In a world where fitness trends come and go, you deserve something that lasts—a method you can rely on to truly change your body and mind. That’s the beauty of classical Pilates.
At Gratz and Pilatesology, we’re passionate about helping you connect to the original teachings of Joseph Pilates. Pilatesology Back to Basics series is designed to bring you closer to the essence of this incredible method, offering a chance to experience Pilates exactly as it was intended. Pilatesology, together with Gratz Pilates, the trusted manufacturer of authentic Pilates apparatus, we’re here to celebrate the enduring power of this practice and its potential to change your life.
Classical Pilates isn’t just another workout—it’s a proven path to lasting strength, balance, and well-being. The method works because it strengthens your body while enhancing your movement in a way that benefits every aspect of your life.
Whether you’re recovering from injury, enhancing your athletic performance, or simply looking for a way to feel stronger and more confident, Pilates delivers real, measurable results. With regular practice, you’ll experience increased core strength, improved posture, and a deep connection between body and mind. This ripple effect goes far beyond physical fitness; it sharpens your mental clarity and builds an enduring confidence that stays with you in everything you do.
Your transformation starts with the fundamentals. These foundational exercises aren’t just for beginners—they’re the backbone of the entire method. By mastering the essentials, you build strength, flexibility, and alignment that empower you to move with greater ease, avoid injury, and achieve more advanced exercises over time.
Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner looking to refine your skills, Pilatesology’s Back to Basics series is here for you. This program reintroduces the foundational building blocks of the method, offering tools to deepen your understanding and refine your technique under the expert guidance of Pilates instructor Juan Estrada.
You’ll revisit and refine key movements like the Hundred, Roll-Up, and Spine Stretch. These exercises are the core of classical Pilates and provide the groundwork for everything that follows.
Learn how small, precise adjustments tailored to your body can dramatically improve your control, efficiency, and strength.
Classical Pilates shines when practiced on authentic apparatus. You’ll explore how equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair can both challenge and support your movements.
Classical Pilates is more than exercise; it’s about the principles of concentration, precision, control, and flow. By embracing these, you’ll transform your practice from the inside out.
Pilatesology Back to Basics series will help you rediscover the magic of Pilates in its purest form—a method that remains timeless, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
To fully experience Pilates as Joseph Pilates intended, the apparatus matters. Gratz Pilates, the gold standard of Pilates equipment, has been upholding Joseph’s vision for decades. Each piece of equipment is crafted to Joseph’s original specifications, providing the precision, resistance, and integrity essential to the classical method.
Gratz apparatus is deliberately designed to work with you and challenge you. For example, the Reformer’s heavy rubber wheels create deliberate resistance, requiring you to engage your core muscles to move the carriage. Unlike contemporary equipment with smooth ball-bearing wheels that reduce effort, Gratz equipment stays true to Contrology—Joseph Pilates’ original system—by demanding strength, precision, and control.
This synergy between method and machinery ensures you experience Pilates as it was meant to be practiced. Whether you’re a student or teacher, working on Gratz apparatus elevates your practice, delivering the results Joseph Pilates envisioned: a body that is strong, flexible, and aligned.
To truly understand the importance of classical Pilates, we must look to its roots. Gratz Pilates is the original and authentic manufacturer of Pilates apparatus, carrying on a legacy that began with Joseph Pilates himself.
Sadly, in the 1960s Joseph’s health began to decline, just as the demand for his method and apparatus was taking off. Fortunately, at about this same time, Romana Kryzanowska— one of Joe’s most dedicated proteges, introduced him to Donald Gratz, a highly skilled fabricator, metalsmith, and engineer. In partnership with Joseph Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska, Donald Gratz built the classical apparatus we know today as Gratz Pilates – the Universal Reformer, Cadillac, High Chair, and many other pieces. Through meticulous collaboration with Joseph and Romana, Donald was able to build apparatus that adhered to the exact specifications of Joseph Pilate, inspiring the phrase – Joe invented it. Gratz makes it.
