What is Pilates?

Pilates relies on controlled movements using either mat exercises or Pilates equipment to strengthen and tone the body. Developed in the early part of the last century it has been used by gymnasts and dancers for decades to provide them with the core strength and stability they require.

Joseph Pilates developed the pilates exercise method. As a child he was reputedly fragile, suffering from several childhood conditions, including asthma. In order to develop his body and muscle strength/tone, he participated in several sports and eventually become a recognised athlete. During World War I he worked as a nurse in the UK and during this time he developed exercise methods and for patients who were immobilised. Some of these exercises focused on developing the torso and core.

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Pilates considered that physical and mental health are uniquely intertwined. His exercises were designed around this philosophy, including concentration, breathing and control whilst performing flowing movements.

There are two recognised ways to perform pilates exercises. The most popular form is the Pilates Mat, which only needs a floor mat. The exercises for Pilates Mat are designed so the body's own weight is used as resistance. The other type of pilates is Pilates Equipment (or Pilates Apparatus) which relies on machines to provide the necessary resistance to strength and tone the necessary muscles and muscle groups.

Getting Started with Pilates
One of the great benefits of pilates is that almost anyone can do it plus almost everyone who does it will find some benefit with fitness, strength, flexibility, potentially reduced pain levels and potentially reduced risk of injury. There are a lot of classes advertised for pilates, be it in designated pilates studios, gyms and even within physiotherapy practices. However, as alignment, breathing and posture are of critical relevance when practising pilates, then it is essential that the instructor be properly qualified and that the class size is not too large that the instructor cannot provide some individual instruction.

Be aware that some gyms may just send their instructors and personal trainers on a short course and then state that they are qualified to teach pilates. With inadequately trained instructors comes the risk of injury through poor instruction and poor understanding of the impact of pilates training on anatomy/physiology. Always ensure that a recognised training authority certifies your instructor. If in doubt ask them to show you their qualifications and certificates.

A pilates mat program will normally follow a set sequence and the exercises will follow on from each other in a flowing sequence. Beginners will start with fairly basic pilates exercises and over time will build up to include more advanced exercises to build on their improved alignment, core strength and flexibility.

Further articles in this series
More Pilates Tips
Pilates - Apparatus or Mat?
Why Stretch?
PNF Stretching
Static Stretching
Ballistic Stretching


Any information, advice, recommendations, statements or otherwise contained herein, or in any other communication made by or attributed to Inner West Massage and its representatives, whether oral or in writing, is not intended to replace or to be a substitute for medical advice trained by a trained physician or healthcare practitioner.

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