{"id":74,"date":"2011-03-11T15:55:24","date_gmt":"2011-03-11T20:55:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/?page_id=74"},"modified":"2026-01-23T10:04:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T14:04:50","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

FAQs\u2014What You Need to Know About Pilates<\/h1>\n

FAQ \u2013 Can Pilates give me 6 pack abs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A<\/strong> \u2013 No one exercise program can result in 6 pack abs. Pilates concentrates on the \u201ccore\u201d muscles so, if you do it REGULARLY (at least 2 times per week), your abs will become much stronger. That said, to actually see the 6 pack the workouts must include cardio coupled with diet. You can\u2019t see those strong abdominal muscles if they are hidden underneath excess pounds.<\/p>\n

FAQ \u2013 I\u2019ve heard Pilates can make you taller. True?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A<\/strong> \u2013 Pilates can\u2019t actually make you taller. However, the Pilates system works to strengthen, stretch and stabilize the body and in so doing improves overall posture to a remarkable degree.<\/p>\n

Do you slouch at your computer or when driving?\u00a0By learning to focus on how your body is functioning, you become much more aware of how you are standing, sitting and carrying yourself during your everyday activities.<\/p>\n

Body awareness is one of the key components of a Pilates practice. In addition, stronger core muscles (coupled with body awareness) help to support the spine and improve posture.<\/p>\n

FAQ \u2013 What is classical Pilates?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A<\/strong> \u2013 Classical Pilates is a system of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. The exercises are usually done in a specific order, a specific range of repetitions per exercise, specific spring settings, and are done with a\u00a0 \u201cflow\u201d from one exercise to the next. Modifications and variations of a particular exercise can be inserted into the workout, but the workout will generally follow the format originally created by Joseph Pilates. The \u201cclassical\u00a0 flow system\u201d of a formatted routine applies mostly to exercises on the mat or reformer, but there are classical exercises for the Cadillac, tower and chair as well.<\/p>\n

You may have also seen or heard of\u00a0 \u201ccontemporary Pilates\u201d which can include classical exercises combined with other exercises. This form can still use the Pilates apparatus but is not strictly controlled by the classical exercise sequence and flow format. Contemporary leans more toward the gym type workout more people are used to doing.<\/p>\n

Since the name \u201cPilates\u201d could not be trademarked, anyone can use the term in the workouts they offer. Certifications vary wildly in terms of what they include, the length of time required to complete the course work, and whether or not an apprenticeship period is required. Generally speaking, to get a feeling of the genuine Pilates experience, the teacher should have been classically trained.<\/p>\n

FAQ \u2013 Are my \u201ccore\u201d and \u201cabs\u201d the same thing?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A<\/strong> \u2013 No, they are NOT the same thing. Crunches work your abs.\u00a0 Your entire \u201ccore\u201d is made up of several things:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • a) the abs (rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, and the transverse abdominis)<\/li>\n
  • b) hip flexors<\/li>\n
  • c) spine extensors<\/li>\n
  • d) hip adductors (inner thigh muscles)<\/li>\n
  • e) hip abductors (outer thigh as well as gluteus medius)<\/li>\n
  • f) multifidus (The multifidus is a series of small muscle fibers which travel up the length of the spine.\u00a0 It has a unique design that lends stability to the spine and keeps you upright).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    FAQ \u2013 How does a strong core benefit me?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A<\/strong> \u2013 Think of your body as a tree. Without a strong trunk the branches and roots are meaningless. A strong core helps to support your body and allows you to move more effectively your the daily activities.<\/p>\n

    FAQ \u2013 How often do I need to do Pilates?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A<\/strong> \u2013 Think of Pilates as a practice.\u00a0 Just like playing a piano, the more you practice the better you become! Your core gets stronger as muscles get strengthened and stretched.<\/p>\n

    Twice a week is recommended for you to begin to feel a difference in your body.\u00a0Pilates is about the mind-body connection and to be performed correctly the exercises should be done in a mindful way.<\/p>\n

    As you become more familiar with the exercises, you think less about the exercise itself and turn the focus on what your body is actually doing and how you can better perfect your form and work to a deeper level.<\/p>\n

    In addition, you want to work toward building up \u201cmuscle memory\u201d of what is required to perform the exercises.\u00a0 Yes, your muscles do have a type of memory!\u00a0 Pilates is often referred to as a lifestyle \u2013 commitment and consistency are key.<\/p>\n

    FAQ \u2013 Is mat work only sufficient?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A<\/strong> \u2013 Mat work only can be an excellent choice when done on a regular schedule.\u00a0 Exercises on the mat are actually some of the most demanding, especially when performed at the advanced and super advanced levels.<\/p>\n

    Of course, not everyone can or should work out at the advanced level, which is why modifications are available for most exercises. Your body has to work against gravity and use only its strength, stabilization and body awareness to properly complete each exercise.<\/p>\n

    Pilates apparatus uses spring resistance to assist you in performing and perfecting the exercises. The ideal is to incorporate all of the Pilates disciplines \u2013 mat, reformer, chair, barrel and Cadillac\/tower.<\/p>\n

    Privates are best because the sessions are individually tailored to meet specific needs.\u00a0 That said, everyone has to take into consideration his or her own schedule and budget.<\/p>\n

    Whatever method you choose, the level of success\/results you experience depends directly on your commitment of time, energy and concentration devoted to your practice.<\/p>\n

    FAQ \u2013 Are mat classes right for me?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A<\/strong> \u2013 There are several different levels \u2013 beginner, intermediate, advanced and super advanced.\u00a0 Classes can include students at all different skill levels especially when trying to accommodate everyone\u2019s busy schedules.<\/p>\n

    Not everyone can or should progress to the advanced levels and that\u2019s OK.\u00a0 There are modifications for most of the exercises to take into account fitness level and\/or injury. (In the case of injury you should consult with your physician to determine if Pilates is right for you.)<\/p>\n

    If an exercise can\u2019t be modified or it\u2019s not appropriate for you, you can leave it out and rejoin the group on the next exercise.\u00a0 It\u2019s important when attending an open\/multi-level mat class that you \u201cput your blinders on.\u201d \u00a0Don\u2019t compare yourself to the person next to you – just do what you can do today to the best of your ability!<\/p>\n

    FAQ \u2013 What should I wear?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A<\/strong> \u2013 The best choice is clothing that is comfortable and allows for freedom of movement. Very loose clothing is not recommended because it doesn\u2019t allow the instructor to observe body positioning during exercise. Also, Pilates exercises are generally done barefoot so footwear that slips on and off easily is a plus.<\/p>\n

    FAQ \u2013 What if I have osteoporosis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you should consult your physician to determine if Pilates is appropriate before joining a class.<\/p>\n

    The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends weight-bearing exercises to build stronger, denser bones. Bone is living tissue and it gets stronger when worked against gravity using the weight of the body itself and\/or resistance training with weights, springs or flex bands.<\/p>\n

    Pilates incorporates all of these forms of exercise. It also aides in balance and flexibility, helping to prevent falls.\u00a0At YPL, I have a number of students who are experiencing osteoporosis and are discovering varying levels of relief.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    FAQs\u2014What You Need to Know About Pilates FAQ \u2013 Can Pilates give me 6 pack abs? A \u2013 No one exercise program can result in 6 pack abs. Pilates concentrates on the \u201ccore\u201d muscles so, if you do it REGULARLY (at least 2 times per week), your abs will become much stronger. That said, to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-74","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P2VeP0-1c","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/74","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/74\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1361,"href":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/74\/revisions\/1361"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/yourpilateslifestyle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}