Political Movements within Pilates: Contemporary Pilates

The Politics of Pilates: Contemporary Movement

Contemporary Pilates represents a progressive branch of the Pilates discipline, characterised by its integration of modern exercise science with the core principles established by Joseph Pilates.  This movement is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of Pilates, demonstrating how traditional methods can evolve to meet the demands of modern practitioners while still honouring the foundational elements of control, breath, head and cervical placement, precision, Pelvic Placement and fluidity.

Second-generation Pilates instructors, emerging in the wake of Joseph Pilates' foundational work, have played a pivotal role in evolving the discipline by integrating contemporary sports science insights from the 1990s into their adaptation of classical Pilates methods.  This cohort of instructors, trained directly or indirectly by those who studied under Joseph Pilates himself, sought to enhance the traditional practices by incorporating modern understandings of human physiology, biomechanics, and movement science.  Their collective aim was to update Pilates to be more aligned with contemporary health and fitness standards, ensuring the practice remained relevant and effective for modern practitioners.

The movement started with the second-generation instructors like Alan Herdman, Michael King, Moira Stott, Rael Isacowitz and Brent Anderson.

Alan Herdman is credited with introducing Pilates to the United Kingdom in the late 1960s.  He was a pioneer in adapting Pilates methods to meet the needs of different populations, including rehabilitation and general fitness, always with an eye towards current scientific principles.

Michael King, with a strong background in dance and movement, has been a leading figure in the global Pilates community for decades.  His work has focused on making Pilates accessible and relevant, integrating modern exercise science to enhance the effectiveness and safety of Pilates exercises.

Moira Stott, developed the Stott Pilates method, which emphasises the use of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the most widely recognised contemporary approaches to Pilates.

Rael Isacowitz, founder of BASI Pilates, has a rich academic background and a profound commitment to the art and science of movement and rehabilitation.  His approach to Pilates is deeply rooted in the original teachings while being enhanced by contemporary knowledge in exercise science.

Brent Anderson, a physical therapist and founder of Polestar Pilates, focuses on the therapeutic aspects of Pilates.  He has been pivotal in applying scientific research to Pilates exercises, particularly in the context of rehabilitation and physical therapy.

This integration of sports science into Pilates by second-generation instructors has not only helped in refining the original exercises for improved safety and efficacy, but also in expanding the repertoire to include new movements that address the diverse needs of today's population. These adaptations have made Pilates more accessible and applicable to a wider audience, including athletes, rehabilitative patients, and the general fitness community, emphasising the importance of a scientifically informed approach to exercise.  By doing so, second-generation Pilates instructors have significantly contributed to the evolution of Pilates, ensuring its enduring legacy and continued growth as a holistic fitness discipline that harmonises the wisdom of its origins with the advancements of modern science.

The Contemporary Approach: Merging Tradition with Modern Science

Contemporary Pilates is distinguished by its willingness to embrace advancements in biomechanics, anatomy, and physiotherapy, applying these insights to refine and expand upon Joseph Pilates' original repertoire.  This approach views the evolution of the method as a necessary response to our deepening understanding of the human body and the diverse needs of today’s populations.  It champions the idea that modifications and additions to the traditional exercises can coexist with Pilates' core principles, enhancing the method's accessibility and efficacy.

Apparatus and Innovation

In the design of equipment, Contemporary Pilates is open to innovation, adopting and sometimes inventing new apparatuses that complement the traditional tools designed by Pilates.  This movement does not see the evolution of equipment as a departure from the essence of Pilates but rather as an opportunity to broaden the method’s applicability and to cater to a wider range of physical conditions and fitness goals.

Training and Certification

Certification programs in Contemporary Pilates are rigorous and multifaceted, often incorporating elements of physical therapy, sports medicine, and the latest fitness research. These programs aim to cultivate instructors who are not only proficient in the Pilates method but are also knowledgeable about contemporary health and wellness practices. Graduates are equipped to tailor Pilates sessions to individual needs, making the practice more inclusive and adaptable However unlike the Classical movements the style of education s typically modular rather than comprehensive and for Contemporary Instructors it is not seen as a weakness being a specialist teacher in one or two Pilates disciplines i.e. Mat and Reformer rather than needing to be an expert in all.

The Debate and Its Implications

The adoption of a Contemporary approach has sparked lively debate within the Pilates community, with purists expressing concern over potential dilutions of ‘The Method's’ essence. However, proponents of Contemporary Pilates argue that ‘The Method’ need not change in its fundamentals but must evolve in its application and scope to remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.  This dialogue underscores the Pilates community's dedication to exploring and defining the boundaries of Pilates practice.

Impact on the Pilates Community

The influence of Contemporary Pilates on the global Pilates community is profound.  It has facilitated the method's expansion into new areas, such as rehabilitation and athletic training, broadening its appeal and utility.  Studios that embrace a Contemporary approach often feature a diverse array of classes and programs, reflecting the movement’s inclusive ethos and its commitment to meeting the needs of a broad spectrum of practitioners.  However, there is no doubt that the introduction of contemporary Pilates has realised the fears of the Classical Pilates lobby in so much as it would be the start of movements which have less and less to do with Pilates and more to do with Fitness.

Take Away

Contemporary Pilates is characterised by the interplay between tradition and innovation within the Pilates discipline.  By integrating modern scientific understanding with the timeless principles of Joseph Pilates, this movement ensures the method’s continued growth and relevance.  Contemporary Pilates serves as a bridge, connecting the rich legacy of Pilates with the future of fitness and wellness, and affirming the method's place as a versatile and comprehensive approach to health and well-being.   However, the growth of Contemporary Pilates which is still embedded in Pilates teaching has led to dilution of the understanding of ‘The Method’ on the fringes and this has led to new movements that have less and less to do with Pilates and have more to do with Fitness.