WHAT IS PILATES?
“Contrology is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work.”
- Joseph Pilates
Pilates exercises were created by Joseph Pilates from the early 1900s. It is a full body workout that improves strength, flexibility, posture and balance. He called the exercises Contrology, but over time the exercise method became popularly known as Pilates.
Some might think of Pilates as exercises done on a mat, but mat work forms less than 10% of over 500 exercises of the Pilates method. Majority of the Pilates exercises are performed on specially designed apparatus and range from basic to advanced levels to cater to different body types and fitness levels, making Pilates suitable for everybody.
There are now many versions of Pilates offered in Pilates studios, gyms and fitness studios. How do you distinguish between them?
The Pilates world is broadly classified into 2 categories: Classical Pilates and Contemporary Pilates. Classical Pilates follows closely to the exercises that Joseph Pilates invented, while Contemporary Pilates, which came after Classical Pilates, is based or inspired by Joseph Pilates’ work with many changes incorporated.
There are benefits to both types of Pilates, but in our studio we have chosen the Classical method.
WHAT IS
CLASSICAL PILATES?
Classical Pilates follows closely to the exercises that Joseph Pilates invented. It is a full body workout that achieves strength, flexibility, posture and balance. Even though the exercises are low impact, they can be done at high intensity and with a big range of movement. Contrary to what some people believe, you do sweat in a Pilates session!
Some think of the Reformer when they hear about Private Pilates sessions. In our studio, our clients get to experience much more. They use many other apparatus such as like The Cadillac, Wall Unit, The Guillotine Tower, High Chair, Arm Chair, Wunda Chair, Pedi Pole, Ladder Barrel, Small Barrel, Spine Corrector and Foot Corrector under the guidance of our instructors.
Not only that, all our instructors have gone through a demanding apprenticeship programme with a deep dive into how to use and teach on all the apparatus designed by Joseph Pilates, as they work together as a system to improve each individual’s body.
If a client struggles with an exercise on the Reformer, we know which alternative apparatus they can use to help with it.
There is a sequence to the workout on the Reformer which has been designed by Joseph Pilates to move the body through a wide range of movement. One exercise flows and builds up to the next.
When your exercises transition seamlessly from one to another, you learn to move efficiently and improve your stamina and endurance. That being said, if a client has certain health conditions, the exercises can be modified or omitted to better suit their needs, catering to what each client needs for their bodies.
In Classical Pilates, you are working many parts of your body at the same time in every exercise that you do. This trains your body parts to work well together and move efficiently with ease. This is why Joseph Pilates says that his exercises are designed to give you suppleness, natural grace and skill that will be evident in your daily life!
Experience Pilates as Joseph Pilates intended now.
THE APPARATUS
Designed by Joseph Pilates, these apparatus are an integral part of the Pilates workout.
Many definitive Pilates exercises such as The Teaser, Rowings and The Tower, are performed on different apparatus to deepen and strengthen the understanding of these exercises.
Learn more about the full suite of apparatus in our studio below.
REFORMER
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
The Reformer is possibly one of the most recognisable Pilates apparatus. A variety of key Pilates exercises are performed on the Reformer. Equipped with 4 springs, these can be adjusted for different levels of resistance during the workout for different body conditions.
Examples of some exercises for The Reformer:
The Hundred, The Teaser, Leg Circles, Short Box, Stomach Massage
LADDER BARREL
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
Stretch better and improve your flexibility on the Ladder Barrel. The curvature design is incorporated to ensure that the spine is supported during workouts.
Exercises with inversions are also performed on the Ladder Barrel, making it an apparatus that is suited for beginners or people who are looking for a challenge.
Take a look at some of the exercises performed on Ladder Barrel:
ARM CHAIR
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
The Arm Chair can be used not only in a seated but also in a kneeling position. It is equipped with handles on springs designed to provide resistance for strengthening the arms, opening your chest and improving your posture.
Examples of some exercises for the Arm Chair:
Boxing, Hug, Arm Circles, Rowings, Chest Expansions
WUNDA CHAIR
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
The Wunda Chair is compact but can be used in so many different positions: Standing, seated, kneeling and squatting. With a pedal on springs, it challenges you as you perform exercises which require balance and control on it.
Examples of some exercises for the Wunda Chair:
Twist & Reach, Table Top, Push Up 3
CADILLAC
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
The Cadillac may seem challenging at first sight, but beginners can use this apparatus too! Similar to the Reformer, the Cadillac has springs that can be adjusted to provide different levels of resistance during workouts.
Take a look at some of the exercises performed on Cadillac:
PEDI POLE
Intermediate - Advanced
The Pedi Pole is equipped with handles on springs attached to a vertical pole.
The exercises designed to be performed on the Pedi Pole are done in an upright position, with a focus on lengthening your spine, improving your posture, and challenging your balance.
Examples of some exercises for the Pedi Pole:
Centering, Chest Expansion, Arm Circles
ELECTRIC CHAIR
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
The distinctive design of the Electric Chair allows for a full body workout despite its compactness.
Equipped with handles and pedal on springs, strength, balance and posture can be refined with the workout on the Electric Chair.
Take a look at some of the exercises performed on Electric Chair:
GUILLOTINE TOWER
Intermediate - Advanced
The Guillotine Tower is for intermediate to advanced Pilates exercises where dynamic movements are explored.
Take a look at some of the exercises performed on Guillotine Tower: