Classical or contemporary Pilates: is there really a difference?

 

 

Are you confused about the differences between classical and contemporary Pilates?

When I took my first Pilates class over 15 years ago, I thought all Pilates was the same. I had in mind the idea of Pilates being grouped under the same umbrella, just like tennis or basketball. I can’t go wrong now. As I continued my Pilates journey, I quickly learned the differences between contemporary Pilates and classical Pilates.

I started by learning contemporary Pilates – thinking that classical was boring, didn’t allow for creativity and that classical teachers were equipment snobs!

Well, it took me hours of practice, learning from many Masters, and it led me to the conclusion that it couldn’t be further from the truth.

Contemporary Pilates has been modernized for more recent research. They may still incorporate some of the original exercises, but there’s also a wide range of new ones that have been added. However, what’s important to understand is that although the exercises are the same on “paper”, the way the two focus is radically different. different, just like the connections on the equipment.

The equipment

At first, I thought it was hype about being a gear snob. But I soon realized that the equipment made all the difference – we work with the original producer of classic Pilates equipment – Gratz. My customers also immediately felt the difference: the speed with which they progressed and gained strength on the Gratz equipment was incomparable. As a teacher, you need to know the whole Pilates method, not just the exercises; each piece of equipment has been designed to accompany the client and find the connections, then later challenge them.

The Pilates method

Classical Pilates tries to stay as close as possible to the work of Joseph Pilates. This includes all his original training routines, exercises and the order in which they were performed, with appropriate transitions – each exercise builds and leads to the next. . This process prevents injury and keeps your body aligned throughout your workout and builds endurance. The purpose of each exercise must also be understood. My body and my practice changed radically, when I understood that I had to build from the right place. Don’t just do the exercises that moved you and made you feel good.

As I progressed in my understanding of classical Pilates, I modified my teaching and my clients can feel the difference too. In my previous teaching, I chose exercises with what I thought had a certain logic, but since I’ve been teaching classical, I can say that my clients’ bodies and progress have skyrocketed. Testimonials have been pouring in!

It took me 15 years to understand the simple phrase “why change something that works”. Joseph Pilates was a genius at balancing mind and body. The original Pilates exercises are simple, stimulating and deep enough to be studied for a lifetime, and best of all, they work.