# Pilate system **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 29, 2001, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilate-system/84420 "2001-09-29T00:48:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![insider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bbe5ce/32.png) [@insider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/insider)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2001, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilate-system/84420/1 "2001-09-29T00:48:03Z")
What exactly is the Pilate system of physical fitness? Why is it different from other systems? ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2001, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilate-system/84420/2 "2001-09-29T01:14:38Z")
From what I understand, the goal is to develop a perfectly symmetrical musculature\* which is strong but very flexible. Also, there is a focus on developing the abs and back muscles which provide a supportive “band” around your middle. Special machines are used (you should be guided in their use by a certified instructor) the most famous of which is probably the one called “The Reformer.” Instructor certification is highly involved, takes 4 months full time to complete (IIRC) and includes apprentice teaching. This system is very popular with dancers. That’s what I know. My ex-boyrfriend’s sister is a certified instructor. ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2001, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilate-system/84420/3 "2001-09-29T06:26:20Z")
When I hear the name, I somehow associate it with arm-extending exercises. ---
**Author:** ![RM\_Mentock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@RM\_Mentock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RM_Mentock)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2001, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilate-system/84420/4 "2001-09-29T10:19:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Doghouse Reilly \* > \*\*When I hear the name, I somehow associate it with arm-extending exercises. \*\* Weird. Whenever I hear the name Reilly, I think of Babe Ruth. [Pilates.com](http://www.pilates.com/) has a lot of information on it. ---
**Author:** ![waterj2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/858c86/32.png) [@waterj2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waterj2)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2001, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilate-system/84420/5 "2001-09-29T19:25:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Doghouse Reilly \* > \*\*When I hear the name, I somehow associate it with arm-extending exercises. \*\* I associate it with hand-washing. ---
**Author:** ![saudade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@saudade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saudade)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2001, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilate-system/84420/6 "2001-09-29T20:21:03Z")
Michael Palin in “The Life of Bryan” came to mind when I saw “Pilate”. I suppose wearing sandals and climbing all those stone steps was good for the calves. From what I know it seems almost cultlike - stretching, rooms only furnished with floormats, and having to know someone who knew the original Pilates. It’s like an odd spandex priesthood.