How to Choose the Best Pilates Instructor Certification Program for Your Goals and Needs - Classical vs. Contemporary

While researching Pilates Certification Programs you will start to see the terms "classical" and "contemporary" popping up. What do these terms mean exactly and what bearing does it have on your choice of a Pilates Teacher Training Program?

CLASSICAL PILATES

Classical Pilates adheres closely to the original exercises and sequence created by Joseph Pilates. Emphasis is given to learning these exercises in order to create a movement flow where even the transitions between exercises contribute to the strength, flexibility, and control achieved through the practice. The sequence of exercises is thoughtfully crafted so that each movement builds on the previous one. The movements progress from more foundational exercises focused on warming the body up fully to more complex and challenging exercises.

In addition, Classical Pilates makes use of the entire line of apparatus created by Joseph Pilates including the mat, reformer, cadillac, chair, ladder barrel, step barrel, magic circle, ped-o-pull and so much more. Learning the skillful use of the exercise repertoire on all the equipment allows an instructor to customize the exercises to the needs of the individual client.

The Pilates Hundred exercise

Classical Pilates provides an incredibly strong foundation when embarking on the journey to becoming a Pilates instructor. It is the backbone of the entire system created by Joseph Pilates. In addition, the focus on practicing the sequence brings the element of mind-body-spirit to the fore.

CONTEMPORARY PILATES

Contemporary Pilates generally refers to a modernized approach to the original exercises and sequence created by Joseph Pilates. Over time, practitioners have been influenced by research in the realm of physical therapy as well as other fitness practices and have brought these innovations to the Pilates method.

The Contemporary approach to Pilates incorporates adaptations and modifications in an effort to cater to different fitness levels and needs often drawing from physical therapy techniques as well as other movement techniques. These fusion based approaches to Pilates is what is often taught in the classes we see offered today.

BETTER OR WORSE?

Classical and Contemporary Pilates offer distinct yet interconnected paths towards the same goal: helping clients to attain coordination of mind and body through a holistic movement practice.

Based on personal experience in teaching, hiring, and observing instructors for 20+ years, my conclusion is that starting your Pilates training with a Classical foundation offers a solid point of departure for any direction you then want to take your teaching. Having this solid basis will help you understand more fully the big picture of what Joseph Pilates intended by creating a system of exercises to be taught in a specific order. With that deeper understanding, you will have the tools needed to then adapt and modify exercises where needed for the clients you are working with.

THE LAB AT VERO PILATES

The Lab Program at Vero Pilates offers the best of both worlds to our students. We learn all the foundational classical exercise repertoire on all of the original apparatus, but also offer our students contemporary variations and adaptations to implement when preparing to work with clients. This balanced approach gives students a wider range of understanding that enables them to successfully work with a wide variety of clientele right from the start.

If you would like to learn more about our upcoming Pilates Teacher Training Program beginning in August 2025, please send us an email to: teachertraining@vero-pilates.com