Exploring the Differences Between Contemporary and Traditional Pilates: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to Pilates, many people wonder: What’s the difference between contemporary and traditional Pilates? At Fleur Wellbeing, we embrace both styles, offering a range of classes and instructors from both approaches to ensure our clients find what works best for them. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key distinctions between contemporary and traditional Pilates, and why there’s no “right or wrong”—just different ways to enjoy movement.
Understanding Traditional Pilates
Traditional Pilates, also known as Classical Pilates, is rooted in the teachings of Joseph Pilates, who developed his method in the early 20th century. This approach follows a very structured sequence of exercises, performed in a specific order, often with minimal modifications. The goal is to preserve Joseph Pilates’ original movements and philosophies, focusing on controlled, precise movements and flowing transitions.
Traditional Pilates emphasizes core strength, posture, and overall body alignment, providing a full-body workout that’s both challenging and restorative. For those who prefer a highly structured class with a focus on form and precision, traditional Pilates offers a tried-and-true path.
Contemporary Pilates: Adapting to Modern Needs
Contemporary Pilates evolved from Joseph Pilates’ original work, incorporating new techniques, scientific advancements, and modern movement principles. It’s a more flexible approach, allowing for a wide variety of modifications and adaptations. In contemporary classes, instructors may integrate elements of physical therapy, functional training, and other body conditioning techniques, making it highly adaptable for various fitness levels and body needs.
This flexibility makes contemporary Pilates popular among those who enjoy variety or need a more tailored approach to address specific fitness goals, injury prevention, or rehabilitation.
Key Differences Between Contemporary and Traditional Pilates
Exercise Sequence: Traditional Pilates follows a set sequence, while contemporary Pilates is more adaptable, with instructors designing sequences that can vary from class to class.
Incorporation of Modern Techniques: Contemporary Pilates may include equipment or exercises that weren’t part of the original repertoire, offering a broader range of movements and styles.
Focus on Personalization: Contemporary Pilates often includes modifications and alternative exercises, which can be beneficial for people with specific needs or injuries, whereas traditional Pilates remains closer to the original, more standardized movements.
Which Approach is Right for You?
At Fleur Wellbeing, we believe that there’s no single “right” way to experience Pilates—it’s about finding the style that resonates with your body and your goals. For some, the disciplined structure of traditional Pilates is a perfect fit, while others enjoy the adaptability and creativity of contemporary Pilates.
Try Both Styles and Discover What Works Best!
We encourage all new clients at Fleur Wellbeing to try a variety of classes and instructors. By experiencing both traditional and contemporary Pilates, you’ll get a feel for what suits your body best and find an approach that aligns with your personal wellness goals.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you’re new to Pilates or an experienced practitioner, Fleur Wellbeing offers a welcoming environment to explore both contemporary and traditional Pilates. Try out our classes, and let our dedicated instructors guide you on a journey that celebrates movement, strength, and balance in whichever style suits you best.
