Lead times for Reformers, Cadillacs, Towers is 6 months. 2-3 months for Chairs, Barrels, and Mats.

The Original Pilates Sequence Unlocking the Benefits of Order

Alisa Wyatt movement doing a Mat workout. Text reads, "The Original Pilates Sequence"

If you have ever wondered why Pilates feels so different—and so effective—compared to other workouts, the answer lies in its thoughtful design.

Joseph Pilates didn’t just create a random collection of exercises; he built a carefully crafted sequence to help you achieve strength, flexibility, and control in a balanced way. The sequence is carefully crafted to awaken underutilized muscles, correct imbalances, and cultivate a deep sense of body awareness. 

By following this intentional structure, practitioners not only improve their physical capabilities but also experience a sense of mental clarity and focus. Pilates once said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness,” and his method embodies this philosophy by helping you move with ease, resilience, and confidence—both inside and outside the studio. 

At Pilatesology, we are passionate about sharing the brilliance of this original sequence and share it for free on our Exercise Lists and Sequences page.  

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, understanding the order of the exercises can take your practice to the next level. 

Why Order Matters in Pilates 

Have you ever felt like you were spinning your wheels in a fitness routine, unsure if you were making progress?  

That was me during my first experience with Pilates. My gym’s Pilates class was fun and energizing, but every session felt different. While I enjoyed the variety, the lack of a consistent structure made it hard to track my progress or build on what I had already learned. 

Everything shifted when I discovered classical Pilates and the brilliance of the original sequence. The structure and flow of the method gave me a clear path to follow, allowing me to measure my improvement and fully understand the purpose behind each movement. It wasn’t just exercise anymore—it became a transformative practice that brought both balance and progress to my body and mind. 

For me, the order of the classical Pilates sequence was the formula for success. After just a few sessions I realized my body was stronger and more flexible. I could notice the difference because I was practicing the same exercises and it was exciting to feel my body rising to the challenge. Each week, something I wasn’t able to do before became possible.  

Take the ever elusive Roll Up Pilates exercise, for example. In my gym class, my feet would fly off the mat every time I tried to roll up, no matter how hard I focused. It wasn’t until I started practicing the complete classical sequence that this finally stopped happening. Over time, I came to understand the root of the problem—it wasn’t just technique but a lack of engagement in my hamstrings. They weren’t stabilizing my legs the way they should, throwing off the entire movement. 

As my interest grew, I started taking lessons at a studio that was equipped with Gratz Pilates equipment which was a revelation. At first, the Reformer felt heavy, almost like a contortion machine, and the movements seemed awkward and heavy. But by the second week, something remarkable happened. The springs began to feel lighter, and I discovered an inner strength that hadn’t been there before. The equipment was helping me uncover untapped potential in my body, transforming the way I moved and felt with each session. 

Put together, practicing the original order along with classical equipment made the way Joseph Pilates specified is the very workout available. Each exercise flows into the next with a purpose, warming up your body, challenging your core, and gradually increasing strength and flexibility. By following the sequence as Joseph Pilates designed it, your body learns to work smarter, not harder. 

Here are some key benefits of sticking to the order: 

  1. Designed by Nature

    Pilates built his sequence the same way a baby develops; you develop the front of your body, then flip over to strengthen your back and finish standing upright

  2. Progressive Challenge

    Each session builds on the one before it, so you gradually improve without feeling overwhelmed  

  3. Flow and Focus

    Moving from one exercise to the next seamlessly keeps you in the zone, helping you stay focused and connected to your body

  4. Balanced Results:

    The sequence ensures that you’re working evenly, avoiding overdevelopment in some areas while neglecting others 

How to get into Classical Pilates: Start with the Basics 

If you are new to Pilates or returning after a break, it is best to start with the foundational exercises. These are the building blocks of the method, and they set you up for success as you progress to more advanced movements. 

Pilatesology’s Exercise Lists and Sequences page is a great place to begin. You can download the order of exercises for different apparatus, like the Reformer, Mat, and Cadillac. 

In addition, each workout you find on Pilatesology has a downloadable Exercise list in the resources so if you loved the way a certain teacher cued the sequence you can use it in your own workouts or teaching. 

Pilatesology Reformer The Original Pilates Sequence Workout List



How to Use the Original Sequence 

Here’s how you can incorporate the original Pilates sequence into your practice: 

  1. Familiarize Yourself with the Order

    Use our Exercise Lists and Sequences page to learn the flow of exercises for the Mat, Reformer, or other apparatus.

  2. Practice Consistently

    Regular practice will help you memorize and thereby internalize the sequence and its benefits more deeply. 

  3. Focus on Precision

    Take your time to refine each movement before progressing to the next. It’s about quality, not quantity.

  4. Work with a Certified Instructor

    If possible, work with a teacher who knows the classical sequence and can guide you through it.

    Pilatesology Instructions for the Original Pilates Sequence

Why Gratz Pilates Equipment Complements the Sequence 

The right equipment can make a big difference in your practice.

Gratz Pilates apparatus is designed to Joseph Pilates’ original specifications, ensuring that you feel the exercises as they were meant to be experienced. 

Time and time again, I’ve seen clients experience remarkable transformations within just weeks of practicing on Gratz equipment—even those who have been doing Pilates for years on other apparatus. The precision, consistency, and unparalleled craftsmanship of Gratz apparatus elevate the quality of your practice, allowing you to fully engage with the sequence and achieve results you didn’t think were possible. 

The consistency and precision of Gratz equipment helps you get more out of your practice. When you practice on Gratz, it’s not just Pilates—it’s Pilates as it was meant to be. 

Discover the Power of the Sequence 

By embracing the original Pilates sequence, you’re not just doing a workout—you’re unlocking a system designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and achieve balance in both body and mind. 

Ready to dive in? Explore our Exercise Lists and Sequences page and see how following the order can transform your practice. Plus, first time users can enter a promo code Gratz30 to get 30 days free at Pilatesology. Share your journey with @Pilatesology or @Gratz_Pilates on Instagram—we can’t wait to see how far you go!

This post was created in collaboration between Pilatesology and Gratz Pilates, two champions of the classical Pilates method.



Alisa Wyatt wearing Blue Shirt

About Alisa Wyatt, Co-founder of Pilatesology

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.






Gratz Pilates Logo

About Gratz Pilates, Original Manufacturer of
Pilates Equipment
 

For over two generations, Gratz Pilates has been the gold standard in the industry, providing the finest apparatus to teachers and studios worldwide. From seasoned instructors to devoted students, the Pilates community recognizes the Gratz difference—our equipment is an indispensable part of their practice, ensuring authenticity, precision, and results. 

When you choose Gratz, you’re choosing more than equipment. You’re investing in the preservation of Joseph Pilates' vision, backed by decades of expertise and a commitment to the highest standards. We continue to support instructors and students through collaborations with teaching organizations, workshops, and events that foster a deeper understanding of Pilates.  

Joe invented it. Gratz makes it.