What is Pilates, really?

The other day, after a massage session, a client looked around my studio at all the Pilates equipment and asked, “So…what is Pilates?”

As I began sharing its history, I realized how few people know the origins of Pilates—or its guiding principles. Even more, many don’t realize how much the method has been altered over time, sometimes in ways that lose its transformative essence.

Here’s what I always tell clients: if a class is marketed only as a “great workout,” it’s not true Pilates. It may be Joseph Pilates’ exercises performed on his machines, but without the deeper principles that make it life-changing.

At its core, Pilates is about the strength and mobility of the spine, integrated breath, and balanced movement. If the spine doesn’t move well, it impacts every system of the body—and over time, can even threaten health and longevity. That’s why so many principles of Pilates now show up in modern physical therapy.

📖 If you’d like to learn more about Joseph Pilates’ life and work, I’ve created a write-up and linked a short YouTube video (by Taube Pilates) here: 👉 Pilates History & Resources
The Shift in Pilates
In 2000, a U.S. court rejected a trademark lawsuit on the word Pilates, ruling that it had become a generic description of an exercise system (similar to yoga). That decision opened the door to many interpretations of “Pilates”—some faithful to the method, others less so.

True Pilates is built on seven principles: Control, Centering, Concentration, Balance, Flow, Precision, and Breath. These principles combine to develop core stability, spinal mobility, and whole-body balance.

The somatic element of Pilates comes from its mindfulness: learning to connect breath with movement and deepening awareness of how your body moves through space. The zen of Pilates is the mental focus it requires—you simply can’t be anywhere else but in the present moment as you engage specific muscles while quieting others that want to take over. This prevents imbalance and injury, while strengthening the body intelligently.
Pilates vs. Yoga: What’s the Difference?
While yoga emphasizes flexibility, spirituality, and energy flow, Pilates centers on the spine. By building core strength, engaging diaphragmatic breath, and restoring rib movement, Pilates creates ease of movement and pain-free posture.

When the spine stiffens and the ribs no longer expand, our breath becomes compromised. This can trigger upper-chest breathing (raising cortisol and stress) or belly breathing without core support (increasing risks such as back strain, diastasis recti, or pelvic organ prolapse). Restricted posture also limits blood and lymph flow, which can lead to reduced muscle nourishment and overall health issues.
Group Classes vs. Individual Practice
There’s no denying the appeal of group classes: they’re fun, social, and can be a great way to feel stronger, fitter, and more energized. But it’s important to remember that when Pilates is taught mainly as a workout, the responsibility falls on the participant to listen carefully to cues and protect themselves from potential injury.
Final Thoughts
I hope this helped deepen your understanding of what Pilates really is. If you ever have questions—or if there’s a topic you’d like me to explore in a future newsletter—please reach out. I love sharing knowledge and supporting you in your journey toward balanced, pain-free movement.

​- Machelle