by Devra Swiger
what is your style of Pilates?
When I first began studying Pilates in 1999, I had no idea what the difference was between classical and contemporary. It was all just Pilates to me. My very first instructor was a Romana trained teacher, but she used contemporary equipment and was willing to add some of her own style to the method.
Today there is a lot of discussion on what ‘real’ Pilates is.
- Is the classical method better?
- Is contemporary Pilates safer?
- Do clients even care?
What Is Classical or Contemporary Pilates?
First of all, how do we define classical and contemporary Pilates?
Classical Pilates attempts to be as close to the teachings of Joseph Pilates as possible. Since Mr. Pilates died in 1967 his methodology is either taught by individuals who studied directly with him (Elders) or via archival pictures and tapes. Second generation teachers who were fortunate enough to have studied with one or more of the Elders help keep his work and spirit alive. Some of these classically trained teachers remain very true to the original work while others tend to vary as was the case with my first teacher. Romana Kryzanowska who died last year was said to be the one disciple of Joe’s who stayed true to the method. Many classical teachers today have at one time studied with Romana.
Contemporary Pilates is easier to define: It is everything that came after classical.
So is one style better than another? Are clients able to distinguish one from the other and if so, do they care? What direction will Pilates take as time goes on? Will classical become the only true Pilates or will fusion Pilates take over? Can they survive side by side?
Classical vs Contemporary Pilates: The Face-Off
No one can really say if one method is better than another. That, my friend, is a matter of opinion. However, training programs for Pilates instructors can be evaluated and rated based on the intensity of the program. The early training programs were rigorous and demanding and teachers were expected to not only gain an in depth understanding of the method, but to also be able to teach and demonstrate a wide variety of exercises on multiple pieces of equipment. As Pilates grew in popularity new certification programs proliferated and some I dare say were not very good.
Do clients care what type of training they get? Can they tell the difference between classical and contemporary? In my personal experience, clients come to Pilates for one of three reasons:
- to lose weight and get in shape
- to help with chronic injuries or pain or
- to complement their exercise program which may already include weight training and/or cardio.
LuAnn Klein of Lakewood, CA says when asked if clients recognize the difference between the two schools of Pilates: “Initially, no, to them, Pilates is Pilates, and with all the derivations and XYZ-Pilates hybrids, the method has become even more watered down. But, once they have tried both innovative/integrative/contemporary Pilates and classical Pilates, many DO notice the difference.” Or as Maria Vorrias of Athens Greece says: “It is about knowing or not knowing what Pilates is and how to teach it properly and with respect to the client. It is about knowing what not to do!!! My point is that whether one is Classical or Contemporary, one needs to know what it is that they are teaching because you are dealing with people and the problems are many.”
Many teachers including myself have trained in both styles and use one or the other or both depending on the needs of the client. Lee Artur a Pennsylvania based fitness professional with many years of Pilates under her belt says: “I love classical work, and work within the choreography and sequence, but I have a toolbox filled with options from other modalities and contemporary Pilates…” Beth May of San Antonio TX says: “I wish that there was a way to make sure that people who taught Pilates actually were teaching something at least 75% like what Joseph Pilates had in mind, but I doubt that is possible.”
What Beth says is very true. You could have 10 Pilates instructors in one room and they would probably never agree on what is the right way to teach. Some believe that having a classical foundation is a good start but one should always be willing to evolve. Of course there are others who would vehemently disagree with that statement feeling that why fix an already perfectly good system.
The problem in my mind stems from the fact that the world of contemporary Pilates is too vast and within that group there is too much variation in both training and ability. Using the term from LuAnn Klein ‘innovative/integrative/contemporary’ Pilates should be set apart from the watered down Pilates hybrids. A contemporary instructor could have studied for years perfecting his or her knowledge of the method or he could have taken a weekend workshop at a gym. By current definition they are both Pilates instructors and they are both contemporary.
I remember subbing a class once for a very popular instructor. I had taken class from this teacher once before and thought her style deviated a little too much from what I had been taught. I decided to wow the students with a classical mat class using many of the original exercises and emphasizing the flow from one movement to the next. Some liked it, some did not and one student complained that I had not taught the kind of Pilates she was accustomed to.
