Who Is Pilates For?

I’ve been teaching Pilates for twenty years (!), and I’ve seen it go through many waves of popularity. I’ve also heard a wide variety of takes on who Pilates is for. It’s very interesting how one person’s idea of who Pilates is for can be completely different than what someone else might think. There are a lot of options out there, including niche studios that aren’t set up to accommodate everyone. The truth though, is that by design – classical Pilates is for pretty much everyone. 

Classical Pilates For All

Classical Pilates is the original Pilates. It’s a corrective exercise that’s progressive, so there is something for everyone. B.Pilates & Fitness is a classical studio, and we start everyone off with the pre-Pilates exercises and progress them as appropriate for their needs and abilities. These foundations of Pilates are very important. We return to them often, because if you’re confident and solid in the foundations, you will be able to move forward into more advanced exercises. 

Pilates can be rehabilitative for those recovering from injury or surgery – or preparing for it. It can also be extremely challenging and even acrobatic if you make it to the most advanced level of the exercises. This wide range of adaptability of Pilates means that almost everyone can do it. We’ve had clients over the years who have ranged in age from their teens up into their eighties! 

It’s okay (and even welcomed) that not everyone has the same level of ability. In some cases, private sessions are the best choice for some clients, while others can move into group classes once they complete their first Introduction Series. I love the adaptability of Pilates, and how it brings all sorts of people into the studio. 

Who Does Pilates? 

Our students vary widely. I love to work with athletic and active adults, who love to travel and do other types of exercise. Hearing them tell us that they are noticing their core more as they run, or notice an improved golf swing is so fun.  It is also incredibly rewarding to teach someone who has had an injury, illness, or surgery and to see them make gains with private sessions and eventually move them into a class setting.  

We work with so many super cool people who have all kinds of “things” going on with their bodies, minor to major, and who do lots of fun activities that inspire us to keep helping them stay strong and mobile and keep ourselves that way too.  

Here’s a list of the pains clients have come to us with over the years:

• Strokes
• Plantar fasciitis
• Pre and Post hip replacement
• Pre and post knee replacement
• Sciatica
• Achilles injuries
• Frozen shoulder 
• Pre & post shoulder replacement
• Back pain (of many kinds)
• Shin splints
• Parkinson’s
• MS
• Rotator cuff tears and post shoulder surgery
• Tight chest and forward posture – sore neck, traps, shoulders
• Hip pain
• Hyper mobility
• Scoliosis
• And the list goes on…

Our client love to do a lot of exciting things in their lives, too: 

• Hike
• Run
• Cycle (road, gravel, and mountain bike)
• Travel
• Swim
• Play with their children or grandchildren
• Shop
• Cook
• Bake
• Horseback ride
• Golf
• Paint
• Play hockey
• Yoga
• Spin
• Crossfit
• Lift
• Rock Climb
• Dance
• Walk
• Walk and play with their dogs
• Paddle board
• Volunteer
• Gardening  
• And more..

And then there are all the things that our clients have to do, which Pilates helps with too. Can you see yourself in these lists? I am going to guess the answer is “yes”. 

Yes, Pilates is For You, Too

You might be telling yourself that Pilates sounds interesting, but you aren’t flexible or strong enough. That’s not true! Pilates is designed to meet you where you’re at and to improve your mobility, strength, balance, and flexibility. While it would be amazing if we all were perfect at those things, it’s something we all work on throughout life. Yes, even me, a Pilates instructor. 

Being fit is not a prerequisite and we can accommodate injuries and healing bodies. That’s because Pilates is low impact and gentle while also offering a challenge. It will push you from your level to try and achieve the next. This is why choosing the right studio for you is important. 

You’re Welcome Here

There is a place for everyone and Pilates can benefit us all, and it’s never too late to start. Yes, it will take patience and persistence to see and feel the benefits. But the sooner you start, the sooner that will happen. It can even help you avoid or minimize future injuries – something I’ve had to learn the hard way. If you’re on the fence, give Pilates a try. I think you’ll be surprised who you’ll see in the studio.