What is Classical Pilates

The Beginners Guide to Classical Pilates

If you're new to Pilates, you've probably come across lots of different styles, classes and opinions. Reformer Pilates, mat Pilates, contemporary Pilates, Classical Pilates—it can be difficult to know where to begin.

What Is Classical Pilates?

The first thing to understand is that Pilates was created by one man: Joseph Pilates. Over many decades, he developed a complete system of exercises designed to develop strength, flexibility, coordination and overall health.

Today, that original system is generally known as Classical Pilates.

As a Classical Pilates teacher, my aim is to teach the method as a complete system while adapting it to the individual in front of me. Every body is different, and good teaching means knowing how to use the method for the person you're actually teaching.

More Than Just the Reformer

Many people first discover Pilates through reformer classes, but the Reformer is only one part of the method.

Classical Pilates includes the Mat alongside a range of specialised apparatus, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and smaller pieces of equipment.

Each has a purpose. Some exercises challenge you, while others help you develop the strength, mobility or understanding you need to progress elsewhere in the system.

Together, they form a much bigger method than any one piece of equipment.

A System That Builds Over Time

One of the things that makes Classical Pilates distinctive is that it is taught as a system.

Exercises aren't simply selected at random. There is an order and progression to the work, with movements building on skills and connections developed elsewhere in the method.

You don't need to be fit, flexible or experienced to begin. You start with what you can do and build from there.

Learning the Method

At first, much of the work may feel unfamiliar. As you practise, exercises begin to make more sense, connections appear between different pieces of apparatus and you become increasingly independent in your own practice.

That's one of the things I enjoy most about teaching the method. There is always somewhere to begin, and always somewhere else to go.

Pilates is something you learn over time, and it’s even better when you enjoy the people you’re learning alongside.

Good teaching, good company and plenty of laughter along the way.