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The Pilates Wiki

A comprehensive Pilates Wiki for r/pilates members, featuring guides, resources, and expert insights.

Introduction to Pilates

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a holistic exercise system designed to lengthen, strengthen, and restore balance to the body—far beyond just building a strong core or achieving perfect posture. This method engages the whole body, with exercises performed on spring-assisted apparatus or a mat, sometimes incorporating small equipment for added resistance and support.

What makes Pilates so effective is its ability to address underlying structural imbalances that contribute to pain and movement restrictions. By focusing on alignment, control, and functional movement, Pilates retrains the body to move more efficiently, improving posture, flexibility, and overall physical function.

Regardless of age, ability, or fitness level, Pilates is accessible to everyone. Regular practitioners often experience:
Improved mobility
Reduced pain and stiffness
Greater body awareness
Enhanced strength and flexibility
A deep sense of physical and mental well-being

As Joseph Pilates himself said:
"The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit."

It is this holistic approach that sets Pilates apart from many other forms of exercise. Recommended by osteopaths, physiotherapists, and general practitioners, Pilates is recognized as one of the most effective movement practices today.

How did Pilates start?

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883 and was a frail child suffering from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. Determined to overcome his physical weaknesses, he studied various forms of exercise, including gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts. During World War I, he developed his unique system of exercises while interned in a British camp, using hospital beds and springs to assist in movement—a concept that later inspired the famous Pilates Reformer machine.

After the war, Pilates moved to the United States, where he and his wife Clara opened a studio in New York City in the 1920s. His method quickly gained popularity among dancers, athletes, and those recovering from injuries. Since his death in 1967, Pilates has evolved with new research in physical therapy and sports medicine, but its core principles remain the same.

Introduction Videos

Classical vs. Contemporary Pilates
The Roots of Pilates Pilates was conceived by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Originally developed to rehabilitate injured soldiers during World War I, it evolved into a comprehensive exercise system. Joseph Pilates’ approach emphasized the balance of body and mind, which he called “Contrology.” His method combined elements
Pilates Redditr/
What is Pilates breathing?
Breathing is a fundamental aspect of Pilates that is often underestimated by newcomers. While we naturally breathe all day long, Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method, recognized the significance of conscious breathing. As someone who faced respiratory challenges throughout his life, he emphasized the importance of inhaling fresh
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Why is Pilates expensive?
1. It’s Not Just about Price While Pilates is available on every budget, practicing one-on-one with a trained professional and utilizing specialized apparatuses can be more expensive. Private Pilates lessons are often comparable to or even cheaper than private personal training sessions in a gym setting. Pilates teachers undergo
Pilates Redditr/
What’s the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
Pilates and yoga are often regarded as complementary practices, with many individuals incorporating both into their wellness routines to achieve optimal mental and physical fitness. But what sets Pilates apart from yoga, and why should you consider including one or both in your exercise regimen? Let’s delve into the
Pilates Redditr/
What’s the difference between Pilates and Lagree?
The short: * Is Lagree Pilates? According to Sebastien Lagree, no. * Is Lagree Pilates? According to Pilates teachers, no. The long: Lagree is a fitness method developed by former bodybuilder Sebastien Lagree, who was inspired by Joseph Pilates’ reformer to build his own Megaformer (now evolved into the Megaformer Pro, Miniformer,
Pilates Redditr/
The Pilates Elders
When selecting a Pilates instructor or facility, it’s essential to grasp the “school” of instruction they align with. Classical Pilates revolves around the authentic Pilates tradition established by Joseph Pilates himself and the first-generation instructors known as the “Pilates Elders.” These exceptional individuals studied directly under Joseph Pilates and
Pilates Redditr/
Tips for Success
If you’re considering starting a Pilates practice but feel intimidated by the unfamiliar territory of core activation, pelvic floor cues, and the look of Pilates equipment, worry not! We’re here to provide you with the key principles to follow and common mistakes to avoid, whether you’re using
Pilates Redditr/

More FAQ


Beginner Resources

Pilates Principles for Beginners

34 Thursday - Practice the Contrology Sequence
Joseph Pilates’ 1945 book, “Return to Life Through Contrology,” introduces his innovative exercise method, Contrology, focusing on mental discipline, breathing, spinal alignment, and core strength. The book outlines 34 exercises, starting with simple ones and advancing to more complex movements, all aimed at improving core strength and overall well-being. Designed
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Pilates on YouTube

Free Beginner Pilates Playlists on YouTube

Classical Instructors

Contempory Instructors

Gentle Pilates + Active Aging

Prenatal + Postpartum Pilates

Prenatal Pilates Guidelines by Trimester + Pilates Modifications by Trimester_ NOTE: This section may be helpful to anyone recovering from back or abdominal surgery, regardless of gender identity. Every body is different. Please seek in-person or live online instruction to receive personalized feedback.

