Can Christians practice Pilates?

Recently one of my friend told me she can’t join in my Pilates class because her pastor told her she is not supposed to do yoga and Pilates (without explicitly explaining the reason why). I understand that yoga is discouraged by some Christians because, in its most original form, it involved meditation, and Christians are not allowed to practice meditation. As mentioned in my “Yoga VS Pilates” article, Pilates is an exercise system, thus differed from yoga, which does not involve any spiritual meditation.

Quoting from the book, “The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning – The Original Pilates Book” (2005, Friedman & Eisen):

“Unlike most exercise programs, Pilates follows carefully laid-out principles based on a well-constructed philosophical and theoretical foundation (with no mysticism or appeals to unseen forces, divine or otherwise).”

Pilates is a “mind and body exercise”, but it doesn’t mean it trains the mind through meditation. It actually emphasizes on neural muscular connection, that is, to control every muscular moment with mental focus and concentration.

So to all my dear Christians friends, please rest assured that Pilates does not have any conflict with your faith, so do join me in my classes to learn more about how Pilates can benefit your mind and body.

*Related post: Christian's View on Pilates