The reason I give that example is that it shows that Pilates could be moving so far away from the original method that it will no longer be recognizable. There can and will always be variations in teaching methods and teaching styles, but there probably should be some sort of standards. The problem will always be defining those standards and agreeing on what is acceptable Pilates. Lee Artur says “I do think that whatever style is being taught the training program needs to be at least 1 year of study to validate the certification.” Perhaps a valid program would stipulate a specific amount of time and then require continuing education credits. This would eliminate some of the shoddier programs that are available today or at least restrict their use of the term Pilates.
The views on which path Pilates will take over the next few years vary. Some believe that the classical form will outlast all other types while others believe Pilates will evolve into a less classical version. Kate Shannon of New Zealand says “I believe Classical Pilates will remain very strong but Pilates will also continue to evolve into many fusion type classes to compete with everyone else – like it or not.”
Others hope that Pilates will gain more recognition among the medical community. Jennifer Powell of PilatesFun says “I’m hopeful there will be a future where the medical community gives Pilates the same respect that Yoga has received. I am a colon cancer survivor (15 years!) and I believe that I wouldn’t be as strong mentally or physically if I hadn’t found Pilates when I did.” Liron Zinger of Tel Aviv says “I believe that Contemporary will win out…if not then the mix of the Contemporary and Classical together.” Or, as another teacher put it when asked about the future of Pilates “Some days I think that Pilates instructors from various backgrounds are just going to tear each other apart because they have different backgrounds and they think there is only one right way.”
My own feelings on this are that there will always be a market for both classical Pilates and the type of contemporary Pilates that doesn’t deviate too much from the original. Then there will be another larger market that is for ‘gym Pilates’ and fast paced fusion classes that like other trendy types of exercise will come and go.
“There may always be two separate camps within the Pilates community and they may never agree on what Pilates is or what Pilates is not,” says Sunni Almond of Studio S in Temecula, CA. When asked what she sees for the future of Pilates her answer is “Hopefully more mellow, lots of infighting these days”. Maybe there will always be friction between teachers and the various methods, but let’s hope that people remain dedicated to the practice of Pilates and that in return they receive the best instruction and care possible.
What are your thoughts/questions about classical vs contemporary Pilates? Which one do you practice/teach?
About the Author: Devra Swiger is the owner of Ab Pilates in Huntington Beach, CA. She started teaching Pilates in 1999 after 6 years of teaching fitness. She became certified with Polestar Pilates, Colleen Glenn, PhysicalMind and also apprenticed with a classically trained instructor in Charlotte, NC. Since that time she has studied with both classically and contemporary trained teachers. She is currently studying with Jennifer Kries in San Diego, CA. In addition to Pilates, Devra loves yoga, dance, cycling and running.
I teach Classical, having trained extensively with a Romana lineage teacher and having attended the Pilates Center Bouider teacher training program. I have always taught in studios where I was the sole classical teacher and that definitely comes with it’s challenges. Like you, my Mat classes are not always well received. Of course, there are a few who appreciate the traditional exercises with their tempo and flow, but most are accustomed to higher repetitions, many props, and exercises that do not resemble what I teach. I often feel like I am carrying the classical torch…spreading the method and keeping it lit!
Hmm, my name is Michele Beaty and I did not post that comment. I’m wondering why anyone would post as me. Very strange.
[…] http://pilatesbridge.com/classical-vs-contemporary-pilates/ […]
Thanks for the great post Devra. I mentioned it in my blog post http://corealignpilates.com/blog
Thanks Core-Align. Feel free to use my articles anytime.
My initial training was with someone who taught West Coast classical. Then I studied East Coast classical for 5 years with someone who trained originally with Ron Walsh then Eve Gentry and Romana. I learned the advanced classical style exercises for the reformer, Cadillac and Wunda chair My mat classes were with a retired dancer, who also taught the classical style. I am now taking a class with someone trained in the Allegro method, which seems more West Coast aligned, but seems mostly classical style.
I have taken some mat classes that did not have a single exercise that I learned from any of my instructors. Not only that, but they did not offer any modifications or corrections. I took a class with someone who was taking his first Pilates class wearing a knee brace. Instructor didn’t ask him why he was wearing it or offer modifications. What is sad to me is that if you have never studied the classical method, you don’t have any frame of reference for the class your are taking. You have no idea if any exercise you are doing has anything at all to do with Pilates.
