Pilates is basically that one friend who insists on perfect posture and keeps reminding you to “engage your core” even when you're just sitting on the couch.
It’s a workout method created by Joseph Pilates (a guy who clearly loved abs) in the early 20th century to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, all while making you feel muscles you didn’t even know existed.
Did you know Pilates wasn’t always called Pilates?
Its creator, Joseph Pilates, originally named his method Contrology—a system of exercises designed to promote complete control over the body and mind. He believed that with proper concentration, breath, and movement, people could train their bodies to move with strength, precision, and efficiency. It was only after his passing that the method was renamed Pilates in his honor. So, next time you’re shaking through a Teaser, just remember—you’re actually practicing Contrology (which sounds just as intense as it feels!).
The real OG before equipment took over: Mat Pilates!
Joseph originally developed his method while interned in a British camp during World War I, where he created floor-based exercises (aka mat Pilates) to keep himself and other detainees fit. He focused on core strength, breath control, and precise movements, laying the foundation for what would later become Contrology (Pilates).
The equipment-based Pilates came later. When Joseph Pilates began working with injured soldiers, he started modifying hospital beds by attaching springs to help patients regain strength. This eventually led to the creation of the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and other Pilates apparatus.
So, mat Pilates was the original form, and the equipment was invented later to add support, resistance, and more variety to the exercises!
The Six Core Principles of Pilates:
CONCENTRATION – You’ll need to focus. A lot. No mindless bicep curls here - every move demands brainpower.
CONTROL – No flailing allowed! Every movement is slow, deliberate, and controlled, like a ninja, but in slow motion.
CENTERING – Everything starts from your “powerhouse” (aka your core), which means your abs will be working overtime while you pretend it's no big deal.
PRECISION – It’s not about doing 100 sloppy reps; it’s about doing 10 perfectly. Quality over quantity (unless we’re talking snacks).
BREATH – Inhale deeply, exhale fully, and try not to hold your breath while figuring out why your legs are shaking so much.
FLOW – No jerky movements. Everything should be smooth, graceful, and effortless—at least in theory. (In reality, it might look more like controlled struggle.)
Mat Pilates: The Silent Assassin
At first glance, mat Pilates looks like the easy version. No fancy machines? Just a mat? Pfft, how hard could it be? Very. Very hard.
While the Pilates Reformer and other equipment provide resistance and support, mat Pilates forces your body to create its own resistance. You have nothing to help you but your own muscles and, if you're lucky, sheer determination.
No springs, no straps, no mercy – In equipment-based Pilates, the machines help guide your movements. On the mat, you're completely on your own.
Gravity is not your friend – Without a machine holding your legs up, every movement demands extra effort from your core, making even the simplest exercises feel like a full-body challenge.
Hello, stabilizers! – Because there’s no external support, all those tiny stabilizing muscles have to work overtime to keep you balanced and controlled (spoiler: they will shake).
Your abs will cry – Exercises like the Hundred, Roll-Up, and Teaser seem simple—until you actually do them and realize your core is on fire.
And the best part? You can do mat Pilates anywhere, anytime! No need for fancy machines, expensive memberships, or a big workout space—just you, a mat (or even a towel), and the willpower to push through those slow, controlled movements. Whether you're at home, traveling, or just looking for a quick workout between Netflix episodes, mat Pilates is always an option. No excuses, just stronger abs. 💪🏻
In my opinion, Mat Pilates is the ultimate test of strength and control. It might look easy, but by the time you're done, you’ll have a newfound respect for anyone who can hold a Pilates pose without trembling.
So, if you want to move better, stand taller, and maybe develop abs of steel (or at least a core strong enough to support your snack choices), give Pilates a try. Just don’t underestimate that mat—it has zero chill.
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