Many people are surprised by the small number of repetitions of each exercise that the Pilates method calls for. They think it is just a beginner thing, but it's not. Fewer repetitions are actually an important part of the overall body/mind approach to exercise that the Pilates method promotes.
Also, Pilates is about the body as a highly functional, integrated whole, not about over-developing any one set of muscles as one may with multiple repetitions of an exercise. Rather than doing a lot of repetitions, the Pilates method moves through many exercises in a session, taking advantage of variety to keep the body/mind engaged and to develop a symmetrical, graceful musculature.
So the Pilates method is not necessarily about exercising less -- we still develop strong muscles, both in the core and limbs. As anyone who has gone through the classic mat work set can tell you, this is real exercise. But the Pilates method does buck the endless repetition trend in favor of balanced, efficient movement.
Joseph Pilates was adamant on the subject of not doing too many repetitions of any exercise. Consider these quotes from Joseph Pilates' book, Return to Life Through Contrology [Pilates]:
...be sure to NEVER REPEAT THE SELECTED EXERCISE(S) MORE THAN THE PRESCRIBED NUMBER OF TIMES since more harm will result than good by your unwittingly or intentionally disregarding this most important advice and direction.Contrology [Pilates] is not a fatiguing system of dull, boring, abhorred exercises repeated daily "ad-nauseam."
Imagine: With each exercise you do you are fully present, you are impeccably aligned, and there is full and open flow of breath and motion. With these elements working for you, your body and mind work together to create body wisdom and balance that surpass the limited results of mindless repetitions.
