12/17/2025
Ay yay yay, people. Stop it!
Classical Pilates most commonly refers to the Pilates method of corrective exercise created by Joseph Pilates.
It is a progressive exercise system designed to undo the harms of modern civilization and help ALL people develop strong, healthy bodies and minds to the limit of their abilities.
While some consider “classical” linked to one specific protege, it’s more commonly used to differentiate the original Pilates method from various “contemporary” approaches.
Pilates mat and reformer exercises are taught in a specific order, and skills are built using the rest of the equipment: Cadillac, Foot Corrector, High Chair and more.
Although the order itself and the navigation of it will vary slightly between programs and teachers - and everyone will be at a different place as they work to build the unique skills necessary to progress through the system - the consistency of a set order is the important part.
These skills are built using the rest of the equipment.
There are many different apparatuses, each with its own unique purpose and role.
Apparatuses include: Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Arm Chair, Foot Corrector, Neck Stretcher and more.
One of the most important things about the classical method is the approach.
In the classical approach, the teacher helps the student grow into the exercise. The system educates the body.
The point is not just to do the exercise, but to build all skills required of the exercise in order to become stonger and healthier. It’s more about what’s happening inside, rather than the external shape being made in a “move.”
Exercises are taught as whole body coordination challenges rather than isolated muscle work. And they all connect to one another through the weblike system.
Inspired by nature and animals, the method was conceived as a natural approach to physical education.
The method trains the bodies as a unit - the way we were designed to move - rather than independent parts.
Long story short, it’s not just 34 mat exercises, and it is, in fact, magical.
