Political Movements within Pilates : Historical Classical

The Politics of Pilates: Historical Classical

Historical Classical Movement: Preserving the Legacy

The Historical Classical Movement within Pilates represents a faction dedicated to preserving the original repertoire and principles as established by Joseph Pilates. This movement is rooted deeply in the belief that the essence and effectiveness of Pilates lie in its authenticity and adherence to the methods and philosophies Joseph Pilates developed during his lifetime.

The Essence of the Historical Classical Movement

The Historical Classical Movement is not merely a methodology; it is a philosophy that upholds the integrity of Pilates. Proponents argue that the original exercises, when performed in the sequence and manner Joseph Pilates prescribed, offer the most substantial benefits for both mind and body. This includes the use of equipment designed by Pilates himself, which is seen as integral to the practice. Historical Classical Reformers are not smooth like contemporary ones and the steel springs they use are much cheaper than contemporary Piano wire springs and do not have a linear stretch - but the historical classical instructor will explain that Joseph Pilates wanted the Reformer to be harder to glide on and the springs grip differently forcing more control from the individual!

Core Principles and Repertoire

Central to the Historical Classical Movement is the strict adherence to the core principles defined by Joseph Pilates, including precision, breath, concentration, control, centring, and flow. There is little emphasis on Neck and Pelvis placement as Joseph Pilates taught with a flat back only. Practitioners and instructors within this movement undergo rigorous training to ensure these principles are meticulously applied within each session.

The repertoire includes exercises that span across the mat and various apparatuses, not only the main apparatus such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and Ladder Barrel that we see in studios today but many variations of barrels and Chairs and other less common apparatus like the Ped-o-Pull of Foot and toe machines. Each piece of equipment plays a specific role in the development of body strength, flexibility, and control, with exercises designed to progress from simple to complex and the Historical Classical Instructor would regard an instructor incomplete if they had not mastered all of the Apparatus

Training and Certification

Training programs dedicated to the Historical Classical Movement place a strong emphasis on fidelity to the original teachings. These programs often involve extensive study, including the history of Pilates, anatomy, and the complete repertoire of exercises. Certification through these programs signifies a deep commitment to maintaining the purity of Joseph Pilates' work and the method of learning is typically apprentice based where the student, in effect, enslaves themselves to a master trainer or mentor and pretty much lives in their studio while they observe the master teacher teaching and slowly they take on some of the roles. In the past decade this enslavement to a master teacher has transformed to ‘mentor’ programmes, with the remaining first generation teachers i.e. Lolita’s mentor programme or with second generation instructors like Kathy Corey’s mentor Programme.

The Debate Within the Pilates Community

The adherence to the Historical Classical Movement has sparked debate within the Pilates community, particularly concerning the interpretation and evolution of ‘The Method’. While some argue that Pilates must evolve with advancements in exercise science and the understanding of human physiology, proponents of the Historical Classical Movement maintain that the original teachings offer a timeless approach to physical and mental wellness.

Influence on the Pilates Landscape

The Historical Classical Movement has had a significant impact on the global Pilates landscape. It has established a benchmark for authenticity, with many studios around the world identifying as classical Pilates studios point to. This movement has also contributed to the preservation of Joseph Pilates' legacy, ensuring that his original teachings continue to inspire and benefit practitioners across generations. In the Apparatus manufacturing world the movement has allowed Furniture Makers now transformed to Pilates Apparatus manufacturers, to thrive on the original Pilates patented designs : Gratz, Basila dn Legacy are three such companies.

Take Away

The Historical Classical Movement within Pilates involves holding tight to every part of Joseph Pilates' original work. It highlights a collective effort to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of Pilates, demonstrating a profound respect for its foundations. As the Pilates method continues to grow and diversify, the Historical Classical Movement remains an isolated force fighting on more and more fronts.

Author: Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant

Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998. He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners. With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency. His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew. As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD. Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk