Why do so many individuals struggle with the original Classical Pilates exercises? What would the Pilates world look like if Joseph Pilates had been influenced by today’s scientific understanding? Would he adapt new methods for teaching movement? These questions often arise in discussions with classically trained Pilates instructors. Personally, I believe that if we could eliminate the “struggle” many face with Pilates, our industry would become the top choice for exercise. I am convinced that if teachers grasped the science of movement, they would be better equipped to implement modifications. Moreover, they would recognize the value of introducing variations to help students feel more successful and to prevent their bodies from falling into poor movement patterns.
I believe we can evolve as Pilates teachers, each contributing something unique. Our personal stories help our students relate to us. Our challenges in learning healthy movement and discovering new ways to move can serve as stepping stones for our students. The lessons we learn and integrate into our personal practice enhance our teaching and provide a better learning experience for our students. Many of these moments of self-discovery manifest through variations and modifications.
As a Pilates instructor, you have the power to change how students perceive movement. You can inspire them to learn and grow. One effective way to help students flourish is by offering exercise variations. This approach keeps students engaged, makes classes interesting, and enhances the overall experience. However, alongside exercise variations, a great Pilates teacher also incorporates modifications to help each student reach their full potential.
Before my first Classical Pilates class, I approached the instructor to introduce myself. I mentioned my previous spine injury and how many Classical spine flexion and extension exercises caused me pain. I expressed my appreciation for any modifications she could offer. To be honest, I misinterpreted her glazed-over expression as boredom. Little did I know, her lack of modifications was the reason for her demeanor. After class, I left feeling frustrated and in pain for days. This experience became a teaching moment for me, leading me to realize I was not alone in facing such challenges. It spurred my understanding of the importance of incorporating modifications and variations into my practice.
If you, like me, have physical limitations due to past injuries—or find that some Classical Pilates exercises simply don’t suit your body—you are not alone. For many years, I avoided Pilates spine extension exercises because they caused me severe low back pain. It took me years to realize that with proper modifications, I could perform these exercises without pain. Through my experiences with modifications, I was also able to incorporate variations into my practice, and I now excel at modified spine extension exercises.
Another reason I struggled with movement was that a mentor once told me to avoid spine extension entirely if I couldn’t perform it correctly due to my injuries. I believed this for years, but I now understand that I needed to find a variation of spine extension that accommodated my limitations. I share this to emphasize that your practice is unique to your movement abilities. Adapt your practice to fit your body, rather than forcing your body to fit a prescribed practice.
In conclusion, I want to clarify the difference between exercise variations and modifications, as these terms are often used interchangeably. While both words share similar meanings, I offer two brief definitions to help distinguish between them:
- Modification: Altering or adjusting an exercise to accommodate a student’s limb length, physical limitations, or level of understanding.
- Variation: Adjusting the intensity of an exercise by adding a tool or prop, