Pilates 101: Commonly Asked Questions — Answered…

Pilates 101: Commonly Asked Questions — Answered

By Melody Morton-Buckleair, Master Instructor & Studio Owner

At both of my studios — The Good Space in Houston, TX and Elmwood Place Pilates in Palestine, TX — I’ve been teaching Pilates for over two decades. One thing I’ve learned? Everyone has questions when they begin. Whether you’re brand new or just curious, this blog covers the most common questions I hear — and gives you clear, honest answers.

Is Pilates good for you?

Yes. Pilates is a low-impact, full-body movement system that improves posture, strengthens the core, supports joint health, and restores balance to the body. It’s suitable for all fitness levels and stages of life. It doesn’t just build strength — it teaches your body how to move well.

Can Pilates help you lose weight?

Pilates can support healthy weight loss by increasing lean muscle, improving circulation, and reducing cortisol (your stress hormone). While it's not high-intensity cardio, it can tone your body, improve your metabolism, and support a balanced lifestyle — especially when paired with proper nutrition and regular movement.

Why isn’t Pilates considered a weight-loss program?

Pilates isn’t designed to burn calories fast or push you to exhaustion. Instead, it focuses on building deep core strength, postural alignment, and muscular control. The results may not be “instant,” but they’re long-lasting. Pilates reshapes your body, enhances efficiency, and reduces inflammation — which supports long-term change.

What makes Pilates so good for you?

Pilates targets the “powerhouse” — your abdominals, back, hips, and pelvic floor — and teaches your body to move with intention. It improves flexibility, breath control, spinal alignment, and nervous system regulation. It also helps prevent injury by strengthening underused muscles and releasing overused ones.

Why is the Pilates breath so important?

In Pilates, we breathe to move — not just to survive. The breath helps activate your deep core, stabilize your spine, and calm your nervous system. Pilates teaches diaphragmatic breathing, which improves endurance, oxygen delivery, and mental focus. It’s a built-in tool for strength and clarity.

When was Pilates invented?

Joseph Pilates created the method in the early 1900s. Originally called Contrology, it was designed to rehabilitate injured soldiers and performers. Joe believed in total body conditioning: “the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.” That philosophy is the heart of Pilates to this day.

Which type of Pilates is best?

It depends on your needs. Classical Pilates stays true to Joe’s original system and equipment. Contemporary Pilates adapts the method using modern anatomy and props. At both of my studios, we teach classical, equipment-based Pilates — including Reformer, Tower, Chair, and Mat — for a comprehensive, time-tested approach.

What’s the difference between Pilates and yoga?

While both improve strength, flexibility, and awareness, they come from different roots. Yoga is ancient, often spiritual, and includes static poses and breathwork. Pilates is modern, rooted in physical rehabilitation, and focuses on dynamic movement, spinal alignment, and core strength. Both are valuable — but different.

Ready to begin your Pilates journey?

Whether you’re seeking strength, healing, or a deeper mind-body connection, Pilates is a method that meets you where you are — and helps you grow from there.

Explore our studios and class options:
🌿 The Good Space – Houston, TX
🌿 Elmwood Place Pilates – Palestine, TX