Pilates Check In: 7 Ways To Know If You're Doing Pilates Correctly

Pilates, created in the 1930's is based on the principles of mind/body connection, deep breathing and whole body health. Over the years, the technique has been somewhat hybridized to where it’s difficult to know if you’re doing Pilates correctly.. or even at all. Here’s how to know..

1. Are you training at a studio that has roots in the classical or original method? Joseph Pilates spent over 50 years refining his technique starting from the early 1900’s. His method was meticulously designed with a deep focus on breathing, concentration, spinal flexibility and postural awareness. If the studio’s website mentions any of these origins or principles, you could be on your way to do doing Pilates correctly.

2. Pilates wasn’t designed to fatigue the body. The overriding goal is to invigorate the body with a variety of exercises performed with repetions between 5-8 (with a few exceptions). Anymore, you’re not doing Pilates!

3. Do you feel taller after each session? Chances are, doing Pilates correctly!

4. Are you working the whole body in a variety of graceful movement patterns? eg; flexing forward, backbends, side-bending and rotation, all in an even flow? That’s Pilates!

5. Is your instructor focusing on deep diaphragmatic breathing in every exercise? Yep, you're doing Pilates the right way.

6. Is your instructor working your internal muscles ( the deep stomach and back muscles) as much as the extrinsic ones ( thighs & chest etc). Keep that instructor!

7. Did you hold a plank position on your forearms during the workout, with your instructor screaming at you ( above the music) to keep it up ? You’re definitely NOT doing Pilates!

Pilates is an art and science, difficult to teach and even harder to do properly!

If you’d like to learn how to do Pilates properly, consider joining our Classical Pilates Certification program. We teach new instructors, certified instructors looking to refresh or upgrade their skills and even clients looking to deepen their practice. We look forward to seeing you here..