Did Creativity Kill the Cat? Classical Pilates, Contrology, and the Rise of Modern Trends

Written by: Britt Holland

Pilates classes and studios, like Starbucks, can now be found on just about every street corner. With Pilates “trending” on social media platforms it has become clear as mud what true Pilates actually is. For example, many lagree and other gyms include the word “Pilates” in their business names and class descriptions, but are they actually teaching it? 

Contrology: The Original Method Behind Classical Pilates 

Joseph Pilates' method was originally called Contrology. In Pilates’ book “Return to Life Through Contrology”, Joseph outlines what his method is, the reason he created it, and provides specific instructions on how to execute all 34 exercises on the mat. Pilates explains, “Contrology is not a system of haphazard exercises designed to produce only bulging muscles. Just to the contrary, it was conceived and tested (for over forty-three years) with the idea of properly and scientifically exercising every muscle on your body in order to improve the circulation of blood so that the bloodstream can and will carry more and better blood to feed every fibre and tissue of your body” (Pilates and Miller, 1945, p. 32).

What Is the Classical Pilates System and Why It Matters

The order of exercises matter. Each exercise builds upon one another, preparing our body for the more advanced exercises to come. The purpose of the work was to help people align their body, minds and spirits. He was adamant that physical fitness was the first prerequisite for happiness. Pilates discussed how telephones, automobiles, and economic pressure would cause the decline of our physical and mental health. It is amazing how ahead of his time he truly was. 

After the Pilates Mat work was created, Joseph Pilates designed and patented other apparatuses. The exercises were intended to be taught as a system using multiple pieces of equipment. As explained, “Each piece of apparatus or prop has a unique repertoire of exercises that have evolved from Pilates’ principles that were seen earlier in this book. The most common large-scale apparatus seen in traditional Pilates studios is the Reformer, although also seen are such imposing pieces as the Cadillac, special Chairs, and a variety of Barrels” (Pilates and Miller, 2012, p. 16). 

The Benefits of the System 

The Pilates Mat and Reformer are known as the foundational work and the order of exercises are intentional. Pilatesology is a great resource and has the lists of exercises and sequences on their website for each piece of Classical Pilates equipment. You’ll notice that in Classical Pilates we do smaller amounts of reps, typically 3-6 for most exercises. The goal is quality over quantity. We aren’t chasing a burn or going until failure. The transitions between the exercises create flow, seamlessly moving us from one exercise to the next. 

Each apparatus provides us feedback. We are working with the apparatus to deepen the connection to our center, seat, and back. When we isolate Pilates into just “Mat Pilates” or “Reformer Pilates” we are not reaping the benefits of Joseph’s comprehensive system.  

The method was designed to keep our bodies together, not to wear them down. Joseph shares, "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. (Pilates and Miller, 1945, p. 27). We do the work, so we can continue to show up in our everyday lives, perform our work tasks and most importantly enjoy our hobbies

Staying True to the Classical Pilates Roots 

In ‘Return to Life through Contrology’, the author explains “Classical Pilates’ instructors often teach exercises in an unvarying order, staying close to Pilates’ original work. Generally, they also use equipment that is built to his original specifications. Most Classically trained teachers will have studied the complete system of exercises and can generally trace their training back to Joseph Pilates through one of his proteges (Pilates and Miller, 2012, p. 16). This is the biggest difference between Classical Pilates and other forms of movement (i.e. lagree, sculpt etc). Gratz is the original manufacturer of authentic Pilates equipment. I choose to purchase only Gratz equipment for this very reason. They are passionate about preserving the method and build each piece of equipment by hand. 

One of the most frustrating comments I hear about Classical Pilates is “it’s boring doing the same exercises over and over again.” As a former competitive cheerleader, I like to use the analogy of gymnasts. They are constantly fine tuning. They are always doing a proper warm up and slowly building upon their tumbling skills. You aren’t throwing a roundoff back handspring tuck if your roundoff is sloppy or you can’t land your back handspring smoothly. Gymnasts are practicing their routine over and over again. How would they measure their progress if they were doing something different every day? That goes for any sport or physical activity. The rewards and results come from the reps. 

Why Classical Pilates Is Timeless in a Trend-Driven Fitness Industry

It’s important to realize as teachers we are showing up to teach and not entertain. Before I began teaching Pilates full-time, I was a school teacher for 10 years. I have a bachelor's in education and a masters in curriculum development and instruction. Something that stuck with me from grad school was, “you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.” As teachers, we use what works and if it’s not broken-we don’t fix it. 

In today’s world, viral Tik Tok trends come and go each week and leave us constantly overstimulated and comparing ourselves to others. The number of “likes” or “follows” is not indicative of a quality teacher, program or class. On social media, it’s alarming to see people using equipment in ways it was never intended to be and performing “flashy”, but oftentimes dangerous movements. 

I am passionate about preserving Joseph Pilates’ Method. I believe nothing is arbitrary in the traditional Pilates system. Although Mr. Pilates has been gone for some time, we are fortunate to still have second generation teachers who continue to share the work. 

With so many people and businesses capitalizing on using the word “Pilates” in their marketing, it’s difficult to find authentic Pilates in our communities. The method is being distorted for the sake of spinning one’s own individuality to make a profit and sell something unique. 

Educating people on what makes Classical Pilates stand apart from the rest is powerful. Since the term “Pilates” has been used and abused by so many influencers, should we reclaim it by using the original name, “Contrology”? Is creativity killing the cat? Just some food for thought.  

About Britt Holland 

After years of wear & tear on her body as a competitive cheerleader and athlete, she had hip surgery in 2018 at 24 years old. During recovery, her physical therapist turned her onto Pilates and she’s been practicing ever since. 

Britt became a certified Pilates instructor in 2022. She recently opened her own studio called ‘The Cheeky Pilates’, that offers private and duet lessons on Gratz equipment. Her studio is located in Bay Park, San Diego, CA.