The recent Saturday Night Live sketch that gave Pilates the horror-movie-trailer treatment has taken the internet by storm. In the sketch, host Kristen Wiig plays a chillingly cheery yet brutal Pilates instructor who pushes her students to their limits, with one even being blasted into the spirit realm for forgetting her sticky socks.
The sketch, set in a fictional studio called Strength Length & Ass, highlights the intense and sometimes intimidating nature of Pilates classes, especially for beginners. Pilates instructor Steph Kroeger from Strengthen Lengthen Tone (SLT) acknowledges the accuracy of the portrayal, noting the confusion and intimidation that can come with entering a Pilates studio for the first time.
Despite the initial shock, many find themselves strangely addicted to the muscle-quaking experience of a reformer or megaformer class. Laura Quinn, a certified Pilates instructor, describes the beautiful fluidity of Pilates sessions, where time seems to melt away as participants immerse themselves in the movements.
While the SNL sketch humorously exaggerates the intensity of Pilates classes, it also offers valuable insights for both teachers and students. Quinn emphasizes the importance of making Pilates approachable, comprehensible, personalized, and even fun to make it feel less like a horror movie.
For those looking to make their Pilates experience less daunting, tips include finding an instructor you like, avoiding the comparison trap, giving yourself permission to take breaks, and embracing the shake as a sign of growth and resilience. Ultimately, Pilates can be a challenging yet rewarding practice that offers both physical and mental benefits for those willing to embrace the shake.