by Lisa Stephens

Created on: July 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 28, 2009

Pilates has gained much popularity over the past few years. Unfortunately, so has the number of myths associated with the Pilates method of exercise. Here are a five common beliefs and misconceptions regarding Pilates.

Myth 1 - Pilates is a quick fix to obtaining a flatter stomach. It is true that Pilates will help you achieve a flatter stomach, but it will not happen quickly. The abdominal region (commonly referred to as the core or powerhouse of the body) is the area from just beneath the rib cage to the pelvic area. It is essential to strengthen this area because it is the main stabilization for the body. Just about every movement of the body originates from this area, and depends on it for stability and flexibility. Whether we are sitting, standing, bending, or reaching doesn't matter; it all comes from the core of the body. Pilates focuses on this area, and over time the abdominal region becomes stronger and more flexible. It is through this process that your stomach can become flatter. Regardless of how many Pilates exercises that you do, your stomach will not flatten much if you are choosing to each junk food instead of a healthy diet.

Myth 2 - Pilates is a cure for injuries. Pilates doesn't cure injuries, however it can be of great benefit for the rehabilitation of an injury. When you work with a Pilates instructor, along with your doctor or physical therapist, a specific workout routine of exercises can be designed to help reduce scar tissue, and by avoiding improper healing of the injury by working on neutral alignment of the specific area. It can also help to strengthen the area, increase the flexibility, and heightens your awareness of how to prevent injuries in the future.

Myth 3 - Pilates is an easy method of exercise for wimps. This is so not true. Pilates was developed by a man named Joseph Pilates, who was a boxer and later a military trainer. Pilates was originally developed for men. It wasn't until later that the female population got on board with this method of exercise. While it is true that Pilates can be performed by anyone, any age, at any fitness level, that in no way means that it is an easy form of exercise. Pilates focuses on the whole body experience including the body, the mind and the spirit. Pilates exercise is not an exercise like running on a treadmill that can be down while watching T.V. at the same time. To obtain the maximum benefit of the Pilates method, one must focus on things such as, breathing pattern, the placement

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