Why Pilates Isn’t a Trend… It’s a Movement

Almost 23 years ago, I found myself suffering from chronic back pain. I was a new mom and very active. I played sports and worked out regularly with a trainer. As far as I could tell, I was doing everything right. At 31 years old, I considered myself to be in great physical shape, and I genuinely loved staying active… at least until I couldn’t.

That pesky back would flare up out of nowhere and render me almost useless for days at a time.

I vividly remember stretching over my kitchen counter one day, completely bewildered by how much pain I was in. Had I injured myself without realizing it? Was my son officially too big for me to lift without consequence? Were my days on the volleyball and tennis courts already behind me?

Impossible. Absolutely not. Hard pass.

But I did know one thing — I needed help.

After asking around, I got a referral to a physical therapist. I had never actually been to one before, but desperation has a funny way of making you open-minded. During my first appointment, our intake included discussing my regular physical activities. After I rattled off my laundry list, she asked if I was doing Pilates.

I must have looked at her like she had two heads because I was completely unfamiliar with this mysterious P-word. I had done yoga during my pregnancy and saw my trainer weekly. Why on earth would I need Pilates?

With a general diagnosis of my back pain — none of which included committing myself to a long-term relationship with ibuprofen — I was ready to hear more. Her recommendation, along with a few additional PT appointments, was to ditch my trainer and find a Pilates instructor.

Being fairly indifferent to my gym trainer — with her double-D cleavage and endless stories about her failed relationships — it wasn’t exactly a difficult decision. I was willing and ready to try something new.

I either flipped through the Yellow Pages or jumped onto the early interwebs — my memory isn’t sharp enough to recall the exact method. I just know I was still rocking a pager at the time, so expectations were appropriately low. I found only a couple of Pilates studios nearby and decided to check them out in person.

One offered only large mat classes, which didn’t appeal to me. So naturally, I gravitated toward the one filled with crazy machines that looked like medieval torture devices. Seemed logical.

When I walked in, I was greeted by a tall, statuesque blonde with fierce features. She looked like she might smack me with one of those circle things if I misbehaved.

I immediately thought… yes, this feels right. I like structure.

I began private sessions with Wendy — the Pilates Warden — who ended up being far nicer than her intimidating first impression suggested. What I didn’t expect was what the next three months would deliver.

Once I became familiar with the basic movements and breathing patterns, I joined small group classes three times a week. Come hell or high water, I did NOT miss this part of my schedule. Why?

Because within only a few sessions… my back stopped hurting.

Even more surprising, the instructors began identifying and addressing body imbalances I had no idea I was harboring. Tight hamstrings. Lazy shoulders. Postural asymmetries. I wasn’t even offended when these imperfections were pointed out. In fact, I became obsessed with uncovering them all.

By month three, I was standing taller, pain-free, and had lost noticeable inches throughout my frame.

Clearly, this was witchcraft.

And I needed to officially join the coven.

Within the next year, I enrolled in an intensive instructor certification program and began logging my observation and training hours in the very same studio I had stumbled into as a lopsided mess not long before. To fast-forward the story, by the end of that year, I purchased one of the studio locations from the owner of the small franchise.

And just like that, Fōkus Pilates was born.

Two decades later, I celebrated my 20th year in business. Since then, I’ve written my own instructor training program and mentored and certified nearly 100 individuals on their own journey to sharing the magic of Pilates.

While my credentials are certainly relevant to this conversation, I believe my introduction to Pilates is equally important. Back then, Pilates was not the household name it is today. It had gained traction in New York, made its way to the West Coast, and was slowly beginning to ripple across the rest of the country.

So let me share why this phenomenon is not just another fitness trend.

Ready? Let’s go.

Pilates Is for Every Body

When taught mindfully, Pilates meets people exactly where they are. One size does not fit all. While the integrity of the movements is maintained, they can be adapted for beginners, seasoned movers, and elite athletes alike. Modifications can accommodate injuries, recovery, and rehabilitation, making it an incredibly inclusive form of exercise.

Pilates Strengthens Without Bulking

Pilates focuses on slow, controlled, resistance-based movements that allow the body to lengthen while it strengthens. It targets deep stabilizing muscles as well as smaller, often neglected muscle groups. This balanced approach improves symmetry, enhances coordination, and helps prevent future injuries.

Pilates Gets Right to the Core of Things

Joseph Pilates referred to the core — which includes the abdominals, pelvic floor, back muscles, diaphragm, glutes, and hips — as the “powerhouse.” It is our girdle of strength. When the powerhouse is strong, the spine and weight-bearing joints are better supported. The result? Improved balance, coordination, and overall movement efficiency in daily life.

Pilates Builds a Mind-Body Connection

Pilates requires presence, precision, and intentional movement. It naturally increases awareness of body mechanics. This awareness, combined with purposeful breathing, helps correct misalignments while simultaneously reducing stress and improving mental clarity. It’s equal parts workout and moving meditation.

Pilates Improves Posture and Alignment

Pilates directly counters many modern lifestyle habits. Long hours at desks, frequent travel, repetitive unilateral movements — think hairstylists, painters, drivers, and tech workers — can create chronic strain without a single acute injury. Developing strength and awareness to offset these patterns is worth its weight in gold.

I could honestly go on and on — and my clients will confirm my ability to geek out on all things Pilates. But I think we’ve gotten to the core of it. (Yes… Pilates pun fully intended.)

Whether you attend classes in a studio, follow online instruction, or build your own routine, Pilates is truly a gift to yourself that keeps on giving.

Walking into that studio 23 years ago quite literally changed my life.

“Change happens through movement, and movement heals.”
— Joseph Pilates

Thanks, Joe. We owe you one.

To be continued…