Classical v Contemporary Pilates

Joseph Pilates’ life work was devoted to developing and tweaking his pioneering exercise system, which he called ‘Contrology.’ Now we refer to it simply as Pilates. However, many differences have evolved between the original Pilates system Joe designed and the contemporary forms of Pilates available today.

The last few years have also seen an explosion in the popularity of Pilates based exercise, with hybrids of the method emerging and amalgamating with other exercise disciplines and sports. For example, Piloxing is Pilates combined with boxing, or PiYo which is an aerobic version of Pilates and yoga, or Pilates Barre, which fuses Pilates with ballet.

Step into most contemporary Pilates classes and you will typically find the session combines a selection of the original movements along with modern variations and alternatives, catering to a varied group of practitioners whose levels of capability will differ greatly.

Small equipment such as blocks, straps, bands, balls, and weights are frequently used in contemporary classes, either as aids to help execute the movements or to create evolution and progression. In a classical mat-based Pilates session, no equipment is necessary, although it can be incorporated. Contemporary Pilates doesn’t tend to follow the original order either, but rather it draws together a selection of coordinating movements which provide a full body workout using the Pilates principles.

Every teacher is unique, bringing together elements they have learnt through different training providers and professional experience; for example, a teacher qualified in both Pilates and yoga may combine the two disciplines in their classes, or a physiotherapist who is also qualified in teaching Pilates may specialise in injury management and rehabilitation, adapting the exercises accordingly.

Rarely will you find a class focused on learning and performing the original 34 movements, practiced in the order Joe Pilates designed them to be done, usually because it’s very challenging. One’s limitations will be highlighted, yet striving to continually improve technique and achieve deeper levels of competency is the ambition.