The Different Types of Pilates
February 19, 2006
Authentic Pilates : The Pilates Guild is dedicated to the preservation of Pilates in it's 'purest form' (the way it was taught by Joseph himself)
Contemporary Pilates: "While Pilates was undoubtedly a man ahead of his time, the science of exercise has evolved throughout subsequent decades. Contemporary adaptations of Pilates’ principles have emerged, leveraging advances in physical therapy, spinal research, biomechanical principles and anatomical understanding to ensure each exercise is performed with optimal safety and results in mind" - quote from Prime Time for Pilates by Moira Stott-Merrithew with Catherine Komlodi and Alison Hope.
Modern Pilates: (book) "Unlike the traditional method, which focuses on constantly holding in the lower abdomen and on extremely effortful movements, modern Pilates is firmly based on the functional movement possibilities of the body. The exercises in this book are influenced by developments in therapeutic massage, osteopathy, and the Feldenkrais method, Butoh (a Japanese performance art developed in the 1950s), and ante- and postnatal work. With easy-to-understand diagrams, drawings, and photos, it provides exercises for maintaining good posture, fitness, strength, grace, flexibility, and freedom from injury" - quote from the Publishers of Modern Pilates by Penelope Latey.
The differences:
In the bookReturn to Life through Contrology, Joseph wrote the following; and in italics modern or contemporary Pilates suggests:
Open Leg Rocker: "Roll" over backward trying to touch mat or floor with toes -roll over only onto the top of the shoulders your head should never touch the mat
Many exercises suggest that knees should be 'locked' - not locked
Double Kick: Thrust chest out with head thrown back as far as possible... - a long neck, centered and held steady
About the spine: "be sure wherever indicated, to keep your back full length always pressed firmly against the mat or floor" - respect the natural curves of your spine
The Seal: "press soles and heels firmly close together pointed inward" - heels together, attracting ankles together.
Maybe these examples don't sound so different, not different enough to matter anyway. But there are differences and that's something to remember - you decide which you prefer.
Yogalates: A fusion of the ancient discipline of yoga with the modern Pilates techniques, the exercises mix both disciplines to develop core strength, help tone muscles, increase flexibility and reduce stress. Yogalates is trademarked by Louise Solomon
"Expand your Self, move gently and celebrate the many possibilities which the union of Yoga and Pilates will reveal. Through the comparison of breath, core strength and inner spirit, discover new sensations through familiar movement. Awaken your self, enliven your lines and brighten your Yoga/Pilates experience. - the pilatescenter.com
Yogilates: (book) Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete Fitness, Strength and Flexibility by Jonathan Urla
The Pilates Method / The Method: a name coined first by The Physical Mind Institute in Santa Fe (they have subsequently moved to New York) to represent the traditional Pilates exercises when the law suit was ongoing and the "P" word couldn't be used.
Pilates with Chi: (book) combining Pilates with the eastern influences of Chi
PowerHouse Pilates ™: provides a fitness approach to Pilates education, founded by Marci Clark and Christine Romani-Ruby in an effort to make Pilates education easily available for fitness professionals
Also a book by Lynne Robinson "Body Control 5 - Powerhouse Pilates with Lynne Robinson"
and Mari Winsor "The Pilates Powerhouse"