What is the “Pilates System?”
Pilates was originally created by Joseph Pilates. He created a system of exercises on a variety of apparatuses to address to bodies varied needs. The Pilates system addressed everything from breath to organ health and of course strength and flexibility. It was all encompassing.
However, through the years, people have taken bits and pieces of his system and put their own spin on it. Which can be fun. But it has also diluted the magic of the full Pilates system.
For instance, today you see many “Reformer Pilates” classes. But the reformer is just a part of the Pilates system. And, chances are, if you are only doing reformer Pilates, you aren’t doing classical Pilates at all.
Where I live in Miami, FL, Reformer Pilates is very popular, and many people who come to my Miami Pilates studio don’t really understand the difference between classical, authentic, or traditional Pilates and the modified version they have learned.
It is not their fault of course. They were told they were Pilates, and didn’t know any different. And honestly, a lot of teachers don’t even know the difference between real, authentic Pilates, and the modified version they were trained to teach.
Classical Pilates is a system of exercises which use several spring-based apparatuses including the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Baby Arm Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Small Barrel and more. There is a framework to the exercises. One comes before the next. As you learn new skills, new and more dynamic exercises are added in.
But it is not just about the equipment. In the classical Pilates system, great attention given to concentration and control. It requires great focus. You will learn to use your whole body and work from your center which helps you to move with more efficiency.
Many contemporary Pilates teachers who don’t really understand classical Pilates think that it is repetitive and rigid, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is, classical Pilates is a practice and therefore requires practice. You are working on particular skills, and that takes repetition. But there is a lot of room for variety and creativity.
I am a Miami-based Pilates teacher, and I own a classical Pilates studio in Miami between Brickell and Coconut Grove. One of my favorite things is when people who have previously done only Contemporay Pilates or reformer Pilates come to my studio for the first time because they are always so surprised how different it is and how much they like it. If you haven’t tried classical Pilates, I highly recommend that you do. If you are in Miami, come to my studio! And if not, no worries - I work with virtual students all over the world! Contact me at studio@pilatay.com.