Pilates is only for women.
FALSE. Pilates is for both men and women. The main focus of pilates is to gain core strength and stability throughout the body. While you won’t win any bodybuilding competitions just doing pilates, you will drastically reduce the potential for injury and, in certain instances (namely my own), rehab old injuries. Also, you will correct your body’s alignment making it more efficient at doing whatever your passion is. Check out a few articles on it: USA TODAY Men’s Fitness Men’s Fitness Men’s Fitness Men’s Health Maxim
Pilates is only about your abs.
FALSE. Pilates is a full body workout that utilizes and conditions you muscle recruitment through your core muscles. Our core is the strongest part of our body when used correctly. The problem is, a lot of trainers and mega gym enthusiasts workout with no core recruitment making workouts potentially dangerous and not nearly as efficient. While your abs will get toned doing pilates, so will your back, glutes, legs, shoulders, chest, thighs… everything! AND… once you start using your body more efficiently, all the power moves will become easier!
Pilates is just stretching.
FALSE. Your flexibility will be challenged, but so will your strength at the cusp of your flexibility. I always made fun of bodybuilders who had 35 inch arms wondering if they were restricted to using a bidet. The joke there is massive size, not as much strength, and a debilitating amount of flexibility. As your strength grows in pilates, so will your flexibility making you stronger in more ways than you ever thought!
Pilates is Expensive!
FALSE. Since I am still doing my student teaching requirements prior to getting my national certification, I am offering 1 hour pilates privates and semi-privates for $20/hour. There is no gym membership and you get my undivided attention and knowledge as an acrobat, hand balancer, and fire dancer ALL of which have been advanced by the use of pilates.