This partnership was pivotal. After Joseph’s passing in 1967, Gratz continued working closely with Romana and other first-generation teachers to preserve the integrity of the apparatus. Teachers and practitioners often visited the Gratz factory in Long Island City, Queens, where the equipment was crafted with unmatched precision. To this day, Gratz remains the gold standard for classical Pilates equipment worldwide, trusted by instructors and studios who value authenticity.
Classical Pilates adheres strictly to Joseph Pilates’ original vision, and in our view is the most safe and effective form of Pilates with endless flexibility to meet the needs of everyone. Contemporary Pilates does not follow the classical method and has introduced unnecessary modifications to the method and apparatus. This distinction matters more than you might think.
Contemporary equipment often includes features like color-coded springs, adjustable foot bars, and ball-bearing wheels designed to make exercises easier. For instance, a contemporary Reformer’s ball-bearing wheels allow the carriage to glide smoothly, reducing resistance. While these updates may seem convenient, they alter the very essence of Pilates, minimizing the need for control and core engagement.
Gratz apparatus, on the other hand, remains true to Joseph’s design. Gratz Reformers use heavy rubber wheels on textured aluminum tracks, creating controlled resistance. The carriage does not glide effortlessly; instead, it requires deliberate engagement of the powerhouse (core muscles) to move. This intentional design reinforces the principles of Contrology—strength, precision, and mind-body connection—ensuring that every movement delivers maximum benefit.
Joseph Pilates believed that mastering the fundamentals was the key to unlocking the method’s full potential. This philosophy remains central to classical Pilates. The foundational exercises, sequences, and principles are not just steppingstones; they’re the building blocks for lifelong strength, mobility, and control.
Too often, students rush to advanced exercises without mastering the basics. In doing so, they miss out on the transformative power of classical Pilates. By returning to the essentials—through programs like Back to Basics—you give yourself the opportunity to:
Joseph Pilates invented a method that has stood the test of time. While contemporary Pilates may claim to modernize and simplify the work, classical Pilates remains true to its origins. It honors Joseph’s vision, upholds the rigor of the method, and delivers results that are both measurable and transformative.
This integrity is what makes classical Pilates so powerful. By practicing the original exercises, on authentic Gratz apparatus, you’re engaging with the method as Joseph intended. It’s challenging, yes, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With consistency and dedication, classical Pilates will reshape your body, sharpen your mind, and empower you to move through life with strength and grace.
This is your journey, and it begins with honoring the roots of classical Pilates. Whether you’re an instructor, a returning student, or just starting fresh, going back to the basics will unlock new levels of strength, confidence, and understanding.
With Pilatesology’s Back to Basics series and the unparalleled support of Gratz Pilates equipment, you have everything you need to embrace the power of this timeless method. Together, we can preserve the tradition, refine our skills, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Joseph Pilates.
Visit Pilatesology’s Back to Basics series and take the first step in building your classical Pilates practice. And share your progress with us and Gratz Pilates—let’s keep the tradition alive, together! Plus, get a 30-day free trial at Pilatesology using code Gratz30
Ready to upgrade your studio with original Gratz apparatus? Visit www.gratzpilates.com to get started.
This post was created in collaboration between Pilatesology and Gratz Pilates, two champions of classical Pilates worldwide.
Alisa is a renowned Pilates instructor and co-founder of Pilatesology, the leading online resource for classical Pilates. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Alisa is dedicated to preserving and sharing Joseph Pilates’ original method worldwide, helping practitioners achieve strength, balance, and transformation.
David is the Executive Director of Gratz Pilates. He collaborates with classical Pilates teachers and studios worldwide, and has played a pivotal role in the growth and longevity of Gratz and its dedication to classical Pilates. Many years ago, prior to joining Gratz in a leadership role, David’s career was in design and high-end fabrication.
David considers it a great honor to uphold the integrity and quality of the apparatus originally designed by Joseph Pilates, and is passionate about this legacy carrying forward for future generations.