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Natural Awakenings Atlanta

Beyond Classical: Exploring the Diverse Styles of Pilates

Oct 01, 2024 06:00AM ● By Camille Lueder
In the world of Pilates, what may seem like a single, unified practice is actually quite diverse, as it encompasses a variety of styles and lineages. At the heart of the Pilates world is Classical Pilates, the method originally developed by Joseph Pilates himself. Rooted in precision, control and a specific sequence of exercises, Classical Pilates serves as the baseline for many practitioners. However, as Pilates has evolved, several styles and subsets have emerged, such as Contemporary Pilates, Physical Therapy Pilates and Romana’s Pilates—each with its own methods and goals.

Emily Bradley, owner of The Pilates Powerhouse in Roswell, describes her studio as a Romana’s Pilates Classical studio. As such, it preserves Joseph Pilates’ legacy while following the teaching lineage of Romana Kryzanowska, one of Pilates’ protégés. Bradley was trained directly by Kryzanowska in 1998.

“Joseph Pilates handed the torch to Romana and said, ‘I want you to carry on my work,’” Bradley says. “She kept his work pure while making it more approachable.”

While Romana’s Pilates closely follows Joseph Pilates’ original teachings, Kryzanowska makes Pilates more accessible by adapting exercises to suit individual needs. Her version of Pilates retains the structure of the original but emphasizes warmth and flexibility, making it more user-friendly than the intense approach Joseph Pilates was known for. Romana's Pilates, like all Classical Pilates, also incorporates specialized equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair.

“We focus on the details of the people we work with,” Bradley says. “When I look at a body, I tailor the session to fit their needs.”

Leslie Clayton

Body Awareness Studio in Atlanta, founded by Leslie Clayton, offers Contemporary Pilates. This modernized version of Pilates introduces new exercises, variations and equipment to fit contemporary knowledge of biomechanics and physiology. This style of Pilates adapts to individual needs, offering versatility while maintaining the essence of Pilates.

“Our teachers have a lot of choice in their approach, but it’s still Pilates,” Clayton says. “We just have more flexibility in how we achieve results.”

Body Awareness Studio incorporates innovative tools like the CoreAlign, Konnector and Yoga Wall—equipment not used in Classical Pilates. According to Clayton, these innovations reflect advancements in science and biomechanics that build on Joseph Pilates’ original concepts. For example, the CoreAlign helps develop core strength and the Konnector enhances the Reformer experience with multi-dimensional movement.

“The new equipment is evolving with science, and it helps address issues like fascia and the nervous system,” Clayton says.

Clayton’s studio uses the Balanced Body curriculum to train teachers, which honors the history of Pilates while embracing a flexible and adaptive approach to teaching. Balanced Body also produces Pilates equipment and emphasizes modifying exercises to accommodate different bodies and abilities.

Physical Therapy Pilates is another subset of Contemporary Pilates. Karyn Staples, owner of ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio, uses Pilates as a rehabilitation tool for clients recovering from injuries or surgeries. The style focuses on healing and strengthening the body through modified Pilates exercises. It uses the equipment and exercises in a less rigorous way, helping clients regain strength and mobility before returning to their regular workouts.

Karyn Staples 

(Photo: LEH photography)

“Joseph Pilates originally designed the equipment as a rehabilitation tool for people who were bedridden or had limited mobility,” Staples says.

When working with clients, Staples assesses their strength and mobility to customize exercises. The goal is to restore the body to a healthy state by gradually increasing intensity as the client heals. This approach is ideal for those recovering from injury or surgery, as it bridges the gap between rehabilitation and regular exercise.

“They can use the equipment in a familiar way, but with less intensity, until they’re ready for more,” Staples says.

For new Pilates practitioners, choosing a style depends on personal goals and preferences. Whether opting for the structured approach of Classical Pilates, the versatility of Contemporary Pilates, or the rehabilitation focus of Physical Therapy Pilates, it’s essential to explore different options.

“Like yoga, there are many styles, teachers and classes to choose from,” Staples says. “If one style doesn’t work for you, try another.”

While Classical Pilates adheres to a strict sequence and uses traditional equipment, Contemporary Pilates incorporates new exercises and tools to enhance flexibility and adapt to modern needs. Both styles aim to improve movement and overall well-being.

“It’s all about helping people move better and live better,” Bradley says. “Practitioners gain flexibility, reduce pain and even improve their memory by focusing on the exercises.”

Like yoga, Pilates is a mind-body practice that promotes balance, strength and flexibility. The integration of mindful movement helps practitioners connect with their bodies and improve their range of motion. Clayton emphasizes that Pilates offers profound benefits for anyone, regardless of their fitness level or physical condition.

“Pilates can meet the needs of a 90-year-old after hip replacement, a young gymnast or someone with neurological issues,” Clayton says. “It meets you where you are, offering benefits for anyone.”

Ultimately, Pilates is a versatile practice that adapts to the needs of the individual. Whether it’s practiced for rehabilitation, fitness or to improve mindfulness, Pilates offers a path to improved health and well-being for everyone. ❧


Atlanta native Camille Lueder recently graduated from Berry College with a B.A. in journalism. With a passion for travel, she has been working seasonal jobs, including on a trail crew in Colorado and a farm in Hawaii.
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