilates gives me. There are moves were not at all available to me when I first started, and after I gave birth that I can do with ease now. It feels great to see such progress, but also to know that there is another level to take the practice.

Pilates is great for my posture, which suffers both from being glued to technology, and from carrying my one year old son. I believe that the practice I did while I was pregnant helped me tremendously with the strength I needed for my 30 hour labor and delivery of my son last year. It also helped me gain my core strength back after the delivery, and to get back into real jeans with a button and zipper faster than I would have otherwise.

Combined with running 2-3 times per week, and a weekly all around workout with a personal trainer, Pilates completes a perfect balanced workout routine for me.

Cost and Finding the Right Studio:

I practice Pilates both on the mat and the reformer. Reformer classes are somewhat pricey, but the equipment is very specialized and the training required for instructors is quite intense. Mat classes are usually more affordable, and also very beneficial. If financially feasible, a combination of both reformer and mat is great. Now, I generally take at least two to three reformer classes per week. When I first started, I only took one reformer class per week and then took mat classes at my local YMCA.

Most studios have both private and group classes. Most studios require a couple of private classes before joining group, but many do introductory specials. It is worth every penny to get the private instruction from the beginning. Private classes are wonderful because you utilize all of the different equipment throughout the studio and it is completely personalized to your ability. I believe the best value is in small group classes of no more than 4-5. This way you can get some personal attention, but with the price of group classes.

If you are in the Glendale/Pasadena area, The Pilates Studio in Glendale is where I practice. I can’t say enough about this little studio for it’s highly professional instructors and friendly environment. This studio has all the elements I have stressed are important. From small classes to traditional Joseph Pilates methods, and instructors that safely teach at all different levels of ability.

For a true sense of cost, here is the cost breakdown where I practice at The Pilates Studio in Glendale.