The Power of Classical Pilates
Most people don’t know the difference between Classical Pilates vs Contemporary Pilates. I know I didn’t when I began my Pilates journey.
While in my 20s and 30s, my first experiences with Pilates were from Contemporary teachers. I moderately enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my favourite mode of exercise. When my gym supervisor begged me to teach Pilates mat, I was hesitant at first. I finally agreed and took my first of many Pilates teacher trainings (I have an addiction to learning Pilates!). My very first training was mat focused from a Classical teacher trainer. Once I discovered the healing power of spinal movements and strengthening from the inside out, I was hooked!
After that, I learned Pilates apparatus (reformer, trapeze/tower, chair, barrels) from Contemporary Pilates teacher trainers. As I began to journey through the Pilates exercises and eventually became a teacher, I started to have questions, unsure of the purpose behind certain exercises. The Contemporary Pilates system I had learned seemed disjointed. I took another teacher training, hoping to get answers, but ended up having more. My third teacher training was a Classical Pilates training program, which finally helped me understand the brilliance of the Pilates Method was meant to be taught as a complete holistic system - not as a collection of interesting, yet random exercises.
Classical Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates as a corrective exercise regime to “properly and scientifically exercise every muscle in your body” (Shimoda, 2024). In doing so it “improves the circulation of the blood so that the bloodstream can and will carry more and better blood to feed every fibre and tissue of your body” (Shimoda, 2024).
In what Joseph Pilates called Uniform Development, the entire holistic Pilates Method works as a cohesive system to exercise all your muscles, both minor and major ones, allowing you to move gracefully and effortlessly through life. Pretty cool, eh?
As opposed to trying to overcorrect every part of your movement superficially, we allow the regular repetitions of the Classical Pilates system to correct movements and functioning of the body over time (Shimoda, 2024). The beauty of the Method is that it heals and strengthens bodies one workout at a time. Joseph Pilates’ Classical Pilates Method is intended to improve the way we move and feel in our bodies. We become stronger and more flexible, increase our energy, and reduce aches and pains.
While during our Pilates practice we strengthen every part of our body, there is a focus on moving from our center (aka powerhouse). The center consists of abdominals, truck stabilizers, shoulder girdle, and hips.
The remarkable difference between authentic Classical Pilates with other forms of fitness is the focusing on the center’s coordinated effort to control the body (Shimoda, 2024). A strong center assists the body to hold the correct position of the shoulders, hips, and spine to allow greater freedom of movement and balance (Shimoda, 2024). It returns the body to life by teaching awareness, stability, mobility, and connection (Shimoda, 2024).
When Joseph Pilates was alive he called his method Contrology. It was only after his death that his successors begin to call his method Pilates. Because Pilates is currently super trendy, many fitness companies promote their brand of “Pilates” without knowing, studying, or teaching the true authentic work. When these fundamental exercises are taught randomly without intention, the effects of the Method become watered down.
Now, that is totally okay, because any movement can be beneficial. And if it helps people be consistent performing their movement practice, then awesome! However, I do endorse and promote a well-studied and scientifically systematic Pilates Method, one that has been practiced for over a hundred years by so many people who have gleaned its amazing benefits.
That is exactly what we strive for here at Pilates Life Studio. The full Classical Pilates Method to gain strength, endurance, and flexibility in our bodies to perform our daily lives better and to reach our personal health and fitness goals.
My kinesiology background especially guarantees that we only offer Pilates exercises that are evidenced-based, effective, and safe. We do adapt and modify exercises as needed for every client, so that all clients succeed within their own Pilates journey at a pace that is appropriate for them.
Resources
Shimoda, Sandy (2024). Contrology Handbook: a guide to Joe Pilates’ method. Vintage Pilates Inc.
Images: Erin Girard & Javi Sanz
