Classical or Contemporary Pilates? Which is Best?

Often, if you ask someone trained in the Authentic(TM) Pilates Method, they will tell you their method is best because it is Pilates in its most pure and unadulterated form. They will tell you it is Pilates done the way it was meant to be done. Those trained in contemporary methods will tell you that knowledge and understanding of body mechanics has changed greatly since Joseph Pilates passed away in 1967, and that updated versions of the method are far superior.

It is true that several one-day and weekend courses have muddied the waters in terms of finding truly qualified instructors. But, there is certainly more than one comprehensive certification organization offering a good sound education. The keyword is "comprehensive". A qualified instructor may have acquired their certification in a modular fashion over the course of several years, or they may have met all necessary requirements in a single year. If the final outcome of the education included 500-600 hours of instruction in anatomy, kinesiology, proper use and setup of apparatus, proper execution of all exercises, discussion of contraindications and options for modification and personalization, combined with supervised teaching, observation and personal review, chances are your instructor is qualified.

Classically trained instructors have much to learn from their contemporary counterparts, and vise versa. Generally speaking, if an individual has been through a comprehensive, internationally recognized program for certification, no matter what flavor of Pilates they teach, they are certain to have a substantial amount of information, insight, and knowledge to share.

Joseph Pilates continued to evolve his work right up until his death. Who is to say that advances in medical science and modern knowledge of human biomechanics would not have caused him to restructure somewhat, were he still alive today? Most of the "Pilates Elders", in fact, have continued to improve upon what they learned from the genius. Thus, today we have options for Ron Fletcher Program of Study(R), Romana Pilates(R), Lolita San Miguel - Lolita's Pilates Body Walk.

In order to maintain a professional Pilates Certification in good standing, whether contemporary or classical, instructors are required to participate in continuing education. How could we all not evolve Pilates to some degree? The evolution may be viewed by some as restructuring and by others as simply expanding upon what we already know. In both cases the outcome is the same; strong, healthy, flexible and balanced bodies.

Our studio employs both classically trained and contemporary instructors with certifications from Romana Pilates(R), Authentic(TM) Pilates, Power Pilates(R), STOTT PILATES(R), and Pilates Associates of Central NY, LLC. Though these comprehensive certification organizations teach from different points of view, the outcome is the same; well-educated and knowledgeable instructors who all have something special to offer.

The discussion should not be about which is "best", but rather how a network of highly qualified and well-trained professionals can work together to offer several options that ultimately allow everyone to benefit.

Aqualates - Pilates Marketing Ploy or Great Workout?

AQUALATES - Pilates "Inspired" Aquatics was created and Trademarked in 2006, by Tori Brown and Chimene Montivero-Cole, MS, PT, of Pilates Associates of Central NY, LLC. It is a workout translated from the Pilates training venue, and utilizes exercises from the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, and Mat repertoires. AQUALATES uses the same principles and anatomical guidelines in all exercises and the workout is comparable. The difference is mainly in the unconscious and continuous activation of spinal stabilizers 100% of the time. Even when you're not consciously activating specific muscles, in the water all muscles are working all the time. (Otherwise you'd end up face down floating.)

Some authors have noted that AQUALATES could not be anywhere near as challenging to the core as doing the exercises on land because of the supportive properties of water. Quite the contrary...water makes the exercises quite intense because of the constant need to use your spinal stabilizers. Just try to stand perfectly still in a pool at shoulder-level for 1 minute. Now try it with 10 to 15 people moving around you. Can't do it. The muscles that work to keep you upright and steady in the water are the same muscles we target in every Pilates session we teach in the studio. It may be easy to float in the water, but it is not so easy to maintain neutral posture while performing movements of any sort. AQUALATES is an excellent choice for some of our older clients who have a difficult time with transitions, as well as anyone with arthritis, osteoporosis, or Parkinson's Disease. We can accommodate a pregnant or postpartum woman in the studio, but if you have been pregnant you'll understand why an aquatic workout that delivers similar benefits might be more appealing.

We created AQUALATES as an "addition" to, rather than "instead of", studio instruction. But, some people just find core training more doable in the water. I have also had obese clients that would not make it through a standard mat class, yet feel empowered at their ability to do the water version. When it is a matter of exercising or not, why not give options?

I strongly suggest trying AQUALATES firsthand before discrediting it as marketing hype. Anyone telling you its not as good as Pilates has not done it with a certified instructor. If you'd like information on becoming certified, contact The PILATES Room and AQUALATES International in Ithaca, NY. visit the web site http://www.aqualates.us/, or just google AQUALATES.