I really dislike that someone can take a weekend workshop and call themselves a Pilates instructor. I always ask about my instructors education. The only reason I haven’t done the training myself is that I can’t afford the programs that seem to be the best.
Hi Diane. I couldn’t have said it better. When I did a separate classical mat training with Colleen Glenn back in 2001 I learned the order and the exercises. I didn’t know any differently. When I moved to the west coast 8 years ago and subbed classes for other teachers (and taught what I believed to be Pilates) I was stared at as if I were teaching in Russian. I had no idea what was wrong. I was ultimately told to teach like all the other teachers which, as I could see, was a hodge podge of barre, aerobics, yoga and some made up stuff. I refused to do that.
[…] really simple and yet so complicated all at the same time. This is not an argument for or against contemporary or classical, but I must say that not until I recognized that there is an ORDER that should be followed (leaving […]
Loved your article. I started taking Pilates in 1997 (Definitely Contemporary) and soon took my original certification at Polestar Pilates in Coral Gables Fl (Contemporary). Little did I know the difference of classical and contemporary…. What I did know was I loved it and became addicted. Later on in 2009 when Pilates was becoming more popular and more and more studios were opening I began hearing about the differences in classical and contemporary and the whole classical order. I was curious so I committed my comprehensive certification with Power Pilates. Both courses I would consider quite rigorous and had many similarities. Learning the Classical order to me was basically just studying over and over and over this order that some seem to set into stone. Personally “NOT A HUGE FAN” I had already been teaching for such a long time with a more contemporary approach and had already worked with many different clients through the year to whom I was able to help alleviate all kinds of pain and gain strength where there was weaknesses etc… I knew that my training was successful. I think it is important to go back to the roots of Pilates and learn the order but I know that my clients whom I see 4-5 days a week want new things all of the time.
Thank you Stacy for sharing your opinion. Thankfully, there are a lot of people out there who want to take different types of Pilates. We all have different likes and needs and as teachers of different styles we can appeal to all of these different clients. Knowing Pilates roots is fundamental, in my opinion, however it is our choice as teachers to deliver the best style of teaching to our students.
Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Hi Stacy. I have to agree with you. I feel like I am a mix of classical and contemporary and it is very hard for me to give one of them up. I am currently studying pure classical and although I love it and although it works so well for me, it doesn’t work well with all of my clients. I have tried to change the way I teach and some just say ‘we want the old Devra back.’
Personally I think that they both have there place in the Pilates world, I personally practice contemporary Pilates not because I don’t want to practice classical.. The truth is I want to preform each exercise correctly, I am not strong enough yet to train classical, I have more injuries than I have fingers to count on, once I am strong enough I will practice classical.. Contemporary Pilates is giving me the ways and means knowledge and know how to practice the fundamental basics and my alignment, breathing, centring scapular control, relaxation techniques, is all spot on! my movement is controlled and with precision the method I practice, is a building block method so breaking down the classical form into stages, building on precise control form to build muscle memory.
So all in all I think that contemporary has its place in a classical world of Pilates and I have something to work towards..
Can’t wait ..
People are blown away with my knowledge and how I move, can you imagine their reactions when I am a master of classical Pilates ?
Thank you Nina! I personally agree with you that contemporary Pilates can offer modifications that will be building blocks towards a complete classical Pilates program. As long as the contemporary and classical programs are based on the same Pilates principles then they work towards the same goal.
[…] How is it so much the same and yet at the same time so completely different?!?!?! […]
I am currently retraining in the Classical method after having gone through PhysicalMind and Balanced Body. I have found that there are enough exercises in the classical repertoire to reach every client but I still like to use my noodly contemporary additions once in a while, mostly with practiced clients who understand the difference. What really kills me is watching ANY teacher convey the message of Pilates poorly and without enough knowledge, skill, commitment or energy and unfortunately I see this most in the contemporary arena. I didn’t understand the truth, if you will, of the method before I turned classical and in my opinion the contemporary approach doesn’t even broach the subject. Imagine teaching a client who’s Ben taking STOTT and BASI group classes for 3 years and doesn’t know the names of exercises or correct springs. This kind of thing is very frustrating. There are probably contemporary teachers out there that honor the meyhod but generally, I don’t run into them. I wasn’t doing so myself because I didn’t know any better, but I did know something was missing. Zest and vigor, folks. Zest and vigor.
