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1. What exactly is Pilates?

2. What is Somatics and Somatic Integration?

3. Who was Joseph Pilates?

4. I’ve heard of the Reformer and Cadillac. What are these things and what do they have to do with Pilates?

5. What should I wear to class?

6. There are Pilates classes, taught by certified instructors, at the gym for free. Why should I pay to go to a Pilates “studio”?

7. Will Pilates help me to lose weight?/ Is Pilates an aerobic exercise?/ How long will it take to see results?

8. What is the difference between Yoga and Pilates?

9. What is the difference between Gyrotonics and Pilates?

10. Am I too old (young) for Pilates?

11. I’m Pregnant.  Can I do Pilates?

12. I have chronic back pain and returning flare-ups of old injuries, can Pilates help? / I was recently injured. I heard Pilates was a form of rehabilitation, will it work for me?

13. I bought a Pilates Instructional Video, isn’t that the same as taking a class?

14. I bought Pilates equipment on television, isn’t it basically the same as the equipment used in studios?

15. What is the recent inundation of Pilates books, videos, accessories, classes, etc.?

What exactly is Pilates?

Please click Pilates to be taken to our Pilates pages.

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What is Somatics and Somatic Integration?

Please click Somatic Integration Through Pilates for a description.

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Who was Joseph Pilates?

Please click History of Joseph H. Pilates for the information you are requesting.

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I’ve heard of the Reformer and Cadillac. What are these things and what do they have to do with Pilates?

Please note that in this answer links have been provided to images of the different apparatus mentioned. These images may take a while to load and will load in a new browser window. Thanks to Peak Pilates for allowing us to use these images on our site!

Many people have heard of the mat or floor work developed by Joseph Pilates, because most of the books, videos and classes offered cover this specific version of the Pilates’ method of physical conditioning. Although it is agreed that originally Pilates developed the mat work as the basis of his philosophies on physical conditioning, the apparatus he developed later in his career has proved to be an indispensable part of practicing and understanding the method. The Reformer, designed with a moving carriage, springs, straps, and adjustable foot bar allows clients to perform exercises lying prone, supine, sitting and standing. The Cadillac, which is also known as the Trapeze Table, is a large apparatus with poles, springs, push through bar, roll down bar, trapeze strap, and woolies. This piece of apparatus was created to address specific rehabilitative and alignment needs, as well as to assist in stretching and understanding symmetrical movement, thus transitioning the body through plateaus. The Chair, one of the most challenging pieces of apparatus, is normally used as an addition to your regular Pilates exercise recommendations, but can also be used as the sole piece of equipment during a session. Other additional pieces of apparatus include the high barrel, the spine corrector, the barrel system, magic circles, the foot corrector, the ped-o-pul, the orthopedic ball, and other small bands, balls and weights.

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What should I wear to class?

Wear something you are comfortable moving in, that will allow you to breathe, bend and stretch without constriction. Elastic waistbands are highly recommended. However, do not wear anything too loose or bulky as it hinders the instructors ability to visually analyze body placement, thus decreasing the effectiveness of your session or class. Exercises can be performed either barefoot or in stockings.

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There are Pilates classes, taught by 'certified instructors' at the gym for free. Why should go to a Pilates “studio” and have to pay?

There is nothing wrong with attending a class at a gym. However, there are some things to be aware of that do not occur in Pilates studios. Here are some instances.

Large Classes with multi-level students. These types of classes can be dangerous for students who are not fully aware of their bodies and have not mastered the principles and fundamentals of Pilates before engaging in higher level exercises. Some instructors will give modifications to less experienced students, but it is virtually impossible to look in two different directions, and be completely aware of too many people at one time. This MAY result in injury, unsatisfactory results, and frustration. Classes at SEA, Inc. are limited to 7 people. SOME classes offered at gyms and similar institutions are taught by individuals with little or no actual Pilates experience or training. Some instructors who do have training are only qualified through weekend certification courses (usually only 16 to 20 hours), designed for the purposes of gyms, etc. Instructors at SEA, however, are certified by the Physical Mind Institute and have completed hundreds of hours of instruction and many hours of supervised teaching. Please visit our Staff/Instructors page for a full listing of our Instructors credentials. Classes at gyms are not necessarily the ideal choice for those wishing to develop full-body awareness and a deep understanding of the Pilates method.

Superficial aspects of Pilates. Most gyms are in existence to help people feel better about themselves, by helping them to change the way they look. And, in turn, most Pilates classes offered at gyms focus on the ability to “tighten buns, hips and abs”. There is no doubt that Pilates can dramatically change your body, and result in a tighter, leaner, longer physique, but in a Pilates Studio, there is a lot more emphasis put on the mind-body connection and the principles and fundamentals, as well as an individualized approach to your specific concerns and goals. Classes at SEA focus on heavily on establishing a strong foundation for movement in your life. See our benefits page for more information.

Finally and very important, many gyms do not offer qualified individual instruction on high caliber apparatus, which is a staple of Pilates studios.

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Will Pilates help me to lose weight?/ Is Pilates an aerobic exercise?/ How long will it take to see results?

Pilates in and of itself is a form of anaerobic exercise. Weight is lost through a simple equation, that is, expend more energy than you consume. Pilates increases strength through lean muscle mass. Muscle consumes more calories at rest than adipose tissue.  Pilates may also inadvertently help you to lose weight by increasing body awareness, and control. With awareness and control, you may become more careful with what you consume and when you consume it. Weight loss, however, is not universally accepted as a result of Pilates. On the other hand, Pilates himself said, in reference to practicing Pilates, “you’ll feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions”. To put this statement into perspective, any movement program that is practiced regularly (at least 3 times per week) will offer benefits after 30 sessions. The focus of Pilates should not be about aesthetics alone. Those individuals who have started the program at SEA and have enjoyed all the benefits are those who have approached the method as a part of their lifestyle, instead of just a quick fix. Click here to learn more!

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What is the difference between Yoga and Pilates?

Yoga, a wonderful Eastern discipline, has similarities to Pilates mainly because of the fact Joseph Pilates had studied Eastern forms of movement and incorporated them into his method. There are distinct differences though. Some clients who have experienced both forms of movement, remark on the difference between the breathing, linear movement patterns and the fluidity of movement that is provided by Pilates.

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What is the difference between Gyrotonics and Pilates?

Juliu Horvath, the creator of Gyrotonics, developed Gyro-Kinesis as essentially a fusion of Pilates, Yoga, Gymnastics and Dance. It is also a wonderful form of exercise, which has assisted many people in achieving their goals. SEA, Inc. is not currently offering the Gyrotonic Expansion System method of exercise. However if you are interested in more information concerning Gyrotonic training please contact certified instructor Joyce Campbell, at 610-756-6603.

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Am I too old (young) for Pilates?

If you are over the age of 10, there is a benefit that you can experience with a Pilates program. For those younger than 10 we do offer a youth Pilates class specifically designed for the changing musculoskeletal system of children that age. Click here for more!

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I’m Pregnant.  Can I do Pilates?

If you began your Pilates training before the first trimester, Pilates can be very beneficial to your pregnancy. Pilates is one of the most advantageous forms of exercise post-pregnancy, because of its focus on core control, and the muscles of the abdomen, back and gluteus. Contact us for more information. As with any exercise program, and especially when pregnancy is concerned, please discuss any interest in establishing an exercise program with your doctor first!

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I have chronic back pain and returning flare-ups of old injuries, can Pilates help? / I was recently injured. I heard Pilates was a form of rehabilitation, will it work for me?

Pilates is a wonderful rehabilitation tool. Because Pilates teaches re-programming of the entire musculature, it can be as gentle and simple as is required. Pilates redevelops strength, stability, balance and symmetry to areas of the body, which may have been misaligned due to an injury. 

If you have been recently injured, it is recommended that you first obtain a release from your physician or preferably a specialist, to participate in the Pilates Exercise Program. (Note: As a precaution for all of us, SEA requires a signed doctors release indicating that you are cleared to engage in the type of physical activity experienced in a Pilates program before you may participate in our classes or individual sessions.) Click here to learn more benefits of a Pilates program and who can benefit.

For more information contact us.

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I bought a Pilates Instructional Video, isn’t that the same as taking a class?

Pilates videos and books can be a wonderful tools for supplementing your training in Pilates under a qualified instructor. Pilates is an exact form of movement. It is highly recommended that you first learn Pilates under the direction of a fully certified instructor before attempting to do the exercises on your own. An important part of a successful Pilates program is knowing what your goals and expectations are for the program. For instance some popular videos available in infomercials focus heavily on the aesthetic benefits of Pilates without a great deal of focus on improving flexibility and movement. Also videos are limited in their ability to identify body types and styles, sometimes creating a condition that could lead to injury. Please choose any Pilates video carefully and be aware that Pilates in and of itself is not a weight loss exercise program.

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I bought Pilates apparatus on television, isn’t it basically the same as the equipment used in studios?

There are a lot of different types of Pilates apparatus out there these days. Some of the more popular pieces of apparatus sold on television, for example, are rarely the type you’d find in a Pilates studio. Be very careful when making choices about purchasing apparatus. There are a lot of very unsafe pieces of apparatus on the market today. If you are planning on purchasing Pilates equipment and have any questions regarding the quality of the manufacturer please contact us for a list of recommended suppliers.

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What is behind the recent inundation of Pilates books, videos, accessories, classes, etc.?

Pilates is not new, it has been around for decades, however, it was not until recently that the word “Pilates” could be freely used by instructors to describe the type of movement they taught.

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Pilates is non-impact exercise. Not only does it guard against unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system, it also protects the joints and ensures proper alignment while moving through exercises especially in the first levels, where most of the exercises are done, either lying down or sitting.