How Do You Know if What You’re Doing Is Pilates?

Aika Gutierrez
Oct 17
3 min read

"Pilates is a concept.” — Mary Bowen

It’s one of the most thought-provoking statements ever made about this method.

Because it reminds us that Pilates isn’t defined by a list of exercises or a piece of equipment.

It’s defined by how and why we move.

So, if you’re doing a lunge on the Reformer — is it Pilates?

Or just a lunge on the Reformer?

Let’s unpack this.

1. The Apparatus Is a Tool, Not a Definition

Joseph Pilates created his apparatus to teach the body to move from the center — what he called the powerhouse.

Springs, pulleys, and carriages were never meant to add flair; they were designed to guide, assist, and challenge control.

So when someone adds a lunge to the Reformer, the question isn’t what the move looks like, but rather:

Does the movement serve the Pilates concept — coordination of mind, body, and spirit through control?

If it doesn’t, then it’s not Pilates.

It’s movement using Pilates equipment — which is fine, but different.

2. Pilates as a Concept, Not Choreography

Mary Bowen’s words remind us that Pilates isn’t a “workout routine.”

It’s a philosophy of movement grounded in awareness, control, and integration.

The concept of Pilates is that:

• Every movement starts from the center.

• The mind directs the motion.

• The breath organizes the body.

• The springs reflect your control, not your force.

• The goal is efficiency, balance, and uniform development.

That means even a simple shoulder roll can be Pilates — if it embodies these ideas.

And even a backbend or lunge may not be — if it doesn’t.

3. A Lunge on the Reformer: When It Is (and Isn’t) Pilates

Let’s take the example head-on.

A Lunge on the Reformer is Pilates when:

The powerhouse organizes the pelvis and spine.
The movement is initiated from the center, not the limbs.
The spring tension is used for feedback and support, not just resistance.
The breath and flow guide the transitions.
The whole body participates — from foot to crown — in a two-way stretch.

In this context, the lunge becomes a study in control, balance, and integration.

It’s not just leg work; it’s Contrology — mind and body in conversation.

A Lunge on the Reformer is not Pilates when:

The focus is only on glute or quad burn.
The pelvis wobbles or collapses without awareness.
The springs are used as weight, not feedback.
There’s no attention to breath, flow, or precision.

Then, it’s simply a lunge on Pilates equipment — valuable in its own right, but not the concept of Pilates.

4. Fitness vs. Method: The Line of Intention

Modern studios often blend fitness and Pilates, and that’s okay.

But as teachers and movers, we should recognize that Pilates is not a brand of fitness — it’s a method of education.

Fitness on Reformer	Pilates on Reformer
Targets specific muscles	Teaches whole-body coordination
Seeks fatigue and burn	Seeks balance and control
Uses springs as resistance	Uses springs as extension of the body
Emphasizes effort	Emphasizes efficiency
Reps for conditioning	Repetition for refinement

When intention shifts from doing more to doing better, you’re practicing Pilates.

5. The Real Question: What Are You Training?

Joseph Pilates called his work Contrology — the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. His goal wasn’t to create stronger thighs or tighter abs, but to restore natural movement and self-mastery.

So when you step on a Reformer, ask: