Why Classical Pilates? The Unique Benefits That Set It Apart
Hey Everyone,
Today, we want to share what Classical Pilates means to us and invite your feedback. As long-time students of Pilates, we value your expertise—you are teachers, and some of you have taught us. Your thoughts and insights would be greatly appreciated.
At Gratz, we often hear the question: “Why Classical Pilates?” It comes from many different people—athletes looking for a new fitness challenge, those unfamiliar with Pilates who want to understand it, and fitness professionals considering expanding their practice. We hear this question from those who have tried or currently teach contemporary Pilates. They are curious. They want to understand what makes Classical Pilates special.
We want to share how we answer this question—and hear from you whether you agree or if there’s a better way to say it.
The Power of Classical Pilates
We believe Classical Pilates offers something truly special. Here’s what we think makes Classical Pilates unique:
1. The Pursuit of Mastery
Classical Pilates is not just a workout—it is a structured, progressive system designed for lifelong mastery. There is a clear, knowable practice: a set sequence of exercises for the mat and reformer, a defined order, specific transitions, and a purposeful flow. Every piece of apparatus—from the Cadillac to the Wunda Chair—is designed to support and optimize this system.
This structure is not rigid; it is intentional. Each exercise builds upon the last, preparing the body for greater challenges. The sequencing is part of Joseph Pilates’ genius—hidden in movements like the Corkscrew, where we stabilize the upper body while working the lower half, or in the alternating flexion and extension that strengthens the body in balanced opposition.
There is a lot to learn. That takes time and dedication. As teachers, you have learned from your own teachers, and they from their teachers. There is a long, unbroken line of teachers learning and reinforcing their training, going back to Joseph Pilates. A history of reading the body you are training and engaging deeply to help that student improve.
For some, the amount to learn and the level of structure may seem overwhelming—at first. But for those drawn to the method, it represents something extraordinary: the opportunity for mastery.
We see mastery in professional athletes and dancers—individuals who perform with a level of skill beyond the reach of most. But while sports and dance demand an elite level of ability, Classical Pilates offers a different kind of mastery—one that is accessible to anyone with dedication. In this practice, improvement is endless. A student can spend a lifetime refining movement, deepening control, and uncovering new layers of strength and precision. That pursuit alone is rare, and it is special.
2. The Mind-Body Connection
Another defining aspect of Classical Pilates is its deep mind-body connection. At its core, Pilates is about more than movement—it is about control, awareness, and intention.
The six principles of Classical Pilates—
- Control
- Flow
- Precision
- Concentration
- Breath
- Centering
—transform exercise into something more profound. In the beginning, these principles may feel like a checklist. Breathe here, engage there, release this, activate that. But over time, they become second nature. The work shifts from something mechanical to something deeply integrated.
A definition we once read describes the mind-body connection this way:
“The mind-body connection refers to the conscious focus of the mind deeply integrated with physical movement, allowing for greater awareness of the body and precise control over muscle engagement, resulting in a more holistic and effective workout experience.”
Essentially, Classical Pilates is not just about moving—it is about thinking while moving, about understanding your body and controlling it with precision. This level of awareness is both intellectually and physically engaging, and it is one of the aspects that makes Classical Pilates truly unique.
3. The Teacher-Student Bond
Perhaps the most underappreciated yet vital aspect of Classical Pilates is the relationship between the teacher and the student.
Unlike most fitness training, Classical Pilates instruction is deeply personal. A great teacher doesn’t just guide movement—they know their student’s body in a way that few others do. They see imbalances, weaknesses, and strengths. They recognize where someone holds tension, where they need support, and where they need to be challenged.
I (John) experience this firsthand in my sessions with Amy in Philadelphia. She pushes me through exercises that challenge me. She helps me bend my back in just the right way, working along the right vertebrae each time. She places her hands on my back and sometimes even uses her knee or foot to guide me into positions I could never find on my own. This hands-on connection takes time to develop, but once it’s there, it makes all the difference. I had this same experience years ago with Alicia in San Francisco, with Colleen in Santa Barbara, and we’ve come to believe it’s a hallmark of great Classical Pilates teachers.
This level of investment is rare in the fitness world. Classical Pilates teachers don’t just provide a workout; they commit to their students’ growth. They continue their own education long after certification, refining their skills to ensure their students succeed.
For me (John), this teacher-student connection has been central to my long commitment to Pilates. It is a relationship built on trust, precision, and a shared pursuit of improvement—something truly unique and, I believe, amazing and special.
Why It Matters
Taken together, these three elements—the pursuit of mastery, the mind-body connection, and the teacher-student bond—set Classical Pilates apart from any other form of exercise.
There are many great ways to train the body—yoga, dance, weightlifting, calisthenics—all of which have their own strengths. But no other system brings together structure, depth, and personal connection in the way that Classical Pilates does.
As teachers, you are the link between the past and the future of this practice. You carry forward the genius of Joseph Pilates, not just through technique, but through the hands-on dedication you bring to your students.
That is what makes Classical Pilates extraordinary.
Share Your Thoughts
So, that’s how we tell it at Gratz. But we know there are always better ways to say it—and there may be ideas we’ve missed. We would love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback would mean a lot.
Thank you.
John & Elizabeth
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17 Responses
Marlene McCoy
February 21, 2025
Beautifully written and said. Bravo!