by Lynda Lippin

Created on: February 24, 2007   Last Updated: June 13, 2008

Pilates is a wonderful form of whole body exercise. With Pilates you will lengthen tight muscles; strengthen weak muscles; and strengthen your Core (abs, back, inner thighs, and butt) quickly and effectively.

While Pilates mat is the most accessible and least expensive form of Pilates, the equipment (reformer, cadillac or tower, and chair) is actually more appropriate for beginners. Joseph Pilates invented the apparatus to assist as well as resist movement, enabling people to exercise who otherwise may not have been able to move properly. It is not true that one must do Pilates mat before taking on the machines.

It is important for a beginner to understand that Pilates is not simply a series of exercises, but is more about HOW we move and HOW we exercise. Joseph Pilates invented his method in the early 20th century as a way to help people learn to move properly so as to get the most movement quality with the least amount of effort.

The mass production of Pilates makes Pilates seem simply like a group of exercises (that look like other exercises) that you can do fast, slow, or otherwise. That's just not it! Pilates is about how you exercise; it's about how you move and breathe and get into positions. Pilates is about balance and proper movement, not simply about hauling oneself into a certain position.

In fact, improperly done Pilates can cause injuries such as:
hernias (from bearing down too much); muscle cramps (from improper recruitment); neck & back injuries (from improper spine movement); rotator cuff injuries (from pushing a large range of motion in the shoulder joint without proper ribcage stabilization); osteoporotic spinal fractures (from too much forward flexion and other movements contra-indicated for osteoporosis).

It can also cause your abdominal muscles to build outward instead of pulling inward, making your belly bigger and harder. Proper breathing, positioning, and technique is key to a successful Pilates exercise session whether at home or in a studio or gym. Your back, neck, and joints should never hurt while doing any Pilates exercises. They may feel like they are getting exercised, but muscle soreness is different from pain and you need to be certain of this difference.

So be safe. Try to attend a class before working at home with just a book or dvd. There are plenty of good free articles and videos available on line that can help you achieve proper Pilates form with little cost involved. Do Pilates right and it will help you tone and stay strong and flexible forever!

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