Who was Joseph Pilates and what is classical vs contemporary Pilates?
“A man is as young as his spinal column”. Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. As a child he suffered from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. His determination to overcome these ailments led him to excelling at body-building, gymnastics and diving.
During WW1, Joseph spent time in an internment camp in England. Drawing from his own health challenges and a desire to help his fellow inmates recover from injury, Joseph developed a system of exercises and apparatus to improve physical and mental health which he called Contrology - the art of control through mind–body movement.
In 1926, Joseph moved to the United States where he and his wife, Clara, opened a Contrology gym in New York City. Their unique approach to movement quickly gained popularity, particularly among ballet dancers, athletes and boxers who valued the method’s ability to restore balance, build strength and prevent injury.
As their work grew in influence, Joseph and Clara’s trained apprentices went on to share the Contrology method around the world, helping it evolve into the globally respected Pilates practice it is today. Among the earliest were teachers like Carola Trier, Kathy Grant, Romana Kryzanowska and Ron Fletcher, each of whom studied directly under Joseph and Clara and later became renowned Instructors in their own right. Their dedication to preserving and adapting his teachings ensured that Pilates could flourish across generations and continents. As the method spread internationally, ‘Pilates’ became the dominant term, replacing Contrology. In fact, a trademark dispute in the U.S. was settled in 2000, confirming that ‘Pilates’ was a generic term and not owned by any one company.‘
“Contrology is the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit." Joseph Pilates
Classical vs Contemporary Pilates
Classical Pilates stays close to the original method created by Joseph Pilates. It follows a sequence of exercises, with the emphasis on breath, concentration, centering, control, precision and flow and maintaining the integrity of Joseph’s original work. Many classical studios also teach with the same cues and movement patterns passed down through Joseph’s first-generation apprentices. This approach honours the roots of the method and provides a consistent framework that connects today’s practice to its beginnings in the early 20th century.
On the other hand, Pilates has evolved to incorporate modern movement science, physiotherapy insights and adaptations for a wide range of bodies and health goals. While it still draws heavily from Joseph’s principles - breath, centering, control and flow, contemporary Instructors will modify exercises, integrate new props and use variations to support rehabilitation, athletic performance and everyday wellness. This adaptability has helped Pilates grow into a globally respected practice, accessible to all ages and fitness levels.
If you’ve experienced both Classical and Contemporary Pilates, you may have noticed that the springs on the apparatus feel quite different. Classical springs are typically heavier and provide consistent, linear resistance throughout the full range of motion, closely mimicking the feel of Joseph Pilates’ original equipment. Contemporary springs, on the other hand, come in a wider range of tensions (light, medium, heavy) and often feel more elastic, with resistance that can vary as you move. This design makes them more adaptable to different body types, goals, and rehabilitation needs.
Fitness Pilates… what even is this?
Over time, Pilates has taken on many forms and interpretations. In the wider fitness industry, it’s often been adapted into faster-paced classes taught in larger groups, sometimes blended with styles like functional training, weight training, or yoga. These sessions usually focus on higher repetitions and working the larger muscle groups and may use equipment that’s been modified with extra cables or weights. When taught by skilled instructors, this style of ‘fitness Pilates’ can be a fun way to build general strength and fitness.
What makes both Contemporary and Classical Pilates unique though, is their ability to go deeper. Genuine Pilates trains not only the global muscle movers that generate power, but also the smaller stabilising muscles that support posture, balance, and motor control. This is what makes Pilates so special - it’s not just about working up a sweat, it’s about building a strong body that moves with confidence and ease through every stage of life.
At The Pilates Nook we teach contemporary Pilates. Ready to try us in a small group setting? Please send us an email or book online.