How do you know if a Pilates studio is classical?
Pilatay - The Studio is a traditional, classical Pilates studio headquartered in Miami, FL. For more information about in-studio or virtual classes with Pilatay, contact studio@pilatay.com
A trademark lawsuit in the 90s ruled that “Pilates” was a generic term, paving the way for basically anyone to use the term “Pilates” to describe anything.
The traditional Pilates community, which teaches the authentic Pilates system created by Joseph Pilates, adopted the term “classical Pilates” to help people distinguish between real, authentic Pilates, and the Pilates-inspired spin-offs that were now able to use the name “Pilates” at will.
So how, as a member of the general public, do you know if what you are doing and paying for is the real, traditional Pilates method?
Here are some ways you can easily identify a classical Pilates studio.
The reformer has leather straps and springs of equal weight with no color-coding
One of the easiest ways to distinguish classical Pilates is by the Pilates reformer. If you are not working on a classical Pilates reformer, you are not doing traditional Pilates.
What makes a classical Pilates reformer difference?
Springs of all the same weight (not color-coded)
Straps are made of leather (not rope)
No risers (straps come from the frame)
Footbar doesn’t lock in place and has two levels - up and down (important for classical transitions and flow)
However, one of the most important differences is something you can’t see
Classical reformer wheels are made of a material that creates drag, requiring the user to work much harder to pull the carriage in, and providing a much more intense workout.
The entire reformer is a generally more narrow and smaller overall
The footbar is narrow and thin enough for you to wrap your hands around (an important factor for improving grip strength, powerhouse connection and connecting your arms into your back)
These differences aren’t just aesthetic.
They make it possible to complete the classical Pilates exercises in order, without pause, providing an intense cardiovascular workout that is not possible if you are constantly starting and stopping to set up or adjust the equipment.
These are all important characteristics because you can’t do the classical Pilates exercises properly on a modified reformer like an Allegro or Megaformer.
A fully-equipped studio will have all apparatuses - not just a reformer
While many studios feature only Pilates reformers, the reformer is only one of the Pilates apparatuses used in the Pilates system.
A classical Pilates studio that teaches the full Pilates system will also have the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Small Arm Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Small Barrel, Ped O Pul, a sometimes a Guillotine.
Classical studios will also have smaller pieces like the Foot Corrector, Neck Stretcher, Toe Corrector, Airplane Board and more.
If you are learning the full Pilates system, you will work on all these apparatuses.
You learn the exercises in a specific order
Traditional Pilates is a system, and there is an order. You learn specific skills and then build on those skills with progressively more complicated exercises.
Generally, you will do a Pilates reformer sequence followed by a mat sequence, and finish with exercises on the other apparatuses.
There is nothing random, made-up, or haphazard about it.
The repetition is what makes the Pilates system so effective.
Read: What is the difference between classical Pilates and contemporary Pilates?
If you haven’t tried traditional Pilates, give it a go. Yes, it can be challenging, but anyone can do it. Pilates meets everyone where they are regardless of age or ability. To book a class with Pilatay - The Studio, contact studio@pilatay.com.
We also do virtual classes, which you can do with nothing more than a yoga mat and possibly some props you may find around the house. You will learn Joseph Pilates’ full floor sequence, which, once you learn, you can practice on your own anytime!