FAQ

Q1 What is pilates?

pilates is an exercise method, designed to stretch, strengthen and restore your body to balance. Click here for further information on this topic.

Q2 Who is pilates suitable for?

Everyone! Of all ages and all levels of fitness. If you have any injuries, medical conditions or if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, please check with your GP that pilates is suitable for you.

Q3 When did it start?

pilates was developed by Joseph pilates in the early 1900s, initially as a form of exercise to strengthen his own body. When the First World War broke out, pilates was interned in the UK as a German national. He used his 'enforced leisure' to refine his exercise method and began teaching his fellow internees.

After the war, pilates immigrated to the United States where he opened a body conditioning studio in New York in 1926. His positive results drew a diverse crowd of all ages to his studio, including dancers, actors, musicians, businesspeople, circus performers and students. Today, it's widely recognised that pilates was 50 years ahead of his time.

Since the 1920s, the popularity of pilates has steadily grown and millions worldwide now practice pilates. The method has been developed over the years, with teachers adapting some of pilates's original exercises in line with new research and understanding of the body.

Today, teachers of the Pilates Foundation teach these original exercises alongside an evolved form of pilates exercise.
Click here for further information on Pilates Foundation teachers.

Q4 What guidelines should I use to select a pilates teacher or class?

It's crucial that you select a pilates teacher or course carefully. If you're interested in taking up pilates because you have a condition or injury, it's important that you seek medical advice first.

The pilates method is taught in many different environments, ranging from group mat classes in health clubs, through smaller classes using Apparatus, to private studio sessions by teachers who have greatly different training backgrounds and experience. Pilates Foundation training is comprehensive. Most of our teacher trainers have more than 20 years of experience and are committed to staying on top of the latest research in the field. Training to become a Pilates Foundation Matwork teacher takes at least one year.

To become accredited to teach using the studio Apparatus as well takes a minimum of 18 months. All of our accredited teachers have passed both theoretical and practical exams and have been through comprehensive supervised teaching. Our teachers are required to continue their education with a minimum of 24 hours a year.

We are an organisation run by teachers for teachers.

The Pilates Foundation gives clear guidelines to define good teaching practice in the many environments that pilates classes are taught. Our teachers will check on their clients' relevant medical histories before working with them. If necessary, they'll refer them to other health professionals.

Pilates Foundation teachers are knowledgeable about injuries and, in particular, back problems. They know how to modify or eliminate exercises that might be harmful for certain conditions. Many clients with injuries are recommended to study pilates. It's important they do so with teachers who are trained to work and adapt exercises suited to the individual's needs.

Before starting pilates, anyone who has an injury, medical condition, is pregnant or has recently had a baby should follow the following guidelines:
  1. First seek medical advice
  2. If the GP or health professional recommends pilates, the client should get a letter from them describing the condition with recommendations and contraindications.
  3. Always check out the teacher's credentials and training. Click here for further details on how to do this.
  4. Begin, if possible, on a one-to-one basis, if not in a small group.
For further information on why it's important to choose a Pilates Foundation teacher click on 1c. For information on finding a Pilates Foundation teacher click on 4.
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Q5 What's the difference between matwork and apparatus classes?

Both are based on the same principles of movement developed by Joseph pilates. Matwork classes are usually taught in a group and incorporate a range of exercises performed standing and on a floor mat. Sometimes small pieces of equipment are also used. Apparatus classes are taught on large specialised equipment, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel. These are usually taught in small, semi-private groups or one-to-one.

Click here for further information on matwork vs. apparatus classes
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Q6 How many people are in the classes?

Matwork class sizes vary, but on the average there are 12 clients per class. Matwork can also be taught privately in your home. Apparatus classes also vary in size, from one to one sessions to small, semi-private groups of up to six people.
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Q7 How long is a class?

Between 60-90 minutes.
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Q8 How much do pilates classes cost?

