Beyond the hype: what does Pilates mean today?

 

You may not be aware of this, but Pilates is at war with itself. After bubbling along amicably for many years, with teachers delivering mat lessons in gyms and village halls and studios offering classes on the apparatus, Pilates has recently become a fashionable exercise style for the rich and famous. This has inspired lots of people to open up reformer studios, some of which truly teach Pilates, and some of which teach fitness on a reformer. Some long-standing teachers are getting very upset and feel threatened by these new upstarts shaking up the industry, but I see it differently. I believe all movement is good, and that there is something for everyone. However, I also believe that for reasons of safety, it's important for people to understand the distinction between the various exercise systems that identify as Pilates. Here is my understanding. You can broadly categorise Pilates into four groups: Classical Pilates: This aims to preserve the method exactly as taught by Joseph Pilates and the first-generation teachers (i.e., teachers who worked directly with him). Classical Pilates prioritises consistency and is a good choice for people who want to make a commitment and see real transformation in their bodies through methodical progression. Contemporary Pilates: This teaches the original exercises but incorporates changes to the system to allow for different client goals and modern thoughts around biomechanics. Contemporary Pilates prioritises adaptability, which can be seen in changes to the apparatus that allow for more fine-tuning of the load and dimensions. It is a good choice for people who like variety in their workouts but still want the foundational benefits of the Pilates method. Clinical Pilates: Typically taught by health professionals such as Physiotherapists or Osteopaths, this is aimed at rehabilitation. This is a good choice for people who are in the early stages of injury, following an operation, or those with ongoing health conditions that mean a general exercise class would not be appropriate. Pilates-Based Fitness: This is an exercise class aimed at the general, healthy population without specific injury. It may or may not include the original Pilates exercises. Pilates-based fitness prioritises strength and conditioning, with less focus on individual correction of technique, allowing for larger class sizes. Teacher training for this style is typically cheaper and less time-consuming. Both of these factors mean that Pilates-based fitness can often be offered at a lower price point, making it perfect for healthy people wanting low-impact exercise on a budget. So what are you getting at Ease Pilates? We teach what is becoming more widely known as the Pilates Method, which includes styles one and two: Classical and Contemporary Pilates. It ensures you receive the methodical depth and consistency championed by Joseph Pilates, combined with the adaptability needed to accommodate modern bio-mechanics and individual client goals, injuries, or limitations. Essentially, we give you the most authentic and effective workout possible. This quality is only possible because of our team's diverse and thorough training. Jane, Ines, and Elena are all trained in both Classical and Contemporary styles. This allows them to blend the two approaches, combining the methodical depth and consistency of the Classical work with the bio-mechanical adaptability of Contemporary equipment and exercises. Vicki, Anneen, Anqi, Faye and Lauren are Contemporary Pilates teachers. They focus on client-centred modifications and variety, prioritising adaptability to safely meet individual goals, injuries, or limitations. Tara, trained in both Fitness and Contemporary Pilates, brings her knowledge of strength and conditioning to her classes. Our Pilates Method approach means that no matter your goal, you'll be working with a teacher whose training specifically enables them to thoughtfully and safely progress you.