What is the difference between classical Pilates and contemporary Pilates?
Not all Pilates is created equal.
Thanks to a trademark lawsuit in the 90s, “Pilates” became a generic term which means anyone can use it to describe anything… and they do.
With so many different types of classes and studios using the term “Pilates,” it can be confusing for the general public to understand what they are doing and paying for. In fact, a lot of Pilates teachers don’t even understand the difference. (I didn’t. I was first certified through a contemporary program, but it wasn’t until I completed my classical Pilates teacher training that I really understood just how incredibly different they were.)
The “type” of Pilates classes can be divided into three basic styles:
Classical Pilates will generally teach the full, traditional Pilates system on all original Pilates apparatuses. There is an order to the exercises. Once clients master a skill, new exercises are added in. Classical equipment uses heavier spring tension than the modified, color-coded reformers used in contemporary studios. Mat and equipment classes are often offered to make the work more accessible.
Contemporary Pilates classes deviate from the classical system in that they don’t teach the classical Pilates exercises or order, but they are generally inspired by the Pilates principles. They often use modified equipment using color-coded springs with lighter tension than a classical reformer. Some contemporary studios will also teach exercises on the Cadillac and a modified Wunda chair, but the rest of the Pilates apparatuses are generally not used. The “reformer Pilates” classes on Allegro reformers are contemporary Pilates.
And there are even now classes that are loosely inspired by Pilates, using modern machines called “Megaformers.” Although megaformer classes do not teach Pilates exercises, take into account the Pilates principles, or use Pilates equipment, they are often mistaken for Pilates because the equipment loosely resembles the Pilates reformer, and some studios use the term “Pilates” in their marketing to attract more customers.
Although we focus on classical Pilates at Pilatay - The Studio, I am a dual-certified Pilates teacher, meaning I have teaching certifications in both contemporary and classical Pilates.
So how do you know if a Pilates studio is “classical?” Check out the blog post. “How do you know if a Pilates studio is classical?” for more!
Book a class at Pilatay and experience classical Pilates, either in person at the Miami classical Pilates studio, or online. Virtual classes can be done with only a yoga mat or any props or equipment you have available.