You don’t need to be ‘good at Pilates’ to start Pilates

Image: James Melia

Whenever I tell someone who hasn’t tried Pilates what I do for a living, a common response is:

“I’d really like to try that,” or “I’ve been told I should start, but…”

I’m not very flexible.
I’m not strong.
My posture is terrible.
I’ve got no core.
My coordination is shocking.

[Insert any skill you learn through doing Pilates, and are not expected to arrive with].

This has always happened, but it’s definitely increased over the last few years as Reformer Pilates has been popularised as a trend. I love the Reformer and use it loads in my 1:1 teaching, but the explosion of dynamic, highly Instagrammable studios has shifted how Pilates is perceived. It’s increasingly seen as an athletic workout for naturally bendy, slim, young (and usually white) people, in expensive leggings.

If that’s not you, and you’re simply looking to understand your body better, build some core strength, and ease tight hips, achy shoulders, or a sore back, it’s worth remembering where Pilates actually came from… The method (including all equipment) was developed over 100 years ago by a man (Joseph Pilates) not a modern, lycra-clad wellness guru. It was originally developed as a rehabilitation method with a built in process to teach you movement skills over time. Skills like strength, balance, breath, flexibility and coordination. You’re not expected to arrive with them.

So wherever you’re starting from, you’re in exactly the right place. If you’re open to exploring it, Pilates is for you. Get started today.