Classical Pilates has been around for more than 100 years, yet some are unsure of what it actually is. And honestly? I get it. Classical Pilates is one of those methods that looks simple from the outside but reveals more layers the deeper you go 😉
So let’s break down the most common myths I hear—gently, clearly, and with the appreciation this method deserves.
Myth 1: Pilates is for women
Joseph Pilates—yes, a man, and a boxer, gymnast, and self-defense enthusiast—created his method (originally called Contrology) as a system for strength, mobility, stamina, and total-body health.
Classical Pilates was always meant for everyone. It became popular among dancers and artists, who embraced it early on and helped bring it into studios worldwide. Pilates Contrology works for men and women alike, supporting every body in building strength, flexibility, and resilience.
In our studio, several of our male students have been practicing with us for nearly ten years, returning week after week because Classical Pilates supports their flexibility, mobility, strength, and longevity. And some of the greatest instructors in the lineage—starting with Joseph Pilates himself—are men, including Jay Grimes, one of his direct students.
Pilates Contrology was created for the human body. All of them 💛
Myth 2: Pilates isn’t functional
The method is functional by design.
Joseph Pilates built every single apparatus as tools to help people restore alignment, rebuild strength, and develop efficient joint movement patterns.
Pilates strengthens the muscles we rely on every day:
posture muscles
stabilizers
deep core muscles
glutes, hips, and feet
the muscles that keep our spine healthy
And it improves mobility, coordination, breath control, and body awareness—all essential for daily life. It is functional training 💛
Myth 3: Classical Pilates is for dancers
Classical Pilates is loved by dancers, but it wasn’t created specifically for them.
Dancers gravitated toward Joseph Pilates because he helped them rehab injuries, maintain alignment, and sustain long careers. The method itself was designed for ordinary people with ordinary bodies.
Classical Pilates welcomes:
children, adults, athletes, desk workers, beginners, seniors, pregnant women, postpartum mothers, people with chronic pain, and those simply wanting to feel better or get a workout.
It’s a system meant for the human body 💛
Myth 4: Classical Pilates is just stretching
Classical Pilates leaves you feeling long, open, decompressed, and balanced, but it’s actually strength through stretch.
Most exercises use springs, weights, or your own bodyweight to create eccentric contraction, meaning your muscles work as they lengthen. This is why Classical Pilates builds long, resilient, functional strength: stretch, strength, and control happen all at once.
Myth 5: Classical Pilates is for older people
Classical Pilates supports older adults beautifully, and it adapts to any stage of life. The method is built on modification, progression, and meeting your body where it is.
It can be:
gentle and rehabilitative
or extremely athletic, sweaty, and demanding
Older adults benefit from the adaptability. Younger people benefit from the discipline and precision. Everyone benefits from the balance it creates 💛
Myth 6: There’s no cardio in Classical Pilates
Pilates may look controlled and calm, but the intensity increases as you learn the technique and flow—and yes, your heart rate goes up!
Pilates can be:
vigorous
breath-driven
rhythmic
steady enough to make you sweat
The “cardio” comes from continuous, precise movement rather than bouncing or sprinting. Sometimes moving slowly with control is harder—and more effective—than moving fast.
Myth 7: Classical Pilates is rigid
Classical Pilates is incredibly versatile 😊
There are hundreds of exercises, variations, and modifications across a whole collection of apparatus. Each piece serves a purpose, and the method gives you options whether you’re injured, tired, energized, or needing something specific that day.
The beauty of Classical Pilates is its adaptability. It’s a structured method, but never a rigid one. The goal is always to support your body’s needs in that exact moment.
Myth 8: Pilates teachers are basically physios—or not qualified
Both extremes miss the truth.
Pilates instructors go through years of intensive training, learning anatomy, movement principles, injury considerations, and the entire classical system.
Some instructors are also physiotherapists and may blend both disciplines. Pilates and physio have different approaches and intentions, but they support each other beautifully. Our role as Classical Pilates teachers is to know our method deeply and stay within our scope while respecting the expertise of healthcare professionals.
Myth 9: Pilates = Reformer
Reformers are wonderful (we love them!) but they’re only one piece of the puzzle.
Classical Pilates is built around the Mat, supported by a family of apparatus Joseph Pilates created:
the Reformer, the Chair, Cadillac/Tower or Wall Unit, Magic Circle, Foot Corrector, Toe Corrector, Ped-o-Pull, Breathacizer, Bean Bag, and so many more!
Each piece challenges the body differently. Classical Pilates is a full system 😊
Myth 10: Classical Pilates and yoga are the same
They’re often compared, but they come from different traditions.
From our humble understanding, Yoga is rooted in ancient philosophy and spirituality, expressed through postures, breathwork, and meditation. Pilates is its own distinct method, with a philosophy and practice that emphasizes control, concentration, strength, alignment, breath, and precision through movement.
Classical Pilates is also deeply mindful and spiritual: it nurtures the mind–body connection so that by feeling strong, flexible, and balanced, we can move better, live more fully, and engage as thoughtful, present citizens.
We love yoga instructors who dedicate years to mastering their practice! We also educate ourselves for years in our own domain, deeply studying Joseph Pilates’ philosophy, techniques, and teaching. Both practices use breath and awareness, but they feel different.
Myth 11: Classical Pilates is old school
Classical Pilates is timeless! The method is based on functional, full-body training rooted in natural movement principles.
New science can enhance understanding, improve safety, and inform modifications, but the philosophy of Classical Pilates (balance, control, awareness, and full-body integration) remains as valid today as it was when Joseph Pilates created it.
Classical Pilates is classically smart, not outdated 😉
Experience the Full Classical Method
Whether you’re completely new to Pilates or have practiced for years, there’s always something to discover in the classical method. Our goal is to guide you safely, effectively, and joyfully—helping you connect with your body, improve strength and flexibility, and move with more ease every day.
At Pilates School of Movement, located at Chausseé de Charleroi 173 in Saint-Gilles, we teach the full classical Pilates method. We’re really close to Trinité en Châtelain, just 10 minutes from Louisa and 5 minutes from Place Stéphanie, making it easy to integrate this mindful, transformative practice into your life.
Come experience it for yourself at Pilates School of Movement —your body (and mind) will thank you. We can’t wait to welcome you to class!