PARAGON PILATES BLOG

When you hear the words “engage your core”, what do you think of? For many people, the first thing that comes to mind is their abdominal muscles — or perhaps the idea of pulling their stomach in. But your core is actually much more than just your abs. In Pilates, we talk about the core a lot because it plays an important role in supporting the body, creating stability and helping us move with greater control. So, what exactly is your core, and why is strengthening it so impor

One of the questions we often hear is: “Am I too old to start Pilates?” The simple answer is no. In fact, staying active and maintaining strength and mobility becomes increasingly important as we get older. Pilates can be a wonderful way to keep your body moving, challenge your muscles and build confidence in what your body can do. And you certainly don't need to have done Pilates before to get started.

You've booked your first Reformer Pilates class. Then you look at a picture of the equipment and think... What on earth am I supposed to do with that?! Don't worry. Almost everyone who uses a Reformer was once a complete beginner. Here's what you can expect from your first class.

Stiff hips are something we hear about all the time in the studio. You might notice them after sitting for a long time, when getting out of the car, bending down, walking or simply trying to move in ways that once felt easier. But rather than just stretching your hips repeatedly, it can be helpful to think about how they move — and how well you can control that movement.

"I'd love to try Pilates, but I'm far too stiff." If that sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone. People often think they need to become more flexible before joining a Pilates class. But that's a bit like saying you need to get fit before you start exercising. You don't.

"How often should I do Pilates?" It's one of the most common questions we get asked — particularly by people who are just getting started. The simple answer is: consistency matters more than perfection.

If you're thinking about starting Pilates, one of the first questions you might have is: should I choose Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates? Both are based on the same Pilates principles and both can help you improve your strength, mobility, posture and body awareness. However, they can feel quite different to practise.

Over the past 18 months, Pilates has seen a huge surge in popularity—largely driven by the rise of reformer classes. Studios are opening everywhere, waitlists are growing, and more people than ever are discovering the benefits of movement-based exercise. But with that growth has come a noticeable shift in how Pilates is being taught and experienced. It raises an interesting question: is this new, high-energy style still Pilates as it was originally intended—or has it evolved

March always brings a noticeable shift. The days begin to stretch a little longer, the light returns, and there’s a subtle feeling that winter is finally loosening its grip. It’s a month of transition—still cool, still busy, but full of small signs that spring is on its way. In the studio, March is often when the momentum from the start of the year really settles in. January brings motivation. February builds consistency. But March is where movement starts to feel like part

Modern working life often involves long periods of sitting, whether that’s at a desk, in meetings, or commuting. When the body remains in the same position for extended periods, the muscles and joints can become stiff and the spine may lose some of its natural mobility.

In today’s modern world of sedentary jobs and long hours at a desk, alignment and posture have never been more important. With lower back pain on the rise, understanding how our bodies are designed to move and function can make a huge difference to our long-term health.