Costs for classes vary depending on the location and the teacher. Group Matwork classes usually cost between £5.00 - £12.00. Apparatus classes tend to be more expensive because they take place in a dedicated space, using specialised equipment and offering more individual attention. Costs can vary between £15.00 - £40.00 per session. Fees for private tuition in your home or in a private studio vary depending on the area and the teacher.
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Q9 What are the benefits of pilates?

  • Makes you look and feel better.
  • Improves your posture.
  • Delivers a real difference in muscle tone and flexibility.
  • Improves your core strength.
  • Develops increased flexibility in the spine and aid pelvis and shoulder stabilisation.
  • Improves joint health by increasing mobility and strength.
  • Relieves stress and tension and promotes a feeling of well-being.
  • Increases lung capacity and improves circulation.
  • Allows you to achieve positive body awareness.
  • Enables injury prevention and physical rehabilitation.
  • Alleviates aches and pains.
  • Provides a safe and beneficial form of exercise for a wide range of medical conditions, including Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis.
  • Builds better balance and coordination, particularly for the elderly.
  • Can improve bone density.
  • Offers a safe and excellent form of exercise for pre and post natal women.
  • Complements training for athletes.
  • Integrates mind, body and spirit.
  • Improves quality of life on a daily basis for the rest of your life.

Q10 Is pilates aerobic?

While the primary focus of pilates is not aerobic, some aerobic benefits can be achieved at more advanced levels. We recommend that pilates is supplemented with regular cardiovascular exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming.
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Q11 Will I lose weight?

pilates is not primarily about weight loss. However, pilates exercise can support weight loss and give a more streamlined appearance.
  • pilates increases lean muscle mass which means your body will burn calories faster. This will help you to lose weight and keep it off, if that's what your body needs.
  • pilates gives you a strong, toned, flexible body
  • pilates improves posture which gives your body a more graceful, streamlined appearance.
  • pilates promotes deep and efficient respiration which is essential for calorie burning and tissue regeneration.
  • pilates promotes good self-esteem, a factor very much associated with weight loss.
  • pilates is an invigorating workout that can help sustain energy levels through the day. However it is not usually considered an aerobic exercise, unless undertaken at a very advanced level.
Ideally you should combine pilates with a healthy diet and some additional cardiovascular exercise if you wish to reduce body fat.

Some good choices for aerobic cross training with pilates include swimming, walking and cycling.
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Q12 What is core stability? Why is it important?

Core stability is about training the muscles that support the spine and is fundamental to the pilates method. Core stability is important because it provides a protective muscular corset which helps to stabilize the spine. It also helps to prevent or reduce lower back pain.

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Q13 How many classes do I need to take to see improvement?

Everyone is different. pilates once said, "In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you will have a whole new body."

In the beginning we recommend that you take classes with greater frequency. Ideally, two to three classes per week would be highly beneficial. If this isn't possible, discuss a home programme with your teacher to supplement your classes.
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Q14 If I have osteoporosis is pilates safe?

All Pilates Foundation teachers are trained to teach clients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. While there are certain movements that are contraindicated, our teachers have the knowledge and skills to properly guide clients with this condition and teach the exercises that will be beneficial for them.
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Q15 Will pilates fix my bad back?

pilates is an excellent form of exercise to improve the core stability necessary for a healthy spine. Pilates Foundation teachers are trained to work closely with other health practitioners to develop successful programmes to manage back pain.
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Q16 Can I learn pilates from a DVD or a book?

While there are many good instructional DVDs and books on the market, we strongly recommended that you begin with a well trained pilates teacher. You can then use the DVDs and books to supplement your personal instruction.
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Q17 Is pilates safe?

pilates is highly recommended by health professionals as one of the safest forms of exercise. However, it's always advisable to check with your GP first. If you have any injuries or medical conditions, please bring a note from your GP to your first class.
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Q18 How do I find a teacher?

To find a teacher in your area click here.
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Q19 Is pilates a safe form of exercise for pre and post-natal women?

Yes. If taught by a trained Pilates Foundation teacher, Pilates can be very beneficial for pre and post-natal women. However, it's important to check with your GP and Pilates teacher before starting Pilates, continuing with classes once pregnant, or after recently having a baby.

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