Which Pilates is Which

Authentic Pilates

The Pilates Guild is dedicated to the preservation of Pilates in it's purest
form the way it was taught by Joseph himself.

Contemporary Pilates: "While Pilates was
undoubtedly a man ahead of his time, the science of exercise has evolved
throughout subsequent decades. Contemporary adaptations of Pilates’ principles
have emerged, leveraging advances in physical therapy, spinal research,
biomechanical principles and anatomical understanding to ensure each exercise is
performed with optimal safety and results in mind" - quote from Prime Time
for Pilates by Moira Stott-Merrithew with Catherine Komlodi and Alison Hope.

Modern Pilates: (book) "Unlike the
traditional method, which focuses on constantly holding in the lower abdomen and
on extremely effortful movements, modern Pilates is firmly based on the
functional movement possibilities of the body. The exercises in this book are
influenced by developments in therapeutic massage, osteopathy, and the
Feldenkrais method, Butoh (a Japanese performance art developed in the 1950s),
and ante- and postnatal work. With easy-to-understand diagrams, drawings, and
photos, it provides exercises for maintaining good posture, fitness, strength,
grace, flexibility, and freedom from injury" - quote from the Publishers of
Modern Pilates by Penelope Latey.

The differences:



In the book Return to Life through Contrology, (edited, reformatted and
reprinted by Presentation Dynamics Inc): Joseph wrote the following; and in
italics modern or contemporary Pilates suggests:



Open Leg Rocker: "Roll" over backward trying to touch mat or floor
with toes -roll over only onto the top of the shoulders your head should never
touch the mat

Many exercises suggest that knees should be 'locked' - not locked

Double Kick: Thrust chest out with head thrown back as far as possible... - a
long neck, centered and held steady

About the spine: "be sure wherever indicated, to keep your back full length
always pressed firmly against the mat or floor" - respect the natural
curves of your spine

The Seal: "press soles and heels firmly close together pointed inward"
- heels together, attracting ankles together.



Maybe these examples don't sound so different, not different enough to matter
anyway. But there are differences and that's something to remember - you decide
which you prefer.

Yogalates: A fusion of the ancient discipline
of yoga with the modern Pilates techniques, the exercises mix both disciplines
to develop core strength, help tone muscles, increase flexibility and reduce
stress. Yogalates is trademarked by Louise Solomon



"Expand your Self, move gently and celebrate the many possibilities which
the union of Yoga and Pilates will reveal. Through the comparison of breath,
core strength and inner spirit, discover new sensations through familiar
movement. Awaken your self, enliven your lines and brighten your Yoga/Pilates
experience. - the pilatescenter.com



Yogilates: (book) Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete Fitness, Strength
and Flexibility by Jonathan Urla

The Pilates Method / The Method: a name coined
first by The Physical Mind Institute in Santa Fe (they have subsequently moved
to New York) to represent the traditional Pilates exercises when the law suit
was ongoing and the "P" word couldn't be used.

Pilates with Chi: (book) combining Pilates with
the eastern influences of Chi



PowerHouse Pilates ™: provides a fitness approach to Pilates education,
founded by Marci Clark and Christine Romani-Ruby in an effort to make Pilates
education easily available for fitness professionals



Also a book by Lynne Robinson "Body Control 5 - Powerhouse Pilates with
Lynne Robinson"



and Mari Winsor "The Pilates Powerhouse"

Copyright Fitness Universe 2004.