Joseph H. Pilates’ movement method is celebrating 100 years—and yet, misconceptions about what it is (and who it’s for) are still everywhere.
Pilates is just stretching. A classically trained instructor builds each session around what I like to call the four “S’s”: stretch, strength, stamina, and stability. Sometimes a class may emphasize two of these elements, but never just one. More often, they are thoughtfully combined, creating movement patterns that make the body more efficient, balanced, and resilient.
You have to be flexible to begin. In fact, many people start Pilates because they aren’t. I couldn’t even touch my hands to the floor when I first began—and yes, that felt a little humbling. But Pilates isn’t about where you start; it’s about how your body learns to move over time. Mobility improves gradually as you build awareness and strength. I often tell my clients that I want their strength to “sneak up on them.” Extreme soreness that keeps you from moving for days is not the goal. Instead, Pilates leaves you feeling stronger, more capable, and energized enough to come back again.
Another common myth? Pilates is just for women. Historically, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Joseph Pilates initially trained men—many of them boxers—long before his work became popular with female clients. At its core, Pilates is for every body. I often describe it as a civilized way to stay fit. Many of us grew up hearing “no pain, no gain,” but that mindset doesn’t serve long-term health. Pilates challenges the body in a way that feels invigorating, not punishing. When clients leave a session with a noticeable lift in their posture and a smile on their face, that’s the real reward.
Pilates is well known for strengthening just the core, it is far from limited to it. It’s a full-body movement system that develops strength, control, coordination, and confidence. It meets you exactly where you are—regardless of age, background, or fitness level. Last year, I had a client begin at 90 years old, which speaks volumes about how adaptable and accessible this method truly is.
So, which Pilates myth have you heard the most?
The best way to understand the Pilates movement method isn’t to read about it—it’s to experience it for yourself.
STUDIO NEWS:
After listening to feedback from both our clients and instructors, we’re excited to announce a few additions to our schedule beginning in August. We will be adding two H.I.I.T Classes each month on Tuesdays at 11am, along with B!ast Classes twice a month on Thurdays at 11am.
We’ve also received requests to add a Reformer Class on Friday’s at 1pm. We would love your feedback on this- please let us know if that is something you would like to see added to our Class offerings.
Additionally, there has been interest in shifting our 5:15pm Eve Classes to a 5:30pm start time. Your input is important, so please share your thoughts on whether this change would better suit your schedule.
Emily Mcfeely is now actively teaching and listed on our schedule. Be sure to check out the Calendar and book a class with her- clients have already been loving her teaching style. Emily has also stepped into Whittney’s Admin role, allowing her to support both instruction and studio operations.
Speaking of Whittney, she is planning to offer a yoga pop-up class this fall, so stay tuned for more details.
In other staffing news, Lila has accepted a position outside of the Pilates profession, and her last day will be Aug 21, 2026. While we are sad to see her go, we fully support her career move. We’re happy to share, she will remain part of our team as a substitute instructor.
Lastly, Amir has shifted the number you receive via confirmation and you will now see a local 843- 901-0889 number. We are trying to capture all communications through our online booking platform (BYM) and he felt it best to make this change. If you are no longer getting any reminders please let us know or report it to the Ai assistant.
As always, I love our community- we are your High-Vibe Tribe!! Even though LCPP has grown, we still want to keep it feeling like a boutique studio that cares about each and every student! I am always available, so drop me a note!
In Health, Joyce Ganzermiller & LCPP team
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