The Different Types of Pilates

Once upon a time, a man named Joseph Pilates created a system of exercise called Contrology which is now known simply as Pilates. In the almost 100 years since his first gym opened, Pilates has evolved. Since it’s not a “patented” form of exercise, it’s become very open to interpretation and now there are many different types of Pilates studios: Classical, Contemporary, and something new that has me slightly concerned. 

Classical Pilates

Joseph Pilates taught his system of exercise to his clients in a certain order, particularly on the mat and the reformer. This is what we now refer to as Classical Pilates. Sometimes you might see it called “authentic” or “traditional” Pilates, as well. His book The Return to Life through Contrology shows and explains the mat order. In his studio, he also had posters of the exercises and the order they went in. 

This “system” was designed very specifically to work together to help his clients build strength, mobility, and flexibility. The various apparatuses were there to help clients become stronger and more connected to move through life with more ease. He also had several assistant teachers in the studio who would assist clients as they went through these workouts.  

Several of his past students and assistants were considered “elders” who continued teaching the Pilates method after Joe’s death. Romana and Jay Grimes both kept their work very true to how it was taught by Joe. Yes, some changes have been made and Romana added some extras as she worked with a lot of dancers, while Jay knew some different exercises that Joe only taught to men.    

Other elders taught most of the same exercises, but some changed the order, added other exercises, modified, adjusted exercises for rehab, or added in unique breathing exercises.  These would be considered contemporary teachers.  

Contemporary Pilates

Almost every Contemporary Pilates class or workshop I’ve done still includes parts of the classical method. Sometimes there are extra props brought in, or a varied order of exercises, but you can still tell that you’re doing Pilates. There is an obvious understanding of concentration, control, flow, breathing, precision, centering, and the purpose of each exercise. Clinical Pilates is included in this “new” type of Pilates.

Different Types of Pilates Teachers

I feel like I do need to add here that, like any type of fitness, every teacher will be a bit different. They will have followed different learning paths, their personality will influence their teaching, and they may put more emphasis on certain parts of their teaching. There is also the “game of telephone” of Pilates – how one teacher passes down their way of teaching to others, and things slowly change as the next teacher passes their knowledge down. 

Classical teachers are passionate about keeping the method true to how Joe created it. Even the first Contemporary teachers would have been trained classically and then had reasons for changing things in their teaching or with the equipment. It could be to make things easier, to suit their own preferences (like a softer footbar), or even to create a Pilates-inspired system of their own. Unfortunately, the more teachers diverge from Joe’s intentions, the further this type of Pilates gets from its roots. 

A New Type of “Pilates”

These days, the different types of Pilates include something that has me worried. Since anyone can say they teach Pilates, whether the method is true to Joe’s or not, I’m seeing classes and studios that are nothing like Pilates at all. 

On a recent vacation, I attended a supposed Pilates class but during the whole session we only did two actual Pilates exercises. It was a good, safe class with very good exercises and an engaged, knowledgeable teacher. We did a combination of yoga, Pilates, stretching, functional movement, and balance work… But it wasn’t a Pilates class. 

Then there is this thing called “Reformer Pilates”, which I regularly get inquiries about. In both Classical and Clinical Pilates we include mat work and the different apparatuses, including the reformer. What I’m seeing now are classes that use only the reformer, and I’m seeing exercises performed that (again) are nothing like Joseph intended. Some of it looks really difficult and some are on the edge of dangerous.  

Why I’m Concerned

There is nothing wrong with getting creative with your workouts, and if Pilates is inspiring teachers to try new things, that is great! If it’s done safely, of course. I’m not so worried that people are changing Pilates; rather, I’m concerned that they are still saying these new workouts are Pilates. 

That’s because people who are seeking out a Pilates class to help them with back pain, mobility, or imbalances and end up in some kick-your-butt group “Reformer Pilates” class instead, they could get hurt. Joseph Pilates designed his system to be safe for everyone, and some of these types of classes definitely don’t fit the bill. 

Pilates is Lifelong Learning

The more that I study, the more I understand that the foundation exercises are preparing me for intermediate, advanced, and even super-advanced exercises. There are over 500 traditional Pilates exercises and the more you repeat them, the better connected you will be. Strength is built up and you’re able to do the more difficult exercises using the skills you learn from the foundational exercises.

I’ve done a ton of different Pilates classes, workshops, and courses from a variety of different teachers. I’ve learned something from each one and found my preference for Classical Pilates. Any time I attend a classical studio anywhere in the world, I know what to expect for equipment and exercises and I leave feeling amazing.

To the newer teachers out there, I’d say “Keep on learning!” If you only experience one “type” of Pilates or learn from one teacher, you’ll be missing out. I keep wondering if that instructor, who taught only two Pilates exercises in her Pilates class, thought that she was actually teaching us Pilates. Or had she not experienced anything different? 

A Final Word on The Different Types of Pilates  

Whether you prefer Classical or Contemporary Pilates is up to you; one isn’t necessarily better than the other. In fact, I’d encourage you to try different types of Pilates to see which you prefer. Maybe you’ll even like both. But if you want to check out the newer versions of Pilates, like reformer-only Pilates, know that you might not be getting what you expect. And always (always!) ensure your teachers are well-trained to keep you safe as you exercise.