What Real Pilates Is (and Why It Matters)

What is Pilates?

It sounds like a simple question, right? But today, there are so many different workouts calling themselves Pilates – and the differences between them can be huge.

As someone who has spent over a decade teaching Pilates and nearly twenty years practicing it, I’m thrilled to see how popular it’s become. I truly believe everyone can benefit from Pilates. But with so many variations out there, how do you know if what you’re doing is real Pilates – and why should you care?

At its core, Pilates is a method of exercise designed to strengthen, stretch, and balance the body. It was developed by Joseph Pilates and involves both mat work and specialized apparatus like the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and many more!. Pilates systematically works the entire body, focusing on stabilizing and mobilizing the spine and pelvis – the foundation for strong, healthy movement.

A true Pilates practice is thoughtful and deliberate. It’s guided by key principles: centering (or stabilization), control, concentration, flow, breath, and precision. With consistent, quality practice, Pilates helps you feel stronger, more mobile, pain-free, and more connected to your body.

Why Should You Care?

If you’ve found a workout you love and it’s helping you feel good – that’s wonderful! But if you’re specifically seeking the deep, transformative benefits of Pilates, not every class labeled “Pilates” will get you there.

Knowing what Pilates actually is empowers you to make educated decisions about your workouts – and helps you get the results you’re looking for.

In a true Pilates session, you can expect:

• A consistent set of exercises, repeated and refined over time so you can build real strength and mastery.

• Careful guidance focused on your alignment, with special attention to your spine, pelvis, and hips.

• Exercises that prioritize control and precision over choreography or speed.

While Pilates can involve a variety of apparatus, from the Mat to the Reformer and beyond, the equipment you use is not as important as the quality and consistency of your practice. True progress comes from focused, intentional work over time – not from any one piece of equipment.

Ultimately, Pilates isn’t about doing “trendy” moves – it’s about developing a body that moves with strength, ease, and grace, both now and for years to come.

Curious to experience real Pilates for yourself? I’d love to guide you. Explore my classes [here] or reach out with any questions – I’m here to help.