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Increases Muscular Endurance & Flexibility. Unlike static stretching, Pilates improves flexibility while also increasing muscular endurance. Movements are designed to lengthen and strengthen muscles simultaneously, preventing stiffness and imbalance. Over time, this leads to better mobility, less tension, and a body that feels strong yet agile in everyday life
Pilates was invented around 100 years ago, and it is becoming an increasingly popular form of exercise. What exactly is Pilates? How is it different from other modalities like Yoga or Tai Chi? What are the benefits of Pilates? Who can most benefit from it? In this interview series, we are talking to Pilates professionals & practitioners who can talk about how Pilates can improve your health and wellbeing. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Alex Lyons, Vice President of Product & Talent at JETSET Pilates.
Alex Lyons has been working in the boutique fitness industry for over 9 years. She’s been in leadership roles at numerous brands including Flybarre + Flywheel, box+flow, Good Day Pilates and Equinox. Alex was previously the Talent Development Manager at House of Athlete as well as Head of Fitness + Talent Development for RE/GEN Method. Most recently, Alex was the Group Fitness Manager at Equinox in the NYC Metro. Alex holds her Personal Training Certification and Corrective Exercise Specialty from NASM, as well as certifications from PROnatal, Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC), Precision Nutrition, and Pilates mat / anatomy / reformer.
Thank you so much for joining us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
Originally from Minnesota, I moved to NYC at 18 to attend college for dance. I was a professional dancer in NYC for a decade and while training I fell in love with Pilates while dealing with minor injuries. I became a really early boutique fitness ambassador in NYC and knew that I wanted to pivot my career from the arts full time into helping others feel as good in their body as they could. I started my fitness career at Flybarre and Flywheel, as a full-time instructor, mentor, and coach for their at-home bike platform. Since then, I’ve worked across the industry from small studio startups to large gym chains, and everything in between. Pilates has been my niche focus for the past 5 years, and I’m very excited to be a part of the JETSET team and their modern Pilates philosophy.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview about Pilates. To begin, can you tell our readers a bit about why you are an authority on the topic of Pilates?
I’ve been an advocate for Pilates for over a decade, integrating it into my personal and professional fitness journey. I’ve done the training and certifications, and I’ve also taught and mentored in various fitness settings, working with clients from all walks of life. Whether it’s beginners looking for a strong foundation or elite athletes fine-tuning their performance, I’ve seen firsthand how Pilates transforms bodies and minds.
Let’s start with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. What exactly is Pilates?
Pilates is a movement system designed to improve strength, flexibility, and control, with a strong emphasis on core stability and alignment. It was originally developed by Joseph Pilates as a rehabilitative method and has since evolved into a widely practiced discipline that enhances overall body awareness and longevity. It focuses on controlled, precise movements that build deep, functional strength rather than just aesthetic muscle. At JETSET, we use the term “modern Pilates” taking inspiration from the classic structures while creating fresh structures and approaches to the ideology.
How is Pilates different from other movement modalities that you have practiced?
Pilates is unique because it prioritizes quality over quantity. Unlike high-impact workouts that can strain the body over time, Pilates emphasizes controlled movements, proper alignment, and breathwork. It’s incredibly adaptable — whether you’re recovering from an injury, training for a marathon, or simply trying to move better in daily life, Pilates meets you where you are. Everyone can (and should) do Pilates, as it is truly the best way to move better for longer.
On a personal level, what are the biggest benefits that you have gained from regular Pilates practice?
Pilates has given me longevity in movement. I put my body through a lot, and Pilates has helped me restore balance, prevent injuries, and stay strong without breaking down my body. It has also enhanced my posture, deepened my core strength, and improved my ability to move with ease, whether in workouts or just through daily life. Beyond the physical, Pilates has taught me patience and mindfulness. It requires presence, focus, and an understanding that small, intentional movements can create powerful results. Taking a JETSET class is a transformative experience for my mind and body.
Who do you think can most benefit from Pilates?
There isn’t a single demographic that wouldn’t gain something from connecting with their body through Pilates. It is truly such an adaptable practice for all walks of life, and the benefits are endless.
Pilates can sometimes be expensive. Can you share with our readers your perspectives on why Pilates is worth its costs?
Pilates is an investment in your long-term health. Unlike workouts that focus on quick, high-intensity results, Pilates is about longevity, injury prevention, and moving well for life. Many people spend money on physical therapy or chiropractic care after injuries — Pilates helps prevent those issues before they start. Working on an apparatus like a reformer is something you cannot really mimic at home or in the gym, there is nothing like the intensity and mind-body connection that is required working on the moving parts of the reformer, so I consider these classes an investment for your future self.
Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Ways That Pilates Can Improve Your Health and Wellbeing”?
- Enhances Cardiorespiratory Endurance
While Pilates isn’t traditionally seen as a cardio workout, it improves breath control and lung capacity, which benefits overall endurance. Many Pilates exercises emphasize deep diaphragmatic breathing, strengthening the connection between breath and movement. Over time, this improves oxygen efficiency, making other workouts (and daily activities) feel easier. - Supports a Healthy Body Composition
Pilates helps build lean muscle mass while promoting efficient movement patterns, which can support a balanced metabolism. Unlike high-impact workouts that can stress the body, Pilates focuses on sustainable strength, posture, and alignment, which can aid in long-term fat loss and body composition improvements without excessive strain. - Develops Muscular Strength
Pilates builds strength using controlled resistance rather than heavy weights. Whether through body weight, resistance bands, or reformer springs, it strengthens deep stabilizing muscles that traditional strength training often misses. This kind of functional strength improves daily movements, reduces injury risk, and enhances overall physical performance. - Boosts Mental Health and Mindfulness
The mind-body connection in Pilates promotes focus, mindfulness, and stress reduction. Because movements require deep concentration and breath control, many practitioners find that Pilates becomes a form of moving meditation. It can help decrease anxiety, improve mood, and create a greater sense of overall well-being. - Increases Muscular Endurance & Flexibility
Unlike static stretching, Pilates improves flexibility while also increasing muscular endurance. Movements are designed to lengthen and strengthen muscles simultaneously, preventing stiffness and imbalance. Over time, this leads to better mobility, less tension, and a body that feels strong yet agile in everyday life
In my own Pilates practice, I stress the importance of precision in Pilates. Based on your experiences and research, what are your thoughts about why precision is important in Pilates?
Precision is everything in Pilates. Unlike workouts where you can “muscle through” exercises with momentum, Pilates is about control. When you execute movements with precision, you activate the right muscles, build true strength, and avoid compensations that lead to pain or imbalance. It’s the difference between just “going through the motions” and actually transforming your movement patterns for the better.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I’d love to make high-quality movement education more accessible. Many people don’t learn how to move properly until they’re dealing with pain or injury. If we introduced Pilates principles earlier, like in schools or workplace wellness programs, it could help people feel better in their bodies throughout their entire lives.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
Follow along on Instagram @al.marie.lyons and @jetsetpilates. Make sure to check out a JETSET as well!
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
