Google “Pilates” and amongst all the Pilates websites and general information you will  find a myriad of Pilates quotes from the great man himself, Joseph Hubertus Pilates1883-1967.

So naturally as a Pilates teacher I am often asked if the claimed benefits of “Contrology” are realistic.

Q1. What are the benefits of Pilates?
Q2. Is it really possible to “feel a difference in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions and have a whole new body in 30 sessions”?
Q3. Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Q4. Will my body shape change if I do Pilates?
Q5. Is one Pilates session a week enough to make a difference.

Having been asked these or similar questions many times over the years here are my personal reflections. Not as a “Pilates Guru” but as a Pilates teacher for 10 years and with over 30 years experience in the fitness industry.

When I am learning anything new I am like a child and I want/need to know “WHY?”. I really believe that it is important to explain the purpose of any exercise or movement being taught to enable the client to get the best out of each and every movement.

Q1. What are the benefits of Pilates?
A1.  Pilates provides a multitude of benefits including strengthening the body while addressing postural alignment. Whether you are doing a mat exercise or learning Pilates in a beautiful state of the art studio, such as Body In Balance Pilates, the first thing you need to learn is to align your body perfectly before moving. This is what will help rebalance your postural alignment. Over the first few weeks you will start to notice that your joints will feel looser and more supple. The deep stabilising and postural muscles will become much stronger and work more efficiently. This will help reduce or even eliminate conditions such as sciatica, frozen shoulder and back pain.

Q2. Is it really possible to “feel a difference in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions and have a whole new body in 30 sessions”?
A2.  This is an original Joseph Pilates quote which understandably cynics are incline to dismiss.   But I can say it is absolutely true if you commit to regular practice.   As in everything in life,  you get out what you put in.  The key to getting the results is consistency.  If you decide to do Pilates at Body in Balance Pilates or any other studio MAKE A COMMITMENT.  It is an investment in your health and wellbeing. A teacher can guide you and enhance your progress with an intelligent functional Pilates programme.  Only you can commit to regular attendance and diligent practice.
 

Q3. Will Pilates help me lose weight?
A3. Pilates will tone, lengthen and strengthen your muscles.    This give the visual affect of a longer leaner body.   To lose weight you need to  include some cardio work and pay attention to your diet.  This combined with your Pilates practice will give seriously dramatic results.   If you are seeking to lose weight you should consult a qualified nutritionist to guide you through any weight loss programme.   Even a Pilates practice alone  will help you to develop a flatter stomach after a few weeks and depending on the correct programme you could have a more defined waist as your oblique abdominal muscles become stronger and more toned.  I have helped many clients get ready for their wedding (male and female) at the same time as dealing with sciatica or back issues.   If you would like a referral to an excellent nutritionist here in London please contact me through the Contact page and I will pass some details on to you.

Q4. Will my body shape change if I do Pilates?
A4. Without doubt your body shape will change. If you make the commitment to a Pilates programme you will see and feel the difference very quickly. One of the Pilates quotes that is borne out in the posture of Pilates clients is “If your spine is stiff at 30 you are old. If it is flexible at 60 you are young.”  There is no arguing that good posture shaves off years. Many clients say they feel taller after a Pilates session.  Health in general improves as our posture improves and the upright frame relieves compression on the spine and internal organs.   Your posture in everyday life will improve with your investment and commitment to regular Pilates lesson.

Q5. Is one Pilates session a week enough to make a difference.
A5. In his book 'RETURN TO LIFE THROUGH CONTROLOGY' Joseph Pilates states "If you will faithfully perform your Contorlogy exercises regularly only four times a week for just three months as outlined in RETRUN TO LIFE, you will find your body development approaching the ideal".    It is not necessary to be in the studio four times a week but once or even twice a week in the studio followed through with home practice will give you the desired results.   Work within your financial limitations it is not what we do in class that makes a difference, it is how we translate that into our everyday lives.   At Body in Balance Pilates reduced rates are offered on block bookings.   Part of the studio practice is prescribing home-work to achieve the results you are looking for.