Hi K:
I find that training in the classical method is more comprehensive than contemporary. I also find that for some reasons, students tend to prefer a more contemporary approach to Pilates thus contemporary teachers end up with more clients. This I have yet to figure out, but it is important to understand. Now this may not be true everywhere, but it is here. I have seen some very poorly trained teachers with jammed packed schedules (and even starting their own training programs…God forbid) and some excellent teachers shutting their doors. It’s sad but it is what it is.
[…] http://pilatesbridge.com/classical-vs-contemporary-pilates […]
Hello Folks,
I am new to the Pilates world after a life of typical gym fitness. I am a fortunate to be what is considered fit and going to be fifty at the end of the year. I have done what may have been considered balanced body Pilates on apparatus 11 years ago as a rehab fitness plan while recovering from an extensive foot surgery just to engage in some kind of movement. I always admired the workout for its ability to be effective without being on my feet. I then forgot about it as life ensued, going back to typical classes closer to home. Now that I am 6 months post op with total hip replacement , I am persuing Pilates once again. I wish I had never stopped. My question is can you recommend 2 videos?; 1 classical, 1 contemporary
Im a preservationist at heart, but appreciate that times change.
KG
Hi K,
Welcome back to the Pilates world! I teach both classical and contemporary Pilates and have worked many times with students after hip replacements. I find that contemporary Pilates is more suitable for my students recovering after the operation because there are a lot of modifications to the classical Pilates exercises and order as well as new exercises that were “borrowed” from other fitness disciplines or invented by physical therapists.
One of the best examples of classical Pilates videos would be the Youtube channel by Andrea Maida – click here.
You will find a mix of contemporary and classical Pilates videos on the PilatesBridge channel. This video will be a good start for you because it focuses on the hip strengthening and stability. You can find more videos here.
Another good contemporary Pilates channel is The Balanced Life Online
Let me know if you have more questions
I recently began taking a reformer class on my lunch break by a studio that focuses on more contemporary pilates. I asked the instructor about classical pilates and the history of the elders and she didn’t know what I was talking about. My prior exposure was mostly through Pilates Anytime, choosing classes that followed the classical method. My friend who works with Physical Mind said that “our bodies have evolved from Joe’s time and therefore our methods have also evolved”. Honestly, I’m not buying it. I guess this makes me a pilates purist!
I came across this page because I had an interesting experience today. I’ve spent a year with one particular pilates mat instructor who teaches what is described here as the classical method with very precise movements to a slow tempo and many position holds. What I saw today in a different class what practically unrecognizable. All kinds of props. A fast, repetitious beat to the whole class. Aerobics pop music blasting from the speakers. Foot positions not even given a thought. It was just awful and tedious.
Now I’m concerned that I just happened to find a good instructor and this awful aerobics version may be far more popular out there, which would make sense because we live in an era where everyone wants the fast repetition (which I find quite boring actually).
I would like to shed some light on this subject. I am a newish instructor, 2.5 teaching years under my belt, after 1 year of comprehensive training through BASI. I also have studied for a few years with a classically trained instructor, who is a retired dancer, and teaches a mixed technique. I personally love the classical method, and I have had the pleasure to teach along side of a couple strictly classical teachers. However, the comment that contemporary trainers do not teach the “right” spring tensions is a misnomer. I was taught by Rael through BASI that there must be a reason for spring tensions, it is never arbitrary, and the client should understand the reasoning. Many exercises are first taught (in the BASI system) on a slightly lighter spring setting compared to the classical, and there is a good reason for that. We are taught to consider the client- body weight, level of fitness, weight bearing ability.. etc. Also, there may be other justifications for spring settings- emphasizing balance, coordination, connections, stability… the list goes on. Have you ever tried The Elephant on 1 spring (advanced)? I felt very encouraged throughout the BASI training to break down the exercises, change the tension, explore in my own body. This has led me to have a broad range of clientele, and full group classes with great feedback. I love watching my classical co-instructors teach in a private setting, however, they are more challenged in a group setting. There are just so many weaknesses in our general population, especially in the older generations, that people are often complaining that they are not strong enough for the classical classes, or that their low backs are sore (I believe this is due to a combination for weak core stability, lack of understanding of CONNECTIONS, and flexion and extension done under too much load, too soon). I feel that any teacher, from either background, should always be open to progress… times have changed, for one thing CELL PHONES!!! Too much flexion, I think we can all agree. Also a great teacher can make even the more rigid of classical orderings seem fresh and alive with discovery if taught with open hearted gratitude for the system and the opportunity to teach it. I have personally found greater progress with my clientele when I teach the fundamentals (and yes props when necessary and supportive) in a contemporary style, and when that client has progressed to intermediate/advanced, I begin to flow in more of a classical order and cuing style. But the understanding has to be there, and the foundational strength has to be built over time. This is not to say that there aren’t ‘Pep-boys’ pilates instructors out there… Just go to any of the hundreds of fly by night studios in Los Angeles.
