What Is Pilates?
What Is Pilates?
Posted: 24th June 2025
Pilates (noun)
puh·laa·teez
Named after Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer, Pilates can be defined as a full body workout designed to strengthen muscles, improve mobility and increase flexibility. It focuses on working the body in all planes, through a full range of motion, with an emphasis on spine health.
But it is so much more than that...
On the face of it, Pilates is a really simple, albeit currently very trendy, form of exercise. Instagram, Tik Tok and Pinterest are full of Pilates Princesses, guiding viewers through a series of Pilates exercises “for toned arms”, “for a peachy bum” or “for sculpted legs”.
And this is totally fine!
But...
I believe Pilates is about the long game, not a fad or a quick fix.
It is about building functional strength through low-impact movements, using resistance from equipment or your own body.
Pilates is highly adaptable, with various levels offered throughout each of the movement patterns - it can be made easier by adapting the range of motion, and progressively made more challenging by focusing on time under tension, or increasing the resistance.
Ideal for anyone who finds higher impact exercise too much, Pilates works to strengthen deep core muscles, leading to improved posture and improving common complaints such as lower back pain, and pelvic floor problems.
The control required when performing Pilates movements ensures a strong mind-body connection. This can literally help to rewire the brain, enhancing neuromuscular communication - how amazing is that?!
Regular, consistent Pilates practice can lead to improved balance and proprioception (awareness of body position and movement), even out inequalities between muscles by focusing on symmetry, and improve fascia health, resulting in enhanced mobility and flexibility.
There are mental health benefits too - Pilates encourages mindfulness through the close attention that is paid to the breath and the sensation of the movements.
Regular exercise (including Pilates) is transformative, and can combat (and even reverse!) many health risks, leading to a longer, healthier and happier life.
