What Is Classical Pilates and Why Does It Matter?
If you’ve been looking for Pilates in London, you may have come across the term Classical Pilates. But what does it actually mean, and how is it different from the many other styles of Pilates available today?
At Simply Pilates London, we teach Classical Pilates: a method rooted in the original work of Joseph Pilates and taught as a complete system rather than simply a collection of exercises.
For us, Classical Pilates is about more than following a repertoire. It is about understanding the purpose behind the exercises, how they connect to one another and, most importantly, how to use the Pilates method to teach the individual body in front of us.
The Original Pilates Method
Joseph Pilates developed his method, originally called Contrology, as a way of developing strength, control, mobility and coordination throughout the whole body.
His work wasn't designed around one piece of equipment. The Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs, Barrels and smaller apparatus all form part of an interconnected system, with each piece of apparatus offering different levels of support and challenge.
The exercises are designed to work together, helping the body become stronger, more balanced and better organised.
This is one of the things that makes Classical Pilates so different from simply attending a Reformer class or performing a series of Pilates-inspired exercises.
Control, Precision, Concentration and Flow
Classical Pilates is characterised by qualities including control, precision, concentration and flow.
Rather than performing endless repetitions, you learn to move with intention and awareness. As your strength and understanding develop, the exercises begin to connect and flow from one to the next.
The aim is to use the Pilates system intelligently to help each person move better.
A good Classical Pilates teacher teaches the actual body in front of them.
That distinction is incredibly important.
How Is Classical Pilates Different From Modern Pilates?
Pilates has evolved enormously since Joseph Pilates developed his method, and today the word "Pilates" can describe many different types of classes.
Some modern classes focus predominantly on the Reformer, while others incorporate exercises or ideas from fitness, physiotherapy, yoga or other movement disciplines.
Classical Pilates remains closely connected to the original Pilates method, including the order and intention of the exercises and the relationship between the different pieces of apparatus.
Rather than seeing the Reformer, Mat, Cadillac, Chairs and Barrels as separate types of Pilates, we use them as parts of one complete system.
You might struggle with something on the Reformer, for example, and your teacher may take you to the Cadillac, Wunda Chair or Barrel to help you develop the strength, mobility or understanding you need. You can then return to the original exercise better prepared to perform it.
This is where the system becomes so powerful.
Why Does Classical Pilates Still Matter?
Joseph Pilates created a remarkably intelligent movement system, and its principles remain highly relevant to the way we live today.
Many of us spend hours sitting at desks, driving, looking at screens or repeating the same movements in our work and everyday lives. Others place very specific demands on their bodies through running, cycling, swimming, tennis, golf or other sports.
Classical Pilates helps develop a body that is strong, mobile, coordinated and adaptable.
With consistent practice and skilled teaching, Pilates can help you:
improve whole-body strength and control
develop better posture and body awareness
improve mobility, balance and coordination
return to movement following injury, where appropriate
reduce the risk of future injuries by addressing weaknesses and imbalances
move more confidently and efficiently in everyday life
complement your chosen sport and improve physical performance
The goal is to help you build a body that serves you better outside the studio.
The Teacher Matters
The quality of your Pilates experience depends enormously on the knowledge and experience of the person teaching you.
A comprehensive Classical Pilates education involves far more than learning a selection of Reformer exercises. Teachers study the complete system across the Mat and apparatus, learning how exercises relate to one another and how the system can be adapted to the needs of the individual.
At Simply Pilates London, you can expect expert tuition from teachers who have completed comprehensive certification programmes of 600 hours or more, alongside years of personal Pilates practice and teaching experience.
We continue to study the method because we believe that great teaching develops over a lifetime.
Our job is to observe how you move, understand where you need support or challenge and use the Classical Pilates system to help you progress.
What to Expect at Simply Pilates London
Our Battersea studio is deliberately small because we believe Pilates is most effective when it is personal.
We offer one-to-one Private Pilates sessions, where your session is tailored entirely to you, your body and your goals.
We also offer our signature Open Gym sessions. These are small-group Classical Pilates sessions with a maximum of just four clients.
Rather than everyone completing exactly the same workout at the same time, you work on the exercises and apparatus appropriate for you, with your teacher guiding, observing and progressing your practice throughout the session.
This allows you to develop greater independence in your Pilates while still receiving the individual attention and expert tuition that are central to the way we teach.
Pilates Is a Practice
One of the most rewarding things about Classical Pilates is that there is always somewhere to progress.
At first, you may be concentrating on learning the exercises and understanding how to use the apparatus. With regular practice, movements become more familiar. You develop strength, control and confidence, and your sessions begin to have more rhythm and flow.
Over time, you are developing a deeper understanding of your own body and how it moves.
That is why we see Pilates as a practice rather than a workout.
The method has been passed from teacher to teacher for generations, but its purpose remains remarkably relevant: to help people develop stronger, more capable bodies and move through life with greater freedom and confidence.
Discover Classical Pilates in London
Whether you're completely new to Pilates, returning after a break, recovering from an injury or looking to take your existing practice further, we'll help you find the right starting point.
At Simply Pilates London in Battersea, we teach the Classical Pilates method through individual tuition and small-group Open Gym sessions, using the complete Pilates system to help you become stronger, move better and get more from your body, both inside and outside the studio.
Discover our Introductory Pilates Packages and begin your Classical Pilates practice with us.
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