Classical Pilates is a Method of exercise designed by Joseph Pilates. It has endured the test of time via translation from teacher to student over many decades. While any movement program will be subject to the quality of knowledge and understanding of the original material by the earliest adopters the fact that it is still instructed today speaks volumes for the method.
There are certain elements that have assisted the “staying” power of Classical Pilates. Written materials, archival photos and film footage are available for viewing. However, in my opinion the real strength lies in the deep understanding of the work from those who studied with pioneers like Romana Kryzanowska. While everything in the Pilates world can be debated, Romana remains the one person hand-picked by Joseph Pilates himself to teach the method.
Passing the Torch
Thus, the devotees/students of Romana have a special insight into as close to the source one can be. I am not implying that other Pilates’ elders such as Kathie Grant, Lolita San Miguel, Carola Trier, and Jay Grimes are not wonderful teachers, they are truly special. It’s more to recognize that Mr. Pilates saw something in Romana to inspire her carrying on the legacy. It builds on the notion that doing and teaching are not necessarily the same skill set.
Fast forward to today, where everything and anything can be called Pilates. I’m opening a big can of worms here but no matter how you slice it there is a lot of exercise being taught today which is very far away from the original method of Pilates but yet called Pilates. I myself experienced a class, which entailed rolling on a ball for 45 minutes and was called Pilates. Oi y vay.
Personally I think it was a shame that Sean P. Gallagher lost the lawsuit, which came to trial in 2000 over the usage and trademark of the name Pilates. The loss of this suit meant that the name Pilates became generic and thus not under the supervision of the original method owners and trademark of Joe Pilates method “Contrology.” Therefore, any manufacturer, studio or other entity was then free to use the name Pilates for their own purposes. Thus, as I mentioned you can roll on a ball and call it Pilates.
In Person and Technology
My reason for bringing this up is that in an era of technology, Skype lessons, Pilates’ videos and all type of communication tools the art of the “lesson” might be losing ground. Pilates’ is a three dimensional method of exercise. Meaning it requires movement that occurs in all planes of motion, transverse (rotation), coronal (side or lateral flexion) and medial (flexion and extension).
When watching a body in motion, you want to discover the movement patterns both from a close up shot as well as from a wide angle or establishing shot. This is similar to what a cameraperson does in constructing a film. If you have only the close up you lose the context, if only the wide angle you miss the detail.
Also unfortunately what technology misses in a big way is the hands-on component of a lesson. While I don’t diminish the benefits technology offers in travel costs, time and general accessibility. There is a disadvantage in my opinion; the student does not experience touch-cues and hands-on guidance in movement training.
That shared physical energy between a student and teacher that builds collaborative learning. The nuances such as listening to a student’s breath, noticing unnecessary muscle tension or discerning the difference in control of the apparatus, such as “riding” the springs. (Riding the springs means the individual is letting the springs do the action instead of “controlling” the movement of the carriage)
In addition, I think through pushing teaching technology in Pilates, one moves more toward a generic mode of movement. (Thus my mention of the lawsuit) By this I mean that electronic vendors could overtake local sources where movement is taught. Think Amazon and local booksellers.
Don’t get me wrong technology can be a positive boon for individuals who have little to no access to teachers or studios. On the other hand I worry it does not promote the building or encouraging of individuals to go out and seek personal training themselves. Moreover they miss interacting with others in their community and helping to build a stronger base within their own geographic area.
OK enough on technology what about the art of the lesson itself. I admit I’m old school, hard not to be at my age. That said I firmly believe we have to get back to the belief that one must train regularly and consistently throughout the decades. The workouts change, adapt and need a professional eye in the room observing the movement.
Teachers as Students
As a former professional dancer taking class is synonymous with longevity. It is one of the most rewarding components of the profession, in my opinion. Class is the place where you don’t have to worry about the performance aspect. You can concentrate on only your body, dig deeper into the nuances, explore new challenges and have a guide (the teacher) to share growth and development.
I see so many teachers and newly certified individuals who do not take regular class. Old school me says, what’s up with that? New school me says, your loss. Every single time I take a class I learn something, end of story. It’s not about learning a new trick to teach to your clients. It’s about gaining a deeper appreciation for the brilliance of the method.
Class is about the realization you can study this for the rest of your life and only scrape the surface of the genius. Class aligns you with Joe Pilates’ intentions a daily practice to enhance daily life. It is not a workshop or continuing education seminar, it’s about getting the work in your body, having a coach to inspire and challenge you, all of which creates a stronger foundation and appreciation of this amazing method.
“Teaching players during practices was what coaching was all about to me.”
John Wooden
Former UCLA basketball coach and winner of 10 NCAA championships
