The exercise world is seeing yet another trend and one that I hope stays. Yes, we are talking about the Pilates trend. Pilates has been around for a long time so why such a big uptick now? Furthermore, if you’re looking to join the bandwagon, where would you even start? These are some good questions and ones that will be covered in this blog post. Especially before you go invest time and money!
Just like other forms of fitness that have had their time to shine, there is always something that is up and coming and takes the fitness world by storm. Cycle classes, Zumba, Crossfit were and are still really big today and just as any other trend, it attracts a group of die-hards that will keep it going for decades on. (Does anyone remember Taebo?)
While the Pilates trend has taken on many forms, the one thing that has remained consistent is that more people are becoming attuned to the understanding that core development and fine tuning muscles is important. So why is everyone, including TikTok talking about it and where did this even come from?
Why Pilates Is Trending
1. Social Media
It’s all the rage on social media platforms and the movements themselves usually attract a lot of attention. Tone girls in cute outfits, doing fun movements, right? Yes, sort of. The Pilates trend is most likely because people are seeing that you can workout and it doesn’t have to be a “kick your butt” or “get bulky” type of workout. Additionally, it’s well known to provide extremely successful results when performed consistently. Lastly, fashion and aesthetic environments are also under this section because marketing (especially on social) has taken off with Pilates and what they are doing is working.
2. Fitness & Health Focused Goals
Taking care of our bodies has never been cooler. There is more attention around eating good foods and creating a healthy lifestyle. And for those who don’t want to run a marathon or become a bodybuilder, this is a great middle ground. You get the feeling and style of yoga but the strength and stamina of the other workouts. While I could do a whole blog post about why lifting weights won’t make you bulky, you get my point. We can still work the muscles without spending our time pumping iron. This is a great way to target those muscles in a different way.
3. Evolving Workout Styles
Pilate is most known for being low-impact and low intensity, drawing attention from yogis and gym goers alike. And the wonderful part about it, is that there are many different styles. Reformer Pilates is definitely low-impact and great for those that want to work their bodies through a different range of motion or are limited by carrying their own bodyweight on floor exercises.
Mat pilates is difficult because you have to do a lot of isolated movements or time under tension while holding equipment and balancing your bodyweight. Hot Pilates, well that is self explanatory. Lastly, there are other styles and really you can probably find something out there that fits what you’re looking for and will give you the bang for your buck on core strength, stamina, balance, and improved posture.
And some misconceptions...
As stated above, some people think Pilates is slow paced and doesn’t do much for them and maybe that is so. If you judge your workout by how sore you are the next day, or how many liters of sweat you leave on the mat, then maybe this isn’t for you or maybe you need to find the right style. I’d even venture to say you’re not doing it right. Even in Reformer classes, I’ve started to sweat and have felt sore. However, it is going to be a different workout than other types, rightfully so.
Additionally, there are claims that it helps you lose weight, and I think it’s worth mentioning that people who claim that are not just doing Pilates. Keep in mind, when you see people who share their results, it’s often a multitude of factors and when it comes to weight loss, diet is a huge factor. Along with genetics, medications, hormones, sleep, etc. Are you following? This Pilates trend only works if you have the understanding that it is just one tool to help you reach your goals but just like anything else, it isn’t the magical tool that will shed the pounds overnight.
So you’re sold that this is something you want to dive into but don’t know where to start? Or you find yourself just curious to join a class. There are a few things you’ll want to consider before diving in.
Things to Consider Before You Try Pilates
1. Check your current gym’s group fitness class schedule.
A lot of gyms are starting to join the Pilates trend even if they don’t have access to Reformers (the machines you see people gliding on). If a gym doesn’t have the Reformer equipment, they may offer a class that is mixed with strength movements or simply is performed on a mat. Don’t get confused by the word “simple” either. Some of these movements are harder (in my professional opinion) because you are having to carry more of the weight of your body than if you were on a Reformer. If your gym doesn’t offer it, try checking around before jumping right into a studio setting that is strictly Reformer.
2. Decide if you want to learn the Reformer.
The reformer is a bed-like machine that glides up and down, called a carriage, and often has a footbar and various straps for your arms and legs. It may seem confusing and at first, it sort of is. You want to decide first if this is what you want to try because there are a few things to consider.
Places like Club Pilates have mostly classes that use the Reformer. They, like most places using a Reformer, usually require you to try an intro class or have some instruction prior to understand the terminology. And trust me – as a personal trainer I would have been very lost without one and still am learning how to navigate.
Also, if you need a flexible schedule, Reformer type classes are limited to the amount of carriages they have available which usually yields a smaller class number. Lastly, it is often more expensive but in my opinion WORTH the investment. To put it simply, taking some fo your own body weight out of the equation and focusing solely on body awareness, adjusting resistance while moving through a range of motion you can’t do without the equipment, is like nothing else.
For example, I’ve never been able to do the splits. It’s hard to get into a position on the floor and then not be able to get out of it. With the Reformer, the carriage allows you to stretch out and then you can easily pull yourself back in, adjusting the resistance to work with your body. It’s an amazing tool, just make sure you’re prepared!
3. Don’t use it as your only weight loss tool.
As mentioned above, I’ve seen a lot of posts about losing weight while incorporating Pilates and while this might be true, it is hard to say that it is the only reason someone is losing weight. They may have a transformation but no form of workout is going to beat out a poor diet. Use it as an additional tool that helps you reach our goal but do not get started with Pilates in hopes that it will change your composition.
4. Not all forms of Pilates are low-impact, low intensity.
There are many forms of Pliates and some may be a better match for you. If you are looking for something low-impact, low-intensity, you may be better suited for Reformer. However, classes like Hot Pilates are going to be higher intensity based on the exercises and programming or the environment (a higher temperature room). Make sure you know what you’re signing up for!
You may even find that you are more keen towards Lagree fitness which prides itself in its own format that focuses on different elements than your standard Pilates and you don’t want to get the two mixed up!
If you’re looking for any of these things, you’ll want to try Pilates.
- Stronger core
- Increase awareness of pelvic floor muscles
- Stronger pelvic floor muscles
- Better posture
- Increase flexibility
- Better pressure control (breathing)
- Stronger little muscles without increasing size (adductors)
- Stronger big muscles without increasing size (quads, glutes)
- Better stamina and endurance (high rep ranges or time under tension)
- Relaxing environment with low-impact movements (doesn’t apply to all forms of Pilates)
No matter where you fall in this Pilates trend discussion, I’m just happy you’re considering a form of movement. It’s easy to get started with something but it’s hard to stick with it. Find something you enjoy and maybe it’s Pilates. And if it’s not, don’t give up. Keep trying new things and be consistent with your efforts. Most importantly, make time to prioritize movement in whatever capacity that is.
Don’t have a workout plan? Check out these free resources to get started with a simple workout right now!
