About Pilates
Pilates is a mental and a physical body-conditioning programme developed by German-born Joseph Pilates who believed that mental and physical health were closely connected.
The Pilates method is a system of controlled movements performed either on the floor (matwork) or on specially designed spring-resistance equipment (Reformer, Cadillac, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chair).
In the exercises he developed, Joseph Pilates emphasized on correct body alignment and control, breathing, flowing movement, and concentration. His precise movements focus on technique and control over repetition. He called his method "Contrology" for several decades.
The method promotes an even musculature throughout the body by strengthening the core muscle group which is considered the "center" of the body. It also puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment which is critical in getting us to move the way we're supposed to move in order to avoid injury.
As well as promoting body awareness, it improves our posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility.
Additionally, the requirement of mental perspective in the Pilates method allows us increased attention, motivation and awareness as well as enhanced cognitive functions while at the same time minimizing stress and anxiety.
Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness, from beginners to athletes. The exercise equipment can be used to provide support for beginners and people with certain medical conditions, as well as resistance for people looking to challenge and improve their body.
The Pilates method is a system of controlled movements performed either on the floor (matwork) or on specially designed spring-resistance equipment (Reformer, Cadillac, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chair).
In the exercises he developed, Joseph Pilates emphasized on correct body alignment and control, breathing, flowing movement, and concentration. His precise movements focus on technique and control over repetition. He called his method "Contrology" for several decades.
The method promotes an even musculature throughout the body by strengthening the core muscle group which is considered the "center" of the body. It also puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment which is critical in getting us to move the way we're supposed to move in order to avoid injury.
As well as promoting body awareness, it improves our posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility.
Additionally, the requirement of mental perspective in the Pilates method allows us increased attention, motivation and awareness as well as enhanced cognitive functions while at the same time minimizing stress and anxiety.
Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness, from beginners to athletes. The exercise equipment can be used to provide support for beginners and people with certain medical conditions, as well as resistance for people looking to challenge and improve their body.
Style of Pilates
There are several different ways to differentiate one pilates style from another. Understanding the differences and the commonalities between the types and styles of Pilates can contribute to getting the most out of your Pilates practice and help to appreciate it more.
Different types are suited to different goals and some styles may achieve your goals faster than others. To broadly categorize, let me differentiate Pilates by classical vs. contemporary:
Classical Pilates
Classical Pilates aims to preserve the original teachings of Joseph and Clara Pilates and continues to perform them as described traditionally. The equipment used is built to the same specifications as those created by Joseph Pilates. Whilst it does vary a little depending on the exact school of training, classical Pilates is probably actually a lot less varied than many other types of Pilates owing to their common goal of continuing with the original work. Compared with other types it tends to be very flexion biased (great if you have a spondylolisthesis or a lordotic lumbar spine, not so great if you have a disc protrusion). It is more prescriptive than other styles with exercises being performed in an unvarying order.
Contemporary Pilates
Also known as modern Pilates. While contemporary Pilates is still based on the original work of Joseph and Clara Pilates, as the name suggests it recognises that many advances have been made based on current medicine and newer anatomical and physiological knowledge and research. By nature Contemporary Pilates is in continual development and thus may be extremely varied. It can use a wide variety of equipment including Pilates mats, small props such as the foam roller or mini ball. There are obviously great advantages to updating the original work of Pilates. It makes the exercises safer, more effective and more applicable to a wider audience. However this does lead contemporary Pilates to being prone to inappropriate changes and watering down the method to the extent that it no longer recognisable.
There are many, many Pilates schools that would be considered ‘contemporary’ with new ones popping up all the time. Some of the larger and more established ones are BASI, Polestar Pilates and STOTT PILATES®.
Different types are suited to different goals and some styles may achieve your goals faster than others. To broadly categorize, let me differentiate Pilates by classical vs. contemporary:
Classical Pilates
Classical Pilates aims to preserve the original teachings of Joseph and Clara Pilates and continues to perform them as described traditionally. The equipment used is built to the same specifications as those created by Joseph Pilates. Whilst it does vary a little depending on the exact school of training, classical Pilates is probably actually a lot less varied than many other types of Pilates owing to their common goal of continuing with the original work. Compared with other types it tends to be very flexion biased (great if you have a spondylolisthesis or a lordotic lumbar spine, not so great if you have a disc protrusion). It is more prescriptive than other styles with exercises being performed in an unvarying order.
Contemporary Pilates
Also known as modern Pilates. While contemporary Pilates is still based on the original work of Joseph and Clara Pilates, as the name suggests it recognises that many advances have been made based on current medicine and newer anatomical and physiological knowledge and research. By nature Contemporary Pilates is in continual development and thus may be extremely varied. It can use a wide variety of equipment including Pilates mats, small props such as the foam roller or mini ball. There are obviously great advantages to updating the original work of Pilates. It makes the exercises safer, more effective and more applicable to a wider audience. However this does lead contemporary Pilates to being prone to inappropriate changes and watering down the method to the extent that it no longer recognisable.
There are many, many Pilates schools that would be considered ‘contemporary’ with new ones popping up all the time. Some of the larger and more established ones are BASI, Polestar Pilates and STOTT PILATES®.