Q: What is the difference between Classical and Contemporary Pilates?
A: Power Pilates is a Classical Pilates education program. Classical Pilates programs honor the original teachings, principles, vocabulary and exercise order as outlined by Joseph Pilates and passed on by Romana Kryzanowska and The Elders. In a Classical Pilates program, the focus is on the original intent of Joseph Pilates' work and staying as close to his original Contrology as possible. Each session follows the exercise order and progressions that Joseph Pilates created. There may be some variation between schools and individual teachers but the core of the method is largely unchanged. Classical pilates studios use classical apparatus from manufacturers such as Gratz.
Contemporary programs may adapt, modify, or reinterpret the exercises. Every contemporary program is different and may change the exercise difficulty, order, and equipment. There is less standardization between contemporary teachers due to the variations in contemporary programs. Contemporary programs often utilize their own apparatus that needs to be purchased from the issuing program. Some contemporary programs include a large portion of the original method while others may stretch the bounds of what can be considered pilates.
<< Back to All Questions