The 'Pilates Body' is a MYTH - what Instagram DOESN'T tell you!

If your social feeds, like my own, have been inundated with the ‘pilates body’, I empathise. You scroll through Instagram, and there it is: the "Pilates body." That long, lean, toned physique, often perfectly posed on a reformer, radiating an almost unattainable ideal.

And while Pilates is an incredible movement method – one that I personally love and advocate for – the concept of a singular "Pilates body" is, quite frankly, an illusion. It's a myth. And today, we're not just debunking it; we're diving into how some Instagram instructors are, perhaps unintentionally, selling you their body, rather than a workout plan truly tailored to your health and strength.

The Origins of Pilates - Not About Aesthetics

First, let's go back to the source: Joseph Pilates himself. When Joseph developed his method, which he called "Contrology," his primary goal was not about creating a specific aesthetic. He wasn't aiming for a particular dress size, muscle definition, or a 'gram-worthy pose.

Joseph Pilates was a sickly child who dedicated his life to improving physical health, strength, and rehabilitation. He worked with injured soldiers during World War I, helping them regain mobility and control. His focus was on:

• Core strength and stability: The powerhouse!

• Flexibility and range of motion: Keeping the body mobile.

• Balance and coordination: Improving overall control.

• Mind-body connection: Conscious, controlled movement.

• Injury prevention and rehabilitation: Restoring function.

Nowhere in his original philosophy was there a blueprint for a specific "look." His method was about enhancing function and well-being, not conformity to an aesthetic ideal.

So, if Joseph didn't create it, how did this "Pilates body" ideal become so pervasive, especially online? This is where the world of social media, particularly Instagram, comes in.

As an aside, Josephs co-founder and wife Clara is often overlooked in discourse around the development of Pilates, and many suggest that it couldn’t have been done without her, so let’s give some feminist snaps for Clara!

The Instagram Effect: Selling a Body, Not a Method

The unfortunate reality is that on platforms like Instagram, visual appeal often trumps genuine expertise or holistic health. For many instructors, their own body becomes their primary marketing tool. They showcase their physique, which might be naturally lean, sculpted through years of dedicated training (and perhaps a very restrictive diet), or even enhanced through lighting, angles, and editing. And I MUST put my hands up here. On many occasions I have been asked how I achieved my “pilates body” - and here is the secret: I didn’t. My body has looked the way it does regardless of what exercise or movement I do: tennis, bodypump, pilates, it always looks the same. I have a long torso, genetically build visible muscle easily, and have had the lifelong privilege of wealth, which has afforded me nutritious food, and nice gym memberships. 

But the unspoken message of many of these pilates influencers is: "Do my workout, and you'll look like me."

But here's the crucial psychological trap:

1. Genetic Lottery vs. Hard Work: As we discussed in a previous video, genetics play a massive role in body shape. These instructors are often starting from a genetic predisposition that aligns with the "ideal." While they work hard, their starting point is a significant factor.

2. Unrealistic Expectations: When you see an instructor with an "aspirational" body, your subconscious connects their method to their physique. You start Pilates with the goal of achieving that specific body, rather than focusing on the inherent benefits of the exercise for your body.

3. The Comparison Trap: This leads to constant comparison. When your body, naturally, doesn't transform into that idealised image, it fosters frustration, disappointment, and often, body dissatisfaction. You might blame yourself, thinking you're not working hard enough, when the goal itself was unrealistic.

4. Ignoring Individual Needs: An instructor focused on selling their aesthetic is less likely to emphasise modifications, individual limitations, or the principle of listening to your own body. The focus shifts from your unique journey and capabilities to a one-size-fits-all ideal.

5. Diet Culture's Underbelly: This aesthetic often subtly, or not so subtly, pushes diet culture. The "Pilates body" ideal frequently implies strict eating habits that are not part of Joseph Pilates' original vision and can be harmful.

What a Real Pilates Instructor Offers

So, what should a true Pilates instructor be selling? Not their body, but the integrity of the method and its benefits for your body.

A good Pilates instructor, whether online or in person, focuses on:

• Form and Alignment: How you're moving, not what you look like while moving.

• Proprioception: Helping you feel your body and its connections.

• Individual Progress: Celebrating your increased strength, flexibility, and control, regardless of outward appearance.

• Modifications and Progressions: Tailoring the workout to your current ability and needs.

• The Powerhouse: Emphasising deep core connection, which brings functional strength to all bodies.

• Long-Term Health: Promoting sustainable movement practices that support your overall well-being.

Their body might be strong and healthy because they do Pilates, but it's not the product they're selling. The product is the method itself, adapted and taught safely to empower your body.

So, next time you scroll through Instagram and see that "Pilates body" ideal, pause. Remember that true Pilates is about so much more than aesthetics. It's about building a strong, resilient, and connected body – your body – for life. Don't let social media sell you a manufactured ideal; seek out instructors who prioritise your health, your strength, and your unique journey, not their own reflection.

What are your thoughts on the "Pilates body" myth and its portrayal on social media? Have you felt pressured by these images? Share your experiences in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you.