What is Classical Pilates? And what are the benefits?
What is Classical Pilates? And how can I benefit?
Classical Pilates refers to the teaching of the original method, as created by its founder Joseph Pilates, some 100 years ago.
He designed a system of exercises that when practiced consistently would change the body to become strong, controlled and balanced. Leading to a well oiled machine that could carry you through life and everything it asks of you!
He designed pieces of apparatus to help work the body and offer support and feedback, in order to become better able to perform the exercises and move well throughout life.
Pieces such as the Universal Reformer, as shown in the above image.
Classical Pilates, as it’s referred to today, is when you follow that original method.
You will learn the order of the repertoire (a sequence of exercises) for both the mat and the reformer.
As you learn the repertoire your teacher will also guide you through exercises on other pieces of apparatus, such as the wunda chair or cadillac, to help you build strength and awareness that will ultimately allow you to progress through the method.
The combination of this builds you a strong connected body, which you so deserve!
How does this ultimately benefit you?
By practicing the Classical method you will create a body that works in harmony.
Each time you practice you will gain a little deeper knowledge and understanding. Connecting your mind not only with what the body is doing but also how it is doing it. This allows for a full body and mind workout every time you practice.
Unlike other forms of exercise which may focus on a specific area of the body, Pilates will work the entire body as a whole.
Every single time you practice your entire body will feel the benefit, you’ll be amazed at how good you feel!
The difference that sets Classical Pilates apart from other forms of exercise is that you will become familiar with the exercises and so will get the opportunity to deepen the work as you progress. No longer worrying about what the exercise is (where that arm is meant to be going etc!) but instead focusing on how you can correctly execute it.
Then when you progress through the work you will do so by simply adding new more complex exercises to the sequence, not taking anything away.
When you begin you will learn ‘Intro’ level exercises, note these are not ‘beginner’, because these will remain within your repertoire even as you progress to more challenging and complex ones.
This allows for a fantastic feeling of accomplishment, giving you opportunity to see how far you have come since you began.
The goal is to work towards understanding the full repertoire, which when practiced consistently will realign your body for greater posture, power and presence.
You will find that you stand a little taller, feel stronger and have deeper confidence.
By working the system of Classical Pilates you’ll build a harmonious body that moves freely with ease, so you can run, jump and dance your way through life!
If you want to try Classical Pilates then head to my booking page to join a class or sign up for my waitlist for my new studio opening Jan 2025!
Or even delve a little deeper into the method with my Pilates: A History blog.
Your pilates journey awaits!
“Change happens through movement and movement heals.”