What is Pilates & Why Should You Do It?
- Laura Carter
- Sep 21, 2025
- 6 min read
Pilates is hugely popular, and it's easy to see why when you look at the wide range of benefits it provides. But what is it? Well, in short, Pilates is a low impact, whole body conditioning and strengthening exercise system, with a strong focus on spinal health (doesn't exactly roll off the tongue!). But let's break that down and get into the details a bit more to really explain what Pilates is, why Pilates is so good for you, and why you should try it.
The Pilates Origin Story
To understand what Pilates is, it's useful to understand how and why it was created.
Pilates was created by a German-born man called Joseph Pilates. Joseph grew up a sickly child suffering from serious illnesses like asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. He wasn't expected to live long as a result. However, determined not to be beaten, Joseph set out to improve his health. He studied a wide range of exercise modalities including gymnastics, boxing, yoga, circus performance skills, self-defence, and martial arts. He also spent a long time studying the movements of animals and was particularly inspired by cats (if you’ve ever been to a Pilates class this won’t come as a big surprise!). From this he began to develop his own unique exercise system - Contrology (what we now call Pilates) - so called due to the importance of muscular control and spinal alignment in his movements. He believed that through mind-body connection, combined with strength, flexibility, and breath control it would create a more balanced healthier body.
The first mat work series developed by Joseph Pilates (referred to now as Classical Pilates) looked quite different to what you'll be used to practising today. It was quite challenging and primarily practised by dancers, ballet dancers, and athletes. Over time, teachers have adapted his original method, drawing on modern science and physiotherapy to make it more accessible and safer. This is what we often call contemporary Pilates and is what we practise here at Thrive Pilates Frome.
“Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit” - Joseph Pilates
Why Pilates Works
Pilates is all about quality of movement. By focusing on controlled, precise exercises, it strengthens the deep stabilising muscles that support your spine and joints while improving overall mobility. With consistent practise, you’ll develop a stronger connection to your body—learning how to properly engage those deep muscles and becoming more aware of how you move day to day. It feels a bit like learning a new language – learning to engage with your body on a deeper level, reconnecting with your muscles to give you more control of your body, and gaining more awareness (proprioception) which will help you move better, feel better, and prevent injuries.
Instead of taking the body’s natural “path of least resistance” (which often leads to pain or injury over time), Pilates teaches you to move in ways that protect and support your bones and joints. That’s why it’s equally effective for someone recovering from back pain as it is for an athlete looking to enhance performance.
It’s also about finding the right balance: stability where you need it, mobility where it matters. Many of us unknowingly compensate for stiffness or weakness in one area by overloading another—causing aches, poor posture, or even injury. Pilates helps re-train and condition your body so everything works together more efficiently, leaving you stronger, more balanced, and moving with ease.
“You are only as young as your spine is flexible” - Joseph Pilates
Why You Should Try Pilates
From Group Pilates Mat Classes to Private Pilates 1:1 Sessions, the practice offers a whole range of benefits that go beyond exercise. Here are some of the key benefits of Pilates that make it worth trying:
Builds strong muscles and core strength – Pilates targets the deep stabilising muscles that support your spine and pelvis. This creates a strong foundation for your whole body, helping you feel more powerful, stable, and capable in everything from everyday movement to more challenging exercises.
Strengthens bones and joints – Weight-bearing movement in Pilates helps maintain bone density and keeps your joints moving smoothly, protecting against stiffness and weakness as you age. It helps to ease the pain of aching joints associated with arthritis and osteoarthritis to help you move better and feel better.
Improves posture – Pilates strengthens the muscles that support your spine, helping you stand upright, walk taller, and move with confidence. Over time, you’ll notice less slouching, more ease in sitting and standing, and a body that naturally holds itself in better alignment.
Increases flexibility and mobility – Regular practise gently builds more flexible muscles, reduces tension, and improves your range of motion, helping you move more freely and confidently.
Eases back pain – One of the most recognised benefits of Pilates is reducing back pain. A strong, supported core takes the pressure off your lower back and helps restore comfortable movement. Not only that, but Pilates will help prevent future flare ups of back pain too.
Assists in rehabilitation and injury prevention – Pilates is widely used in physio and rehab because it strengthens stabilising muscles, improves posture, and builds more beneficial movement patterns, helping prevent flare-ups and future injuries.
Improves balance – From simple standing exercises to dynamic flows, Pilates challenges your stability, making everyday activities feel easier and reducing the risk of falls as you get older.
Relieves tension and improves sleep – Gentle, mindful movement combined with focused breathing helps release built-up stress, leaving your body calmer and your mind ready for restful sleep.
Boosts energy levels – Rather than draining you, Pilates leaves you feeling refreshed and energised, thanks to improved circulation, oxygen flow, and body awareness.
Connects mind and body – Pilates is not just about physical strength—it encourages you to move with intention, helping you feel more present, focused, and connected with your body. Your weekly Pilates classes will be your moment of calm, allowing you to switch off and refocus on you.
“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, and in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body” - Joseph Pilates
Start Your Pilates Journey
At Thrive Pilates Frome, we’ve created a supportive space where you can explore movement safely in either our group Pilates mat classes or in a private 1:1 Pilates session. With our expert instructors, you’ll always be in safe hands.
We offer Pilates with a personal touch – supportive, adaptable, and made to fit you. Every body is unique, so we take the time to notice yours, offering guidance, corrections, and adaptations that help you get the most out of each exercise and move towards your goals. Even in a group setting, you’ll feel like the class is shaped just for you.
Our group Pilates mat classes are welcoming and inclusive, suitable for beginners or those at an intermediate level who want to push themselves further. Let your teacher know what you’re looking for, and don’t be afraid to ask for options to make the exercises more or less challenging – this is your Pilates class, and we want you to get the most out of it. We’re always happy to help!
Pilates has come a long way since Joseph Pilates first developed his method – but the goal remains the same: to help you move better, feel stronger, and thrive.
“Every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things” - Joseph Pilates
Are you ready to Thrive?
If you’ve ever felt unsure about movement, out of place in traditional gyms, struggled with pain, or just wanted a movement teacher who genuinely cares about you - Thrive Pilates was made for you.
Join our welcoming community in Frome - we’ll meet you where you are and help you start feeling stronger, more energised, more stable, and more confident, one class at a time.
Comments