Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born near Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880. As a child he was sickly, suffering from rickets, rheumatic fever and asthma. He became obsessed with physical fitness and at age 14 he was posing for anatomical charts.

He worked as a circus strongman and was proficient at skiing and fencing.

He moved to England when aged 32 and taught self-defence to Scotland Yard detectives. Two years later at the outbreak of World War 1 he was interned, due to his German birth, as an undesirable alien.

During the war he worked as a hospital orderly at the White Hoe Hospital on the Isle of Man developing a programme of exercises incorporating parts of broken hospital beds.

He studied acrobatics, yoga and animal movements. The exercise programme that he developed was originally called ‘Contrology’ and subsequently Pilates.

At the end of the war he returned to Germany before moving to New York in 1923 meeting his wife to be, Clara, on the boat.

He subsequently opened his studio in New York in the same building as the New York City Ballet. The rich and famous flocked to his studio as well as many dance students.

He was truly one of the world’s great innovators.

He died in 1967 aged 87.

What is Pilates?

The Pilates method of exercise is a unique system of stretching and strengthening resulting in a body that is stronger and better balanced. It improves breathing and co-ordination.

How is it different?

Bringing the mind and body together, Pilates works the stabilizing muscles of the body building a girdle of strength between the rib cage and the pelvis. The girdle of strength helps protect the spine, particularly through the low back area.

How do I get started?

You could begin with a private lesson, then choose a suitable Pilates for Life Personal Programme, working in the comfort of your own home.

As you become familiar with the movements you could then either join a group class or continue working by yourself if there is no teacher in your area.

If you are lucky enough to live near a studio you may have the option of exercising on specialised equipment.

As you become stronger you can progress to more challenging Pilates for Life exercises.

How do I choose a teacher?

This is the most difficult question that we are asked. Try to go and watch a class and ask yourself if you would trust your body to that teacher.

Teacher training can be as long as 750 hours or as short as a couple of days.

Ongoing training should be part of the teachers criteria and they should carry at least £5,000,000 of suitable insurance specific to Pilates – ask to see the policy.

What if there is no teacher in my area?

There are some good books and videos but you can end up flipping backwards and forwards searching for suitable exercises. This tends to interrupt the flow and can reduce the effectiveness and enjoyment of the exercises.

The Pilates for Life Personal Programmes with the audio CD, are designed to work as an active instructor guiding you through your customized programme smoothly and efficiently enhancing enjoyment and your own performance.

What should I wear?

Clothing that allows freedom of movement and socks. A tracksuit bottom and a T-shirt, a leotard tank top or shorts are all suitable.

How often should I exercise?

Once a week is better than nothing at all but to make measurable gains, two or three times a week.

How soon will I notice a difference?

You may feel different after your first session but generally after about 4 to 8 weeks of exercising. You and perhaps others will begin to notice a difference in your posture and how you look.

Will Pilates help my sport?

Pilates is now practised by the New Zealand All Blacks, the England Rugby and Cricket Teams, Premiership Football Teams and many other sports people.

There are specific Pilates for Life Personal Programmes for various sports and each programme is designed to improve your fitness level and to help keep you injury free for longer.

Is Pilates Safe?

Pilates is an extremely safe form of exercise recommended by many medical specialists.

You may take your Personal Programme to your doctor or medical specialist before commencing so that any modifications to the exercises indicated by your condition can be made if necessary.

Do I need to do any other exercise?

You should add some cardio vascular exercise to your weekly programme such as walking or swimming.