Ask Not What to Get, But What to Get Rid Of

Pilates is different, don’t you know it. No matter how often I try to explain the method to a new student, it’s still difficult to get across, especially to someone who approaches Pilates with a fitness mindset. So naturally, I listen closely to students when they describe in their own words how Pilates has benefited them. This is what I hear all the time:

“I’m always much calmer after class. Less scatter-brained.”

“My back feels much better now, not as tight.”

I’ve grown accustomed to these comments, because of course I feel it, too. All of a sudden, it struck me. Pilates is not (only) about what you can gain from it, it's about what it takes from you: namely back pain, neck pain, hip pain, knee pain, foot pain and shoulder pain. It leaves you free of all restrictions so you can move effortlessly through your life.

When making a list of benefits, of course we include strength, flexibility, core strength, and spine stability but these are not necessarily the main benefits. They are more side effects of a great Pilates lesson.

The biggest, bestest, and awesomest benefits of Pilates are the aches, pains, fatigue, and imbalances that it takes from you. (leave behind)

What did you (have to) let go of?

What did Pilates take from you?

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