What Saturday Night Live Got Right About Pilates
It’s Not What You Think It Will Be
It’s true — most first timers don’t know what to expect. Pilates is often falsely compared to Yoga or Lagree. Pilates is it’s own unique practice. And, it’s true, it’s hard—- but we disagree, it’s NOT boring.
The Machine is Called a Reformer
And yes, it does look like it’s designed for torture, and somehow also sex. But actually it’s designed to provide both support and resistance to exercises through spring tension and a pulley system.
Time Is Different In There
Many classes fly by, but the stereotype is often true—Pilates instructors fib a little during countdowns and 10 seconds can slowly turn into 20. Sorry not sorry?
Classes are Primarily Dominated By Woman
It’s true, group classes tend to have more women than men and many dancers and moms are fans of Pilates. Pilates has a long history with professional dancers in New York City and because Pilates is safe for most pregnant women and does wonders for training the pelvic floor, moms often flock to Pilates. That being said—Pilates is great for everyone and many studios have a welcoming vibe. So if you visit a studio where the vibe is bad, try another—please don‘t think they are all like that! PS – Pilates is also for men—don’t forget a man created it.
Super Models Take Pilates
Yep — there are a long list of super models, actors, athletes and celebrities that take Pilates. Here is a short list: Jennifer Aniston, Haley Bieber, Kate Hudson, Meghan Markle, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Naomi Campbell, Adele, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Gwenyth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Madonna, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Barry, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Victoria Beckham, David Beckham, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Gardner, Jessica Parker, Courtney Cox, Heidi Klum, Katie Holmes, Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, Jake Arrieta, Missy Franklin, Andy Murray, and more!
Modifications Exist
Okay, so modifications exist in group class— this is one where we will give it to SNL on pushing the joke. Group instructors should offer modifications, even if Chelsea doesn’t need any modifications.
You’ll Probably Be a Little Sore
Pilates is a full body workout and you will probably be a little sore. Take the time you need to recover, but most people can return to class, even the next day. It’s not that intense!
Instructors Are Strict About Sticky Socks
This one made me LOL the hardest. Instructors want you to wear sticky socks or go barefoot for a reason and that reason is safety. Regular socks present a very real treat to slipping and we do not want you to get hurt! That being said, some studios do not allow clients to go barefoot for sanitary purpose and some clients are embarrassed to go barefoot and so — yeah, sticky socks are required. It’s not just a $15 upsell at the front desk (although some studios are relentless on it.) Get yourself a $5 pair on amazon and keep them in your purse or glove box.
And Just When you Thought You Thought You Couldn’t Be One of Them…
Welcome! It’s kinda addicting and you will embrace the shake.
What Saturday Night Live Got Right About Pilates
It’s Not What You Think It Will Be
It’s true — most first timers don’t know what to expect. Pilates is often falsely compared to Yoga or Lagree. Pilates is it’s own unique practice. And, it’s true, it’s hard—- but we disagree, it’s NOT boring.
The Machine is Called a Reformer
And yes, it does look like it’s designed for torture, and somehow also sex. But actually it’s designed to provide both support and resistance to exercises through spring tension and a pulley system.
Time Is Different In There
Many classes fly by, but the stereotype is often true—Pilates instructors fib a little during countdowns and 10 seconds can slowly turn into 20. Sorry not sorry?
Classes are Primarily Dominated By Woman
It’s true, group classes tend to have more women than men and many dancers and moms are fans of Pilates. Pilates has a long history with professional dancers in New York City and because Pilates is safe for most pregnant women and does wonders for training the pelvic floor, moms often flock to Pilates. That being said—Pilates is great for everyone and many studios have a welcoming vibe. So if you visit a studio where the vibe is bad, try another—please don‘t think they are all like that! PS – Pilates is also for men—don’t forget a man created it.
Super Models Take Pilates
Yep — there are a long list of super models, actors, athletes and celebrities that take Pilates. Here is a short list: Jennifer Aniston, Haley Bieber, Kate Hudson, Meghan Markle, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Naomi Campbell, Adele, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Gwenyth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Madonna, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Barry, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Victoria Beckham, David Beckham, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Gardner, Jessica Parker, Courtney Cox, Heidi Klum, Katie Holmes, Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, Jake Arrieta, Missy Franklin, Andy Murray, and more!
Modifications Exist
Okay, so modifications exist in group class— this is one where we will give it to SNL on pushing the joke. Group instructors should offer modifications, even if Chelsea doesn’t need any modifications.
You’ll Probably Be a Little Sore
Pilates is a full body workout and you will probably be a little sore. Take the time you need to recover, but most people can return to class, even the next day. It’s not that intense!
Instructors Are Strict About Sticky Socks
This one made me LOL the hardest. Instructors want you to wear sticky socks or go barefoot for a reason and that reason is safety. Regular socks present a very real treat to slipping and we do not want you to get hurt! That being said, some studios do not allow clients to go barefoot for sanitary purpose and some clients are embarrassed to go barefoot and so — yeah, sticky socks are required. It’s not just a $15 upsell at the front desk (although some studios are relentless on it.) Get yourself a $5 pair on amazon and keep them in your purse or glove box.
And Just When you Thought You Thought You Couldn’t Be One of Them…
Welcome! It’s kinda addicting and you will embrace the shake.