Currently there are various interpretations of Joseph Pilates' work. Some classes include other disciplines such as Yoga. These classes should be more correctly described as Pilates based.
The danger in mainstreaming Pilates lies in the potential for the loss of the original technique. For many years there were no formal instructor training programmes and Pilates was learned by long apprenticeships with personal note taking and practice. As Pilates increased in popularity more and more schools of education developed "Pilates based exercise" and gradually the true essence of Joseph's work got lost. Those who stay close to the original teachings of Joseph and Clara Pilates are often referred to as teaching Classical or Pure Pilates.
Classical Pilates |
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Other Techniques |
Teaches Pilates in its original form, with minor changes that reflect the advancement of scientific understanding of the human body. |
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Teaches Pilates in a manner that reflects the schools or individual's own interpretation. |
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Systematic, sequential order of exercises. |
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Exercise order may vary from class to class |
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Exercises are linked by transitions to flow. |
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Exercises often be taught as separate movements |
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Focuses on flow, which develops endurance and stamina. |
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Often do not flow. |
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Teaches Pilates exercises as a movement system linked with a specific purpose. |
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May teach Pilates exercises independently and unrelated. |
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Teaches exercise with a unique and dynamic rhythm. |
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Exercises are often broken down into parts, and are generally slower.
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Classes are taught in small groups or 1-1 |
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Class sizes can be very large. |
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Suitable for everyone form the de-conditioned to the athlete. |
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May not challenge those with higher fitness levels. |
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Sessions are systematic and progressive. |
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Little specific order. |
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Teachers must already be students of the classical method or undertake training in the classical method prior to commencing a training programme |
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Teachers may never have had any Pilates experience prior to teaching |
