Do You Have to be Flexible to do Pilates?
Over the years, I have heard people say time and again that they can’t do Pilates because they aren’t flexible enough. They have seen the Instagram posts of graceful athletes performing Pilates – and can’t imagine being able to do the poses themselves. The truth? You can still take part in (and benefit from) Pilates, no matter your flexibility!
The Pilates Flexibility Myth
You won’t be doing Pilates the way you see it done on many social media feeds – I don’t even make pilates look that pretty! The amazing photos and videos you see are usually of super flexible or hyper-mobile dancers, whose bodies bend in ways that aren’t “normal” for most of us. This includes Pilates teachers!
Recently, a teacher who I’ve met several times posted about how she normally suffers from back pain. She had taken a vacation with no access to wifi for a couple of weeks. No wifi meant no updated social media… and no pictures of her doing those amazing back bends. She was surprised to find that her regular back pain had subsided!
Don’t be fooled into thinking that those bendy poses and flowing movements are what Pilates is. In fact, Pilates is designed to be accessible for all levels of ability. It is about stretching, strengthening, and control. Some of my clients are rehabbing from accidents, strokes, or surgeries. Others are muscle-bound athletes who have great strength and mobility, but lack flexibility. I also work with former dancers who are in pain due to their hyper-mobility, so we work to build stability in their joints.
Will Pilates Make Me More Flexible?
Flexibility is just one of the many benefits of Pilates – rather than a requirement to take part. If you aren’t flexible, doing Pilates WILL help you become more flexible. It will also build core strength, and help increase the range of motion and mobility of your joints.
I have talked a lot lately about how, like with any new endeavour, Pilates takes practice. As you integrate the movements into your routine, your body will feel better. You will become stronger and more flexible – even more so over time. For me, doing Pilates two to three times a week is just right – but if you only fit in one session a week, it is still well worth it.
Ready to Start Your Pilates Journey?
Before jumping in head-first into registered classes at b.Pilates & Fitness, you must first complete the three private “Introduction to Pilates” classes. We will discuss the right way for YOU to do Pilates, based on your fitness level, goals, and any health concerns. You will also learn the terminology, how to use the equipment, and we will go through the exercises so you can then feel confident moving into the group classes.
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