Copyright © 2012 Claudel Kuek

Pilates has become an extremely popular form of exercise over the last several years. That’s both good news and bad news. What’s good is that classes are easily accessible just about everywhere at a broad range of prices. What’s bad is that it is so easy to do Pilates the wrong way; on your own or by training with the wrong trainers! Before you jump on the bandwagon, read more about Pilates here and how to become trained in this anti-ageing exercise regime of the 21st century!

Q. I understand that there are variations of Pilates?

A. There are various Pilates variations; the Classical method, the Stott method, the Polestar method, the BASI method, and also certifications from Pilates International, Physical Mind Institute and Balanced Body Inc. There has been an evolution of the Pilates method and thus many branches and cross-breeds sprouting from the original. However, you can be certain that all Pilates methods focus on rehabilitation, movement and optimal fitness.

All Pilates trainers are obliged to honour and preserve the original teachings of Joseph Pilates; always presenting the original principles and repertoire while integrating contemporary scientific developments with the method.

Q. What are the key health benefits of practising Pilates? Who may benefit especially from Pilates and how so?

A. Everyone from 7 to 70 can benefit from Pilates. Everything that one would need to achieve optimal health and fitness is found in Pilates. From improved posture to overall flexibility, toned muscles to strength in your core (crucial in maintaining a healthy back), enhanced balance and coordination to ease of movement, reduced injuries to peak performance both in sport and in daily living.

It is highly common to find many people working out together as part of their bonding/networking time; women looking for increased well-being and a better figure, men wanting more strength and flexibility, teenagers seeking to improve their competitive edge in sports, and folks needing the extra help in hastening/maintaining their recovery from bodily ailments such as osteoporosis, scoliosis, prolapsed discs, arthritis, back and joint problems.

Q. Can someone simply join a Pilates class or is there some sort of an integration session? How does a Pilates program usually work?

A. Each Pilates session lasts for an hour. People who are generally fit and do not have any health issues join Pilates classes without the need for an integration session. There are Private Consultations for clients with special needs and concerns. Persons who are completely new to Pilates will be initiated into the Pilates programme through a series of Pilates Fundamental classes. Although every Pilates session is a full-body workout with plenty of variety, the backbone of Pilates which are its principles are repeated and emphasized throughout all sessions (whether in a Beginner or an Intermediate class).

Q. What are the main things that most people should know/understand about Pilates? Alternatively, what are the common misconceptions about this exercise regime?

A. That although Pilates was created in the early 1900s, Joseph Pilates was a visionary and a man ahead of his times. The exercises he designed require concentration and precision of movement which makes his fitness regime a mind-body experience. This is important in teaching your mind to master and take control of your body which results in a heightened level of well-being. The Pilates equipment that he invented was designed to increase mobility and efficiency in movement for the weak and inactive. This meant that no matter what condition/ailment you started out with, you would be well on your way to a renewed, stronger and better physical state. But what most people should know about Pilates is that it works!

A common misconception is that Pilates and Yoga are similar. This is not true as Yoga is spiritual-based whereas Pilates is scientific-based. Yoga involves holding yourself in a variety of poses whereas Pilates is a cleverly choreographed flow of movements executed with control and precision.

Q. How important is the role of a certified instructor in Pilates and why?

A. It is important to be a certified instructor in Pilates if the Pilates method is what you wish to teach others. You would need to be schooled in Anatomy and Physiology so that you develop an understanding of what the body and its parts are all about and how it works, both independently and interdependently. Pilates is a disciplined system, with many layers of psychological and physical training, that needs to be understood, studied and practiced very well before one can hope to impart the very same principles and expertise to others.

Q. How can we define who’s sufficiently qualified and who isn’t? What are the questions that the public should ask about their instructors/or what they should find out about them before taking their classes?

A. If you are interested in learning Pilates, you should visit a fully equipped and certified Pilates studio. Most studios offer a trial session where you can experience their class at a walk-in rate. There you will get to speak with the instructor at hand; he or she should show a genuine concern for you and your needs, should have a strong knowledge of the human body and be able to share this with you, and should display a lot of patience and eagerness to teach and to help you improve.

Q. Is it safe for people to practise Pilates at home (mat work)?

A. Yes, it is safe to practise Pilates on the mat at home, either through DVDs or a good Pilates instructional book, if you are generally in good health. Naturally, the results would not be the same as if you practised Pilates at the studio with an instructor giving you cues, correcting your misalignment and ensuring you are targeting and firing up all the right muscles of focus.

However, Pilates on equipment (for example, the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair) needs to be trained and practised in the studio with an instructor supervising your technique and form.

Q. With the increase in popularity, a multitude of Pilates books and videos, as well the information online have been popping up. How should people handle this possible “overload”?

A. There is much information online about anything and everything that you can possibly think up. Horrifically there are Pilates certifications taught online too! What’s important here is to stay focused on your needs and goals. Do arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible but also search out what is intuitively comfortable and best for you, your body and your lifestyle. After all, Joseph Pilates only intended for you to be your best possible self through the Pilates method.

Mrs Claudel Kuek, Pilates in the Park Singapore promises to help you achieve your fit and fab bod through Pilates at our award-winning studios located at exclusive and choice parkland locations of Dempsey Hill, Bishan Park and Rochester Park. For the body of your dreams, click here to learn more.