To Change or Not To Change - This is the questions.

Change:  Is it good or bad in regards to Pilates work outs verses General Fitness

First things first; Pilates is not the same as weight training, basic cardio or really any sort of gym work out.  Pilates is a tool which can be applied to these activities, but in it's essence is it's own entity with completely different rules and guidelines.

Normally, change is good.  Especially in fitness.  When people do the same cardio over and over again, they stop seeing results. This is because of muscle memory.  In general fitness it's great to change it up and do new exercises.

Pilates is different.  It's a principle that takes discipline.  Regardless as to how basic the exercises are or how difficult they are, the principles of the core connection remain the same.  It's learning this connection that allows you to improve within this discipline and apply it to the different exercises done in the weight room or cardio room.

Pilates needs to be thought of as a lifestyle or a discipline similar to martial arts.  A martial artist will spend years perfecting one move.  For example, in the Brazilian style martial arts called Capoeira, the ginga, is the most basic movement, but at the same time it is the core of the dance.  The dance evolves around the ginga and always returns to the ginga.  Growth can only happen once the ginga is achieved.  This is the same as establishing a neutral core connection.

Regardless of the exercises, Pilates is about the core connection and understanding how to maintain an equal balance between your ribs and your hips while maintaining an open chest.  Without being able to first achieve this, it is impossible to  move on and learn more moves correctly.  The difference between martial arts and Pilates is that the movements and variables are so small, it's extremely difficult to notice some changes which is why it is so important that a Pilates student has a great teacher who can see their imbalances. I always tell my students, in order to practice Pilates on your own, you would  need to have an out of body experience.

When new students are thrown into harder exercises without understanding core connections, they are likely to hurt themselves or simply power through similar to a Boot Camp class or Body Building.  This doesn't take into consideration the techniques and won't give the students a mind body experience.  By understanding the connections, you will get so much more out of the exercises.  Be patient, take time and learn to listen to your body.  Your body will determine your range of motion depending on the form.  A good teacher will not say "lift your legs to the ceiling" or "lower your legs to the mat".  A good teacher will understand that everyone is different and will give your range of motion in regards to your body's reactions "lower your legs only to the point where you can keep your back heavy on the mat" or lift your legs only as high as your butt can remain heavy".  Your legs may not even be pointed at the ceiling depending on your flexibility and your legs will come no where near the mat unless you are Joseph Pilates.

Learning how to move while keeping alignment is the lesson to be learned in Pilates.  Learning to engage your core and keep this alignment in the cardio room or on the weight machines is our goal.  Keeping this alignment typing at the computer, sitting at our desks or even driving is the longterm goal.

Change is great in fitness.  Change is only applicable in Pilates when the client is ready and has achieved mastery.  This is the difference.