The Hidden Challenges in Pilates

Pilates is a fascinating method of exercise. It’s unique in that some movements appear incredibly difficult from the outside but may be easier than expected once you try them. Conversely, exercises that seem simple can surprise you with their intensity when performed correctly.

Discovering the Hidden Challenge

Just the other night, I was teaching a mother-daughter duo on the reformer. We tackled an exercise known as “Shaving,” or Rowing 4. Coincidentally, I had posted a video of myself performing this move on Instagram just a few days earlier. As they worked through the exercise, trying to find the right arm-to-back connection and how to engage their core and hips to complete the movement, the daughter commented, “You made this look so easy in your video.”

After a few reps, they began to connect with the movement, moving more fluidly. The more they practice this exercise it will get easier, in that they will know how to get set up, their shoulder and hip mobility will improve, they will get stronger, plus it will get easier to sit taller. On the other hand, as one becomes more aware of how to use their full body in an exercise, more muscles will fire naturally and generally the body heats up more.  This is when Pilates starts to get sweaty.

The Power of Full-Body Engagement

As a Pilates instructor, it’s exciting to see clients experience the effort required for exercises like Shaving. Many Pilates moves can be done passively, where it feels like little is happening in the body. A classic example is Pulling Straps and T, which are done face-down on the long box. This prone exercise uses only one spring and involves pulling straps while lifting into a gentle backbend.

Though we only perform 3-4 reps, this exercise is tough when done correctly. However, it’s possible to breeze through it without truly engaging the body. As instructors, we notice when clients are missing key connections – like when they zoom through ten reps easily. That’s when we adjust our cues, provide hands-on guidance, or slow the movement down.

Progress Over Perfection

Depending on the client, I might suggest just one change and then keep working at adding little changes over time to help that client find what we are looking for in the exercise. Finding full-body integration can take time — sometimes weeks, months, or even years. Everyone has different movement backgrounds and awareness levels, and it’s okay not to “get it” right away. 

We also all have our own combination of asymmetries, strength imbalances, and mobility limitations. Right now I have advanced exercises on my goal list that feel shaky and challenging to do. To achieve them, I need to assess where I need more strength or mobility and then tailor my practice accordingly. Progress in Pilates is continuous, and there is always more to learn and refine.

Even as an experienced instructor, I regularly attend workshops and learn from other teachers. There’s always a new detail or adjustment to improve how a movement feels or functions.

There’s Always Something New

Yes, even now, some exercises still look difficult when I perform them. But with time, practice, and persistence, they’ll begin to feel — and appear — effortless. And that’s what I love about Pilates: the continuous journey toward greater strength, control, and awareness.