Pilates may be executed on the mat, or on equipment, using exercises intended to realign and balance the entire body. Joseph Pilates originally designed the basic concepts and patterns of movement to be undertaken on equipment. Matwork was planned for clients to complete as homework!
In Classical Pilates, the exercises are set out in a specific order, usually with a specific number of reps. There is choreography between exercises so that they become one complete flowing class. A classical Pilates teacher may break exercises down to allow them to be accessible to a beginner client, with the intention of the client achieving full Classical Pilates as they progress.
Classical Pilates is beautiful and it is how Joseph expected it to be taught; It is his legacy and it is our history- this is important to all Pilates teachers.
Contemporary Pilates uses the fundamental elements of Joseph Pilates teaching to create new routines and exercises, rather than the specifically named movements. The patterns of movement are the same, updated to reflect modern thinking and advances in medical knowledge – research based teaching.
NY Studio is considered a Contemporary Pilates Studio.