Pilates Pet Peeve #1 -- Everything is "Pilates"

Today, I was reminded of a major Pilates Pet Peeve -- people (mostly gyms) who call something "Pilates" when it doesn't resemble Pilates. Many of the instructors have never been in a Pilates studio, don't know anything about Joseph Pilates, but claim to teach "Pilates" classes.

An acupuncturist contacted me, but she is not a fan of Pilates because she went to a Beginner Pilates class at her gym, and absolutely hated it. When I asked what she hadn't liked, she said lifting weights, while balancing on a stability ball, didn't seem safe. Obviously not classical Pilates, and definitely not what I would consider Beginner level anything group fitness-related. When I told her I doubted the instructor had any kind of Pilates-related instructor training or certification, she seemed doubtful. She confirmed with her gym -- none of the instructors who teach "Pilates" there have any teacher training/certification in Pilates.

So, these instructors are giving a number of people the wrong idea about what Pilates is, who can do Pilates, and the benefits. IDEA surveys indicate Pilates is on the rise in popularity, but will naming a class Pilates instead of what it is -- body sculpt, chisel, members' choice, strength training, cardio interval, circuit training, boot camp, abs & glutes -- benefit anyone?

SIDE NOTE: her personal trainer's instructions are equally suspect. Most gyms with similar business models hire and reward personal trainers for their sales ability, not their talent as a trainer. The personal trainer in me doesn't like that either.