Megan, thank you so much for taking the time to write your response to the article. I would totally agree with everything you said. I too find that my beginner clients respond better to the contemporary sessions because I can add more variety without them feeling bored especially if they have limitations or contraindications. At the same time I love the Classical order for my intermediate-advanced clients who are ready to flow through the session with power and control.
[…] way to exercise and to transform my body. But honestly, even more than that, I was so tired of the Classical vs Contemporary rivalry among my colleagues that I simply had to get out of the Pilates world. Here I was, not […]
[…] Classical or Contemporary Pilates? Does it Matter? – Pilates Bridge – Classical vs Contemporary Pilates: The Face-Off. No one can really say if one method is better than another. That, my friend, is a matter of opinion. However, training programs for Pilates instructors can be evaluated and rated based on the intensity of the program. The early training programs were rigorous and demanding. […]
Hi there, very interesting article. I‘m from germany and I am a Stott Pilates Instructor. Before I decided to become a Pilates Instructor I attended so many Pilates classes and I have to say a good class depend a lot on the teacher whether classical or contamporary. There are teachers who offer a lot of exercices but never look at the participants of the classes. What are there injuries, problems and if the participants can follow the instructions. A good class in my oppinion depend on the quality the teacher offers to provide a save and effective training. Very often I have new participants who trained „Pilates“ before and never heard of the principles of Pilates. Often when I teach new classes people look at me with ? In their eyes. I think that is sad because doing Pilates in the right way is a highly effective and wonderful workout.
[…] Classical Pilates has also affected my life on a more personal level. I was sick for a long time, beginning in 2008. My body gradually deteriorated until I required a motorized cart in Disneyland in August of 2017, the lowest of my lows. I could barely walk across the parking lot to get to my doctor’s office. I’m not sure how I managed to keep teaching throughout that time. […]
[…] y’all! Today’s topic is, drumroll please, Classical Pilates vs Contemporary Pilates! I know what you’re thinking, “There are different types of Pilates?” The answer is YES! […]
With so many opinions and experiences that I see here, I really hope that you could help me with a decision that I need to take. I’m thinking of making a transition in my career path.
After two and a half years of practicing Pilates, I decided that I want to become a pilates instructor and my biggest deliberation which academy to choose, where to go. Basi Pilates, or keep practicing classic pilates and try to get into Romana’s Pilates.
as for now, I’m taking classes with Roman’s pilates graduate and don’t if it worth putting everything on hold trying to get to Roman’s Pilates.
I would really it if you could share with me your opinion.
Hi Kate,
Have you tried taking Pilates classes that are not classical? When you choose a school to train with you need to be comfortable with the method that you will be able to teach after graduation. Also, you need to make sure that you have a studio and a teacher nearby with whom you can complete your observation and apprentice hours, be it classical or contemporary Pilates.
As you have read in the comments above, many teachers have experience in both classical and contemporary Pilates and they draw from both methods in their personal teaching styles.
Hi Anastasiya,
My introduction to Pilates began with not classical Pilates. during two and something years I changed 4 studios because I was looking for a studio that would make my body stronger and this is how ended up with Roman’s Pilates method. When I was introduced to pilates I was after a long illness so pilates were a rehabilitation that grew into true love. I do understand that the contemporary method is better for those who just begin when the classical method is for advanced users 🙂 I love them both and I want to believe that I’ll teach both. the question is were to start…
I know that classical Pilates can be used to rehab injuries as well. Depending on where you are located, you might be able to find other Classical Pilates schools that will work better for your schedule.
