Pilates 101
Posted originally on May 4, 2022 by pilatesnative
Seeing as I am a Pilates instructor, we should probably learn about some Pilates around this joint. So let’s dig in.
The majority of my clients are injured athletes. This is my wheelhouse and where the entire duration of my Pilates career has focused. This means that a lot of my clients are complete newbies to Pilates. They walk in the door without really knowing what the heck Pilates is because their doctors have prescribed Pilates for their injury recovery.
The first reaction on seeing the equipment is amusing. Lots of jokes paired with a little apprehension. In this post, we’ll be doing a Pilates 101 and giving you all the info you need to walk into your 1st Pilates class prepared and confident.
The Core Principles of Pilates
Regardless of whether the work is Classical or Contemporary, all Pilates classes will include The Core Principles of Pilates: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath and Flow.
Your Pilates classes will also be Mat Pilates, Standing Pilates, Equipment Pilates or a mix of all 3.
Classical vs Contemporary Pilates
Do you practice Classical or Contemporary Pilates?
Should you practice one over the other?
What does that even mean?
From the 8 original instructors, over 50 different types of Pilates instructor trainings have branched!
These many different styles are broadly categorized as either Classical Pilates or Contemporary Pilates.
Classical Pilates
Sticks as closely as possible to the way Joe taught
Utilizes a set ordered sequence of exercises
May also be called Authentic Pilates or True Pilates
Pros:
Great for people who need routine and stability
You know what you're getting and that it's Pilates
Cons:
May get boring for folks who like variety
Rigid dogma can turn people off from the modality
Contemporary Pilates
Based on Joe's exercises and methods and maintains the general essence of his work
No set sequence
Pros:
Freedom for the instructors to interpret the work and include their other modalities as part of their Pilates offerings
Modernized to fit with advances in research, biomechanics and PT
Cons:
The work may get so diluted it's not recognizable beyond the name
Mat, Standing and Equipment Pilates
Mat Pilates
Pilates that is done on a mat. Lately, people have been referring to this as “floor Pilates”. The proper name is Mat Pilates.
Most common type of Pilates taught in gyms or videos.
Exercises utilize body weight.
Focus is on building core strength, posture, proper breathing technique, and functional flexibility.
Classes may use props: blocks, bands, straps, Magic Circle, balls, hand weights, etc.
Standing Pilates
Pilates exercises that are done standing. Excellent for pairing with activities that don’t always have available floor space, like weight lifting, running, mountain biking or in the office.
Exercises utilize body weight.
Focus is on building core strength, proper breathing technique, posture and functional flexibility.
Classes may use props: blocks, bands, straps, Magic Circle, balls, hand weights, etc.
Apparatus or Equipment Pilates
Pilates exercises that are done using the Pilates Equipment: Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Tower, Barrel, Spine Corrector + more
Typically taught at a studio, either in privates (also called one-on-ones), doubles or group classes.
Exercises utilize equipment spring tension + body weight.
Focus is on building core strength, proper breathing technique, posture and functional flexibility.
Classes may use props: blocks, bands, straps, Magic Circle, balls.
Regardless of the type of Pilates you are doing, the benefits are huge:
Improved core strength
Improved posture
Improved flexibility and range of motion
Improved balance and proprioception
Improved spinal stabilization
Better coordination and control of your body
Rehab and/or prevent muscle imbalances and/or sports injuries
Improved focus, concentration and mind-body connection
Improved breathing technique and lung capacity
Somatic movement as stress management
