How I Describe Pilates to New Clients When someone walks into my studio for the first time, I describe Pilates as eccentric strength training . This means we focus on lengthening the muscles rather than just shortening them. Traditional concentric training, like lifting free weights, builds strength by contracting muscles. Pilates, on the other hand, uses springs and bands to create resistance that lengthens muscles while strengthening them. The equipment allows us to train t