Converting the “Non-Believer”

While the popularity of mainstream Pilates continues to increase, there are still people who view the stated benefits of Pilates with a degree of skepticism – especially in terms of integrating Pilates into their training or workout regimen. Are they missing out? Absolutely!


Dear Friends,

We’ve all encountered them – people, often those with a particular focus in mind such as weight loss, toning or building muscle mass, who think that Pilates will not help them achieve their goals. Additionally, people used to high-adrenalin classes or activities may feel that Pilates does not offer enough of a challenge. Regardless of the reason for not trying Pilates, these potential clients are missing out. Why? Because Pilates can help improve performance, reduce injury, and relieve stress. The challenge is getting them to give it a try. Our first page shares some key points to remember when discussing Pilates with a potential client. We hope you find this information helpful. Check back often for educational content, programming inspiration, fitness tips and more.


Here are some key points to remember when discussing Pilates with a potential client:


1. Mass Appeal

Regardless of the fitness level of a client, Pilates offers something for everyone – sports fanatics looking to build core strength and improve their golf drive; elite athletes who want to prevent or attend to injuries; rehab and prenatal clients who want to enhance their fitness ability; new moms who want to get their pre-baby shape back; or mature adults who simply want to make getting out of bed easier. Every exerciser can reap the benefits of this form of exercise – and get a good workout at the same time.


2. Real Men do Pilates

Some of your male clients may think that Pilates is only a woman's workout – it’s not. The reason why so many elite athletes are incorporating Pilates into their training regimens today is because this method of exercise has evolved over time and is now focusing on the modern day biomechanics of the body bolstered by essential scientific research. More and more men are finding that by incorporating Pilates into their exercise and athletic regiment they have experienced increased flexibility, power, strength and mobility.


3. Pilates Incorporates Key Performance Factors

Many people know that Pilates helps build strong, healthy muscles, improves blood flow, and engages all the muscles at the right time. What they might not know is that Pilates also addresses all seven of the key performance factors cited by experts as having great significance in terms of contributing to an athlete’s overall conditioning and rehabilitation exercise and sport-related injuries. What are these factors? Posture, balance, mobility / flexibility, stability, coordination, functional strength and endurance.


4. Athlete’s Choice – Pilates!

Athletes in a variety of sports have discovered the benefit of integrating Pilates into their training and exercise regiment. In addition to helping athletes develop core strength and increase flexibility, Pilates creates balance throughout the entire body. Many sports are one-sided and create muscle imbalances throughout the body. Pilates can help address these imbalances and create more symmetry overall. Pilates has been utilized for rehabilitation after injury for many years and continues to be an important factor in injury prevention and recovery. As a result, athletes can withstand rigorous training regimes and ultimately improve their golf drive or baseball pitch, as well as maintain an optimal weight for their sport or activity of choice.


To Yours In Health & Fitness,


Natalie Pyles