If you are planning to teach both methods then find training that works better for your schedule/location. I personally received my training through Balanced Body and took classical workshops afterwards to keep deepening my teaching style.
There is really no right or wrong answer to your question. You need to choose what works for you right now so that you can start teaching Pilates soon (since this is your goal.)
For the past 2 years I’ve committed to become a Pilates athlete under the instruction of a classically trained instructor. At the time of my first Pilates session I was unaware of the type of Pilates I was to be taught. Consequently, I cannot be certain that the improvements on my body could not have occurred if I were trained by contemporarily trained instructor. Nevertheless, I have come to respect my instructor’s dedication to teaching Classical Pilates, and I appreciate knowing that whatever Classical Pilates means no matter who teaches Classical Pilates I will be taught the same Pilates movements created by Mr. Pilates. It is this consistency of a foundation that Contemporary Pilates will lose as it altered from instructor to another. My instructor has been certified in other types of training and I will trust that when I become her student in one of these classes I will be taught an unaltered version of her training. Call me a purist and a traditionalist but I take comfort in knowing what I’ve learned was a tradition built upon an unchanging foundation.
I have been practising Pilates for 15 years – as a client – in both the contemporary and classic styles on different continents and countries. Personally, I love the attention to detail and the precision in the classical method. But I found it depends on the teacher how enjoyable it is. I had one teacher in London, who albeit doing the classical repertoire, also focused on my body – the results were amazing! I also had teachers who pushed through the classical repertoire with little regard to what my body needed… Also, what had not been mentioned is the cost. In many classical studios, clients have to do one one ones – apart from the fact that I don’t want/need to do one on ones every single time, even one class a week was prohibitively expensive – two completely unaffordable ( where we are it’s 100 $ per lesson). And spending 400$ a month for a one weekly exercise is just not doable for most people.that’s my main gripe – that it’s so elitist. In modern, my main gripe is the lack of emphasis on technique – but it’s a 3rd of the cost – and if an instructor is good and focuses a bit more on technique and individual bodies, then it can also be quite fun as it’s less repetitive and more tailored to ones bodies. so it depends….
Hi Ines,
Thanks for stopping by!
You are absolutely correct that everything depends on an individual teacher that you are working with. There are amazing teachers in both classical and contemporary Pilates methods…
I disagree that contemporary is “everything that came after classical”. Eve Gentry was and elder and much of her work is the foundation of many contemporary teachers. Same with Kathy Grant. To act like Romana was the true disciple is deeply incorrect. I recommend reading “caged lion” which sheds a lot of light on what led to Romana taking over the studio and how she put her own stamp on Joe’s work just like every other one of the elders. I think all the elders have value and the fact that one wanted to say she held the only true pilates isn’t a point in her favor. She created so much division in the Pilates community, I’d argue that we would all be better off if someone else had been in that position who actually cared about the work benefitting the clients and not some ego trip that ultimately hurt the method.
[…] majority of contemporary Pilates teachers consider his writings to be adheres to the principles or concepts he outlined. This page explains […]
I love the classical and contemporary method. I mix them because I need to for the body in front of me. I do teach one reformer class in the traditional order. It has become well attended. There is interest. I am the only comprehensively trained teacher in the studio. The others were trained “in-house”. I call what they learned gym Pilates or reformer fitness. We have only reformers. A Pilates studio, whether contemporary or classical,needs a range of apparatus in order to deliver the method or at least a tower and reformer. To limit the work to just a reformer does just that… limits the body.. I do my own work out.. I crave the Cadillac. I believe the body needs more than the reformer to transform. Since I am the only teacher who can teach Classical, my class has been replaced by a jump class and I can offer classical as a “pop-up” class…so more important to me than the style, which both can be taught beautifully, is the apparatus available to implement the work. Reformer fitness does not do the body well over a period of time. I realize this can be a cost thing. My studio says they are trending contemporary.. to me that means a fully equipped studio.. to them it means reformer fitness(that they call Pilates).. I say call it what it is, reformer fitness.. but even they don’t know the difference.. therein lies the problem.
Hi Candace,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about classical and contemporary Pilates. I completely agree that in order to experience the full benefit of the method, one should utilize multiple types of Pilates apparatus. Regardless of whether it is classical or contemporary Pilates, there is more to Pilates than just Reformer. Completely agree with you!