Meredith Opsahl created and opened BK Pilates in 2019, after 12 years in advertising and several burnouts. Opening a business wasn’t her initial plan, but she wanted a change of pace and to help people the way Pilates helped heal her.
We recently chatted about industry trends, self-care and the foundation of this, now, uber trendy workout. Here’s a snapshot of our convo.
What is Pilates? How is it different from other workouts that use the same name?
Joseph Pilates called his system Contrology, the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.
- He designed it to develop the body uniformly, correct posture, restore energy and invigorate the mind through conscious control of every movement.
- Today the word “Pilates” is used very loosely, with studios offering high-intensity or modern Pilates. But Pilates is a man’s last name.
- The real method is Contrology, and there is no high intensity in it.
Are reformer and mat Pilates both traditional forms?
Yes. Reformer Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout on a machine Joseph Pilates created.
- Mat Pilates has 34 original exercises that use your own body weight to build core strength, flexibility and posture.
- Mat is trendy again, but it’s actually the groundwork for using the reformer properly, which is why classical training starts with mat work.
Who is Pilates for? Is there anyone who shouldn’t be doing Pilates?
Pilates is for every body. I like to say, if you have a body, you should be doing Pilates. Whether you’re an athlete, a student, pre- or postnatal, rehabbing an injury or surgery, or sitting or standing at work all day, Pilates can improve your posture, core strength, flexibility, mobility and balance.
What results can someone expect from Pilates? How often should we go to see those results?
Increased flexibility and mobility, core stability and strength, better posture and balance, and so much more. We typically recommend three times a week.
- Joseph Pilates said, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel a difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see a difference and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.” It’s really true.
For someone who’s new on their fitness journey, how would you tell them to start?
Ideally with a one-on-one session, so we can understand their goals and teach them how to move on our equipment. Safety is our number one mission, and Pilates is a system: we use mats, reformers, ladder barrels, chairs and Cadillac tables.
- If that doesn’t fit their budget, our Foundational Reformer classes are true beginner classes that build week by week.
- We like to see about 10 beginner sessions before someone moves to intermediate.
What’s your favorite way to take care of yourself?
I jump on one of the pieces of equipment every day. Movement is medicine to me, and I don’t feel right if I haven’t done some classical moves.
- Moving my spine in four directions puts me in a great mood and sets the day right. I want to live a long, healthy life, and movement is the best way I can take care of myself.
