Original Moves in Modern Settings
I’m the first to say that I am in complete awe of Joseph Pilates’ original work. A meticulously and artfully designed system of exercises and equipment, governed by a unique, yet deeply functional movement philosophy. This methodology we can assume was never intended to translate as it has today into a global group fitness phenomenon. Whilst the rising popularity of Pilates is helping our industry to grow, it is also requiring us to take the method somewhat out of context.
This in no way means the work is redundant, in fact, it is more necessary and relevant than ever. Part of my teaching philosophy personally and in my group and private studio, Vicalates (located in Brisbane, Australia) is integrating classical concepts into contemporary classes. Or more plainly, adapting the original forms into a mode that is approachable and appropriate for mixed groups.
We are out of context not out of date
Among the broader and more contemporary Pilates community, there is a myth that classical work is either too boring or too difficult (or at worst, both) to teach in twenty-first century Pilates studios. Whilst yes, some exercises require a certain level of proficiency and yes, some transitions may be unsafe or impractical to teach in a larger group setting (the first Long Box series is a prime example!), there are a litany of ways teach the essence of Joe’s work without the risk factor.
Clients are in fact not bored of classical work; they are bored of repetitive, unfounded sequencing with limited education from their teacher’s cueing. The Pilates system, especially on the Reformer, is so vast and offers so much opportunity for technique and strength development. There are also so many variables that we can adapt to better suit the bodies in front of us.
Understanding the Group
Teach the Body in front of you.
An age-old Pilates adage, but nevertheless very true. When selecting how to integrate classical elements into your class, it is essential to genuinely understand the ability level and curiosity of the clients in front of you. If you’re unsure whether your class is ready for a particular exercise or transition, consider holding off for now and instead focus on the preparatory work that will set them up for success later.
In your more seasoned groups, this is the perfect environment for experimentation and advancement. Analyse their strengths and areas for improvement, and consider what would be an appropriate next challenge!
Here are my four favourite tried and true ways to introduce more classical work in a contemporary studio setting.
Tips and Techniques
Education and Exposure
First and foremost, one of the most valuable things you can give your clients is education about the Pilates system. If you are introducing some original work or something a little different to what they are used to, tell them. If you are taking an exercise they are familiar with but teaching it as Joe intended – tell them. This way they can both physically and mentally acknowledge what they are being taught.
Like anything, the more we are exposed to something, the less intimidating it feels - and the more confident we become in attempting it. By consistently integrating archival exercises, they become a familiar part of your clients' routine instead of a rarity. Let the first few attempts not be perfect, let your clients (safely) make mistakes. It’s never going to be perfect on the first go, but you’ll also be unable to identify opportunities for improvement without grave errors.
Exercises
Although it seems obvious, actually including classical exercises in your classwork is a great way to increase exposure and proficiency of your clients. Consider classical exercises that are suitable for the group setting or that may be more commonplace in the contemporary field. Don’t be afraid to vary the movement to be better suited for your clientele and let these be programmed more regularly to increase your client’s awareness and familiarity with the work. You need to have solid foundations to have the confidence to do this sort of work I am proposing. Some great example exercises are elephant, footwork, hundred, pulling straps, long stretch and down stretch.
Sequence and Transitions
Much of the beauty of classical work comes from the delicate and intelligent transitions between exercises, which one could argue are very much exercises themselves. Depending on the equipment on which you are teaching or the level of your group class, many of these may be chaotic to cue across a room or frankly unsafe for a newer mover. I use these transitions as a goal for my clients to achieve once they have proficiency in the relevant exercises. Use the traditional order as inspiration as to how to sequence your class – there is truly some genius in there. However, don’t be afraid to rearrange this in a way that is more meaningful to your clientele.
Springs and Set Up
As many of us may know, the archival equipment crafted by Joe is vastly different to the machinery we operate on in a modern studio. Whilst the prescribed spring loads and set ups can be translated into the twenty first century Pilates scene, it is important we also consider what might benefit from some adjustment. In the group setting with diversity of bodies, spring loads cannot be gospel.
So yes, there may be times you choose to teach Hundred on footwork springs, but there will also be times you adjust this to help your clients rehearse their breathing, for example. It may be unsafe let alone unachievable to cue twelve or more bodies into the beginning mount for the Pilates exercise snake, but by adjusting the springs or adding a prop such as the box, we can alter the set up to be more forgiving whilst learning the key elements of the movement and gaining confidence. Teaser is difficult to achieve if you don’t know where you are heading, perhaps teach it facing the opposite direction here the springs assist the lift to encourage confidence in the shape.
In order to carry the legacy of the Contrology system, it is imperative we find ways to keep it relevant, accessible and enjoyable to a modern audience. Sometimes as teachers we ought to join the dots backwards and find alternative pathways to the original repertoire to teach the body (or bodies) in front us. I believe if we can do that, our students will indeed thrive.
Victoria is a comprehensive Pilates teacher and the founder of Vicalates, a boutique Reformer and Apparatus studio in Brisbane, Australia. She is a passionate and energetic teacher who has been practicing since 2018, blending classical Pilates with contemporary movement. The method is also available for mat, reformer and apparatus classes in her online studio, Vicalates Virtual. In 2023, she created Alignment Academy, offering teacher training and professional development masterclasses that create intelligent, hands-on and inspired Pilates people. Find out more.