Pilates or a Fitness Class on Reformers?
Over the years (since 2014) observing the boom and bust of pilates, pilates studios and pilates teachers turned online only teachers has been an interesting view of the trending community and growth of Pilates. However, I commonly have a new client consultation ask if my assessment can determine if they are ready to transition from clinical physical therapy pilates into pilates group classes.
Is it Pilates (studio or specific teacher):
The unique approach of pilates follows a specific programing (we call this classical pilates) they follow the original Joseph Pilates sequences and lesson plan. It is very focused on movements, form and alignment. Some clients may even consider it “strict” but in my experience it depends on the teacher and the studio’s policies.
Pilatesology has this posted online
As for contemporary (not yet “fitness class”) teachers, it follows a very similar style of pilates as classical with a few modern takes. My particular training through BASI Pilates has a focused block of exercises (aka a group of exercises focused on similar area) and modernized for the current state of human movements where we are all mostly sedentary, stiff and achey bodies and often rehabilitating. Although I believe it to be one of the most deepest lessons in pilates for those of us interested in that aspect of exercise.
Is it a fitness class on a pilates reformer
Now let’s get into why I air on the cautious side of pilates classes now, compared to 8 years ago, which sounds like forever ago but COVID times does change our experience of time.
My easiest bet on if this is a fitness class and not pilates is if you never experience any of the classical movements in half the class. Why? Well that is what makes it pilates. Not to be a stickler policy but just like HYROX and Iron Man has a particular aspect that seems the same to the average person they have quite a difference all together.
Is it actually a sculpt class labeled as mat Pilates
Now hello mat pilates, or really what sculpt classes (1990s-2000s) were but with the modern twist. Yes there are some teachers who truly teach mat pilates but those that are majority in the market of pilates are sculpt classes. Which for a new to exercise with a post injury I am wary of them participating due to the lack of form focus. Mostly on the sweat and burn that everyone who is stressed out and wants to get it out of their system.
Similar to how Orangetheory and Barrys bootcamp were popular we now see it with mat pilates. A more affordable and accessible option but also truly is just a sculpt class. Majority of the instructors never being trained in sculpt or group fitness (but yes sometimes pilates).
How to safely participate in a class
The TLDR; Know your body, know your alignment, know your modifications. If you’ve been in physical therapy (past or current) are the exercises you need still being maintained? That will be my best focus for most who want to return to group fitness classes. For example if you need to work your lower body to keep your hips, knees and ankles happy then lower body focused classes are great from strength training to specific classes! Those who were ex athletes in high school and college find something as close to your previous routine to help you continue your shoulder and back movements!
What I often see is we get really hesitant in doing movement in the areas we injury but familiar movements are far easier to return to than brand new ones. Eventually these become easier with knowledge of what you need, what causes your aches and pains and what your physical therapy exercises were.
A happy combination of any movement is the most ideal. However, if your are chronically getting injured it maybe time to see a specialized instructor. I enjoy filling this gap for movement lovers. Exercise is just as therapeutic as seeing a mental health therapist. You can find the movements that stabilize you, guide you out of fear of moving and knowing what is “I should see a doctor” or “I should ice that”.
Either path you choose you are always welcome to join me for an assessment in person or online! There is nothing more worth than knowing you can go back to movement and truly get back to feeling like yourself again.