What is Pilates?

Pilates doesn’t fall into the traditional categories of fitness or physical therapy. It’s its own thing, bringing together the science and focus on functional movement that we tend to associate with physical therapy - but as a really tough workout.

When you boil it down, Pilates develops three important things: mobility, strength of your deep muscles and body awareness. 

Mobility is going to help make sure that your joints are limber, which means you’ll feel more flexible and will be less likely to injure yourself. Think about why tennis players like Serena Williams need to be able to do the splits: so they don’t tear their hamstrings or groin when sliding for a shot. That’s mobility in action. Mobility is also being able to reach from the front seat for your bag in the back without feeling like you’re going to end up unable to turn your head for a week.

Strengthening your deep muscles will help your body move more efficiently. We’ll figure out where your muscle imbalances are so you can train the ones that will help you move better and more free, instead of the ones that are causing you pain and tension. Tight traps that cause tension headaches? Looking at you. 

Body awareness is simply feeling in tune with what your body is telling you. Through Pilates, you’ll get to know your anatomy and understand how your muscles work together. Connecting to your breath is another major aspect here. Most people find Pilates turns into a movement meditation because you are so focused on simply movement and breath.

Will it make my neck, back and knees stop hurting?

Pilates is an excellent way to get to know your movement patterns and figure out if they are causing pain.

While I can’t guarantee anything, many people worked with me to address pain that other training methods and physical therapy didn’t take care of. We look at the full system of movement to build your strength and endurance sustainably.

Is Pilates only for injured people?

Absolutely not.

Pilates is for people who are invested in sustainable movement in whatever activities they love to do. From running marathons, to spending weekends in the garden, to managing a disease, this method is designed to help you keep at what you love to do without pain or injury.

Is Pilates like yoga?

People ask me this a lot and the simple answer is no. You might work on the mat with me, but in terms of the method’s principles, that’s pretty much where the similarities end. I think a very simple way of demonstrating the difference is that yoga is known for teaching poses. In Pilates, we teach exercises. Additionally, there is no spiritual association in Pilates.

Will Pilates help me lose weight?

I do not teach or discuss weight loss with my clients. Giving advice or guidance on weight and nutrition is out of my - and all fitness instructors’ - scope of practice. It is also important to note that I do not believe being thin means someone is healthy or that being fat means someone is unhealthy. If that statement is triggering to you, I’m not the right instructor for you.

If weight loss is something you are interested in, I am happy to refer you to dieticians both in Zurich and online