How To: Classical Pilates Mat sequence

Pilates Companies on YouTube

Paid Pilates Platforms

  • Pilatesology - Classical Pilates taught by a variety of teachers across equipment and mat. Use code BLACK for 30 days free.
  • OnlinePilatesClasses.com - New classes every week, great community, created by expert instructor, Lesley Logan
  • Pilates Anytime - Known for a wide variety of contemporary classes on mat and equipment with all kinds of teachers. Code BLACK for 30 free days.
  • Pilates Human - Live & on-demand classes with Anula Maiberg-Piper. All classes are open-level: mat, reformer, tower, and chair.
  • Pilates Encyclopedia - Goal-focused breakdowns of exercises and Pilates movement principles. Also see their Intro to Pilates Bootcamp.
  • John Garey TV - Site offers multiple membership tiers and a variety of classes types - including Pilates mat and reformer. Multiple amazing instructors, clear cuing, and class notes available.

Popular on r/pilates

New classes every week, great community, created by expert instructor, Lesley Logan

Visit Lesley's website

Free Platforms

  • The Pilates App - IOS and Android In-depth course for beginners. Option to donate

Recommended Products

Mats

Pilates Mat Buy Guide
Everything you need to know about Pilates mats and which ones to buy.
Pilates Reddit.

Best Value Mats

Best Contemporary Mats

Best Classical Mats

Best for Yoga and Pilates (not too thin for Pilates, not too thick for yoga)

Extra Thick Mats

Eco-Friendly Mats

Our Mat Spreadsheet

Click to visit

Reformers

Pilates Home Reformer Buy Guide
Everything you need to know about buying a Pilates Reformer, and which one to buy.
Pilates Reddit.

Best Reformers (Studio Standard)

Best Home-standard Reformers

Cheapest Reformers

Top Reformers with Towers

Alternatives to Reformers

For when you don't have room for a full reformer at home but want to do more than regular mat!

Note that social media ads for Pilates "pole" or "bar" systems are nearly all for the same single product, which is mass-produced in factories and then resold by many companies on social media. It is cheap for a reason and you would be better served by a more thoughtfully designed, responsibly manufactured product like the ones below.

Cadillacs

Chairs

Springboards

Spine Correctors

Ladder Barrels

Props / Accessories

Magic circles

Balls

Foam Rollers

Foot Correctors and Toe Gizmos

Sliding Discs

Breath -A- cizer

More props

Clothing

By Brand

Brands:

Mens:

What to wear to Pilates class
Comfort and Functionality Comfort and functionality should be your top priorities when choosing your Pilates attire. Opt for clothing that allows you to move freely and doesn’t restrict your range of motion. Here are some recommendations from the experts: 1. Choose well-regarded brands: Over time, favorite tights or leggings
Pilates Redditr/

Grip Socks

Pilates Grip Socks Buy Guide
Jump to: 1. Grip Joy grip socks 2. Great Soles grip socks 3. Tucketts grip socks 4. Tavi Noir grip socks 5. ToeSox grip socks 6. GAIAM grip socks 7. Unenow Merino Wool grip socks 8. Novayard grip socks Why buy Pilates socks Pilates socks have two main uses, they
Pilates Redditr/

Top Socks

For Men:

Books

Educational/beginner Books

History Books

Teacher Training books

Wall Posters

Flash Cards

Podcasts

Pilates History

Blogs

Pilates Schools

Classical Schools

Contemporary Pilates

Postmodern Pilates

Live Online Classes

Live Classes

Popular on r/pilates

Visit Darien's website

Mental Health and Pilates

This section offers general resources and information about mental health as it relates to Pilates and overall well-being. The content here is not medical advice. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a licensed healthcare professional.
How Pilates Supports Mental Health: Insights from a Psychologist
Explore how Pilates reduces stress, enhances focus, and promotes relaxation for better mental well-being.
Pilates Reddit.

Somatic Pilates practices

Somatic Yoga practices

Trauma-Informed Yoga practices

PCOS movement practices

Books

Science and Research


Self-Help / Practical Guides


Memoir / Personal Narrative

Free Online Therapy resources

  • Free AI (not a) Therapist - Requires free sign-up.
    Information provided by AI should be taken as general support, not clinical advice.

Instructor Wiki

Become a Pilates Instructor
Embarking on Pilates teacher training is an exciting journey, opening doors to not just mastering the Pilates method but also sharing its benefits with others. It’s about equipping yourself with the skills to guide and inspire, blending movement principles with practical skills. Certification goes beyond a mere qualification; it
Pilates Redditr/

Teacher Organizations and Unions

Continuing Education

Free Continuing Educational Resources

Lesson Planning and Studio Management, Templates, Apps, and Platforms

Studio Apparatus

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