Pilates- What is classical?
by Lesley Powell
The other day someone called asking what kind of Pilates is at Movements Afoot. There seems to camps now, Classical and sometimes refered as West Coast Pilates. As a teacher of Pilates teachers, I always felt that every student needed to know the classical form, historically. When you understand the original form, it is the springboard to how to structure a session.
In the classical form, the rollover is usually the third exercise. 
The rollover is a fantastic exercise, but not so great for certain clients with back problems. I now in my 50′s, need a lot more time and other exercises to warm-up my back well. I usually need about 15-30 minutes before I can do a roll up or over properly. I use the mermaid alot to help open my back.
Joseph Pilates’ earliest clients were ballet dancers and deconditioned women in high heels. Both populations had more problems with hypermobility and hyperextension. With our culture changing, too many people are in flexion all day with computer, driving cars and sitting in front of a tv. Being in flexion all day, there is weakness and tightness in the back.
In the back of my head is the structure of the classical form. With each client, I restructure the session in accordance to their needs. My goal might be the Upstretch on the reformer for the beginning client. What do I need to do to create the foundations of strength and mobility for this exercise?
If you are just beginning as a Pilates teacher, I do encourage you to practice the classical form. Come to understand what works for you and not. If not, why and what do you have to do to perform an exercise well? In the Balanced Body University manuals, there are examples of different kinds of workout. Go and practice these formats! What do you like or not about these structures? As you get clearer in your thoughts about how a structure feels on your body, this will take your teaching to a new level.
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Today i was teaching a pre- pilates session to one of my Nia students that has osteoporosis in her spine.
I was not sure if the Pinwheel, Bridging and Typewhite was apropriate for her. She is in good shape and performed well.
I feel as pilates teachers we all should have the chance to study from some of the pilates elders. I just had the greatest experience working with Mary Bowen. What a treat and so much valuable information.
Hello Troy McCarty!
Would you share your experience of studying with Mary Bowen? Living in Scotland such opportunities simply don’t exist.
I hope to hear from you. Email me if you would be so kind: pilates08@tiscali.co.uk
Thanking you in anticipation. Colin.
Hello Lesley:
I can relate to your comments that since you are now in your 50′s you need a lot more time to “warm up your back”.
To explain:I am 65 and have been suffering from chronic lower back ache since 1990. Then I found Pilates 3 years ago, and got hooked on the Classical Matwork. It is my hobby, and way of life nowadays!
Pilates has just about eliminated my back issues. The Standing Pilates work has proved very helpful. I started doing it six months ago, and still feeling more gradual improvement.So it is significant.
Now to get back to your point about the importance of a “warm-up”. Yes, I certaintly have felt this is crucial for me. Often we are told the 100 will do the warm-up for you. Not so for my body.Many students ask about warm up movements!
Lesley, what warm up exercises or I prefer to call them “movements” do you suggest? I have yet to see a list of good movements for the body prior to commencing the matwork.I concur 100% with your experience with the roll-over.
Your chance to pioneer the mat intro movements for older people, or, perhaps, it should apply to all!
Thank you. Colin Henry.
Hello Lesley:
Do you use the Classical Basic/Intermediate Mermaid or Advanced Mermaid to open your back. Would I be correct to assume it is the former?
Of particular interest to me.
Thank you. Colin Henry.
I never studied with Mary Bowen. Here is her website: http://www.pilates-marybowen.com/