Body Image Problem in Pilates

Pilates Exchange

There is this idea floundering around the Pilates world that practising Pilates will transform your body into one akin to a professional dancer. You know, one that is thin, muscular, and hardly contains body fat. Which simply isn’t true, nor is it really even possible. Today, Hannah explores the idea of unconscious bias and its role in body imaging in the world of Pilates. We look at dismantling the myth of the Pilates body shape, factors involved in attaining (theoretically) a “dancer” body, and why it is important that we as teachers look at and reflect on our dancer upbringings (and the negative aspects thereof). We need to start having more conversations about bodies and healthy expectations in this realm. Pilates fundamentally revolves around improving movement quality, embracing the freedom that movement offers, and relishing in the experience. We should encourage a shift away from fixating on unrealistic body ideals and instead channel our energy towards enjoying the benefits of improved coordination, increased mobility, enhanced flexibility, greater strength, and better posture that Pilates offers. Join the conversation as Hannah poses a question to ignite a conversation about propelling change!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dismantling the idea that a thin body equals a Pilates body: the Pilates body shape.
• The various factors involved in theoretically attaining a “dancer” body.
• Doing the work, as teachers, to dismantle our dancer upbringing and why it is important.
• Hannah shares her perspective on the importance of thought behind social media posting.
• An example of how exercise, eating, and body image disorders are part of our professional careers.
• We need more conversations about bodies and about healthy expectations.
• The taboo topic: how teachers are also struggling with body image and exercise disorders.
• Why your body isn’t your business card, but your teaching is.
• The necessity, as coaches and teachers, to look first at ourselves.
• The importance of being honest about the benefits of doing Pilates.
• Thoughts on how we want to move forward as an industry and as teachers.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Body Is Not An Apology — https://thebodyisnotanapology.com/

Joseph Pilates — https://www.pilatesfoundation.com/pilates/the-history-of-pilates/

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with Us: [e-mail]

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedi