Following are questions I am frequently asked about Pilates. While most of these answers are "generic" in nature, I thought it might be helpful to have them posted here. Do you have a question not listed below? I will do my best to answer it if you e-mail me at info@boppilates.com. If I think it is a question that others might find helpful I will add it to my website. (Please note: I am not attempting to pose as a Pilates "guru" or "priestess," but simply giving you my answers, which are a direct result of my own personal experience. Others might have different opinions or different ways of expressing similar things.)

Click on a question below to jump directly to it, or scroll down to read all of them.

· Just what is Pilates?

· What makes it so special, or different, from other exercise?

· How do I find a Pilates instructor or a mat class?

· How do I choose an instructor?

· How many sessions a week should I take?

· Can I really get a long, lean body in 6 weeks?

· Does Pilates incorporate the spiritual as does Yoga?

· I have mild scoliosis and resulting poor posture. Any truth to the purported benefits of pilates regarding spine strengthening and straightening?

Just what is Pilates?
    Simply stated, Pilates is a set of prescribed exercises done on the floor upon a mat (called "matwork") or utilizing equipment specially designed by Joseph Pilates (called "apparatus" or "equipment work").
    It will strengthen, lengthen, stretch, balance, tone, relax and energize you! The only thing traditional Pilates will not give you is a sufficient cardiovascular workout.
    And don't believe people who say you won't sweat doing Pilates. Once past the beginner's level, Pilates is extremely hard work.

What makes it so special, or different, from other exercise?
    In my opinion it is the equipment designed by Joseph Pilates that really makes Pilates unique. Exercising on Pilates equipment is unlike anything else. With most exercise equipment I feel that I am pushing pieces of padded metal around. With Pilates apparatus I am moving -- stretching, folding, lengthening, curling, pressing, etc. -- and I happen to be moving the apparatus along with me.
    Obviously, Pilates equipment is not your ordinary gym equipment, but unusual constructions that frequently utilize increasing-and-decreasing spring resistance that creates uniform concentric and eccentric loading, which is optimal for strengthening muscles -- and it feels wonderful. I think Joseph Pilates' designs are absolutely brilliant.
    As for the actual exercises, it is the manner in which they are done (rather than the movements themselves) that is most unique. Looking at an array of Pilates exercises you will recognize movements taken from dance, yoga, military routines, and gymnastics. Attention is given to performing only 5-10 repetitions of each exercise in a precise and controlled manner -- with proper breathing. This focus upon the quality and precision of movement is what athletes and dancers regularly do, but what sets Pilates apart from most other "exercise" programs presently done in the USA.

How do I find a Pilates instructor or a mat class?
    Searching the internet, as you are now doing, is excellent. If you cannot find anyone listed in your area, contact an instructor as close to your area as possible, as they might know of someone.
    Don't forget to check with local yoga and dance studios, and even gyms. Many are adding mat classes (or variations of same) that could put you in touch with Pilates-trained teachers.

How do I choose an instructor?
    Talk to instructors! Call them and ask about their background; how long they have been teaching (not only Pilates, but any form of physical discipline); what their objective is as a teacher; if they have any particular focus (such as, rehabilitation); what they charge; and anything else that matters to you.
    Do you resonate with this person? Did the answers to your questions seem honest, reasonable, and reassuring? Can you imagine you'd like to spend an hour working intensely with this individual? If so, give it a try. If not, keep looking.
    And remember, no two teachers are alike. If you have a less than stellar experience the first time don't assume Pilates is not for you. It may be that the instructor and/or their particular approach is not for you. Be open to trying someone else.

How many sessions a week should I take?
    A beginner should ideally take 3 private sessions a week. If money is an issue, I always recommend people invest in 2-4 months of intense supervised training (a minimum of 2 times per week) rather than spreading the sessions out over a longer time. You will learn faster and retain what you learn, making it possible for you to continue on your own more safely and beneficially. Additionally, once past the beginning level you will be better able to take advantage of group classes, which are much easier on the wallet. Clients I have trained intensely for at least 2 months find themselves applying Pilates fundamentals everywhere in their lives, thus they keep learning and improving even if they stop training with me (which is really my ultimate goal as a teacher). Most beginning students that take a session only once-a-week lose interest after a month or two since they haven't learned enough to keep them mentally stimulated, nor have they seen the kind of dramatic results that inspire further effort. These are the people who have wasted their money, and time.
    Intermediate and advanced students' needs are evaluated on an individual basis according to their goals, lifestyle, and budget. Those rehabilitating from an injury need to apply themselves as much as possible, similar to beginning students.

Can I really get a long, lean body in 6 weeks?
    How long did it take you to get your present body? Six weeks? It's rather doubtful. How long it will take you to achieve your goals depends upon many things. The look of your body and your level of health and fitness are a result of genetics, lifestyle habits, whatever type of physical training you have, or have not, done, and any injuries you may have sustained. In addition to your present physical condition ask yourself, just how "diligently" am I willing to apply myself to learning Pilates? If you practice 4-6 times a week you are going to see amazing results in six weeks. If you practice only once-a-week you'll see very little.
    Even Joseph Pilates, who was emphatically confident about the holistic benefits of his method, cautioned the beginner with the reminder that "Rome was not built in a day." To further quote Joe from his book, Return to Life through Contrology, "PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor. The benefits of Contrology [his name for his method] depend solely upon your performing the exercises exactly according to instructions." He goes on to stress the importance of practicing the exercises diligently, meaning daily.

Does Pilates incorporate the spiritual as does Yoga?
    A spiritual dimension in Pilates training depends upon the teacher and the student, but generally, no, it is not incorporated in the way it is in yoga. Pilates is very western in the way it approaches the mind-body connection: it's about the mind actively directing the body. And while you must learn to "listen" to your body and become familiar with it, Joe Pilates was definitely a man of his times in that he believed completely in the power of mindful attention and discipline.
   Obviously, you can make your Pilates practice as uniquely spiritual as you wish. Personally, I love working with people who want to work on more than just the physical level. It's much more rewarding for both the student and myself. And it's very, very special work. In my own practice I downplay the spirituality at first, since I've learned that most people who come to me really don't want to go that route. After some time with a student I might make a subtle comment or suggestion and, depending upon the response, the student and I can go deeper into the work or keep it strictly on the physical level; whatever is comfortable for the student. I would be delighted to have someone openly willing to work on all levels immediately!
   If you want to pursue Pilates with a strong spiritual dimension I suggest you frankly query perspective teachers and trainers about their practice. You might be surprised to find more receptivity than expected.

I have mild scoliosis and resulting poor posture. Any truth to the purported benefits of pilates regarding spine strengthening and straightening?
   Yes, there actually is truth to the claims - and the current "hype." Pilates won't eliminate scoliosis, but it will strengthen core and superficial muscles that will reduce the misalignment, reduce discomfort or pain associated with it, and most definitely improve posture. You'll feel and look better. While you're focusing on that you'll also get the full array of "pilates benefits" because pilates always focuses on the total body; it was a holistic approach to movement and wellness before holistic became mainstream.

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