No. You do not have to be flexible to start Pilates. You do not need to touch your toes, do the splits, or arrive with an impressive stretch to show your teacher.
People often tell me, “I cannot do Pilates. I am not flexible.” My response is that we can work on movement together. You do not have to finish that work before you come in.
Part of You Can Do Pilates, my series answering questions from beginners and people who are curious about starting.
TIGHT HAMSTRINGS ARE ALLOWED
If you tell me your hamstrings feel tight or your shoulders do not move the way you want them to, that gives us somewhere to begin.
We can explore different positions, props, and apparatus to find a version of an exercise that works for you. Your range of motion can be part of the practice rather than a reason to sit it out.
I still have movements where I need to pay close attention to my own range and positioning after years of practice. That is okay. There is always something to learn.
WHAT KIND OF FLEXIBILITY DO YOU NEED?
My focus is on useful movement for your life. That might mean reaching overhead more comfortably, feeling less restricted in a movement, or developing more control through a range you already have.
Gymnastics, contortion, and pole can involve specialized ranges of motion and training. Those skills can be impressive without becoming the standard everyone else has to meet.
Pilates does not require extreme flexibility.
MORE RANGE IS NOT ALWAYS THE GOAL
Some people arrive with a lot of joint mobility. That does not automatically tell us how comfortable or controlled a movement feels.
Hypermobility is not always a disorder or a problem. For people who experience instability or symptoms, chasing a deeper stretch may not be the right goal. We can instead pay attention to support, control, and the range that works for that person.
You cannot look at someone doing a deep stretch and know their health history or what their body needs. There is no need to compare your range to theirs.
START WITH YOUR BODY TODAY
A useful practice can involve building strength, exploring mobility, and learning how the two work together. Progress does not have to mean pushing farther every time.
At Queer Pilates in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood, private, duet, and virtual sessions are adapted to your experience and goals. You do not need to become more flexible before booking.
Find a session that meets you where you are →
Watch the original You Can Do Pilates video on Instagram →
Cheers, Queers.
