The Development of Pilates ~ from Classic to Contemporary

When Joseph Pilates published his book 'Return to Life Through Contrology' in 1945, he devised a specific system, technique and order of exercises. Joseph Pilates taught a number of students who, after years of training, went on to teach the Pilates method and open studios of their own. Among these students were Bruce King, Carola Trier, Bob Steed, Naja Corey, Kathy Grant, Ron Fletcher, Martha Graham, George Balanchine and Eve Gentry. Two of the most well known students, who went on to teach his method are Romana Kryzanowska and Ron Fletcher.

Romana Kryzanowska

Romana Kryzanowska began training with Pilates in 1941 for an ankle injury. After his death, Clara Pilates continued to teach at and run the studio in New York until 1970. Later, Kryzanowska took over running the studio, which became known as the ‘Pilates Studio.’ She and her daughter continue to train people today. Her mission is to keep to the original teachings of Joseph Pilates.

Ron Fletcher

Ron Fletcher introduced the Pilates Method to Los Angeles in 1971. “Fletcher's presence and influence produced a steady stream of instructors who carried the principles throughout California, Texas, Colorado and, ultimately, the world. Today, the vast majority of instructors can trace their origins to Fletcher's Los Angeles studio.” (Polestar). He continues to train people today. He slightly adapted the original teachings of Joseph Pilates. “I made adaptations to the classical pieces of Joe’s equipment work, variations on themes, so that this material could be presented on the floor effectively, and I sought to create a piece of movement rather than just a series of exercises.” says Ron Fletcher.

Sean Gallagher

Later, Sean Gallagher acquired the trademark registrations for the Pilates service mark and Pilates Studio. In 1996, he filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Ken Endelman, another Pilates equipment manufacture who had worked for Joseph Pilates. This lawsuit also threatened to limit the use of the word ”Pilates” to people who were only trained and certified under Gallagher’s umbrella. In October 2000, Manhattan Federal District court cancelled the Pilates trademark, making it a generic word like yoga or aerobics.

Classic Pilates

Classic Pilates refers to Pilates practice that does not deviate from the original teachings, techniques, flat spinal alignment, and order of the exercises that Joseph and Clara Pilates developed in the early 1920s through 1967. The best example of this style is training by Romana Kryzanowska. Ironically, perhaps, one the best examples of contemporary Pilates is found in one of her students, Moria Stott-Merrithew.

Contemporary Pilates

Contemporary Pilates is the newest generation of Pilates using modern science to adapt the original teachings to today’s knowledge. Instructors of the newer methods believe that although the method of Joseph Pilates was ahead of its time, certain changes needed to be made.

The primary difference between contemporary and classic methods is the placement of the spine. In classic Pilates, Joseph Pilates used a flat back as the ideal line for the spine while contemporary Pilates uses the neutral spine, with its natural curves, because it is the most shock absorbent position. Contmeporary methods also use modifications and variations to the exerices sequence prepare people. Recently, Stott Pilates rearranged the original order of their exercises to keep the spine moving in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion earlier. The original work has the spine in flexion for quite some time.

Choose Your Pilates Instructor Wisely

Both styles of Pilates have their merits, and it is interesting to study and practice both styles. There are a few reputable training and certification centers; your instructor should, at the very least, be trained by one of them. However, with no national standards and the generic name “Pilates,” it is coming to the point where just about anybody can get “certified” on the internet with little or no real training.

So, explore the styles, make sure your instructor is trained by a center that is recognized by an organization with national accreditations such as, the American Council of Exercise. ACE recognizes some Pilates Training Centers that meet its standards. Additionally, The Pilates Method Alliance™ is seeking to establish national standards. But, most of all, trust your instincts, and your body. If you instructor does not help you, cue you, touch you, and you do not feel like you are getting it, or what you are getting is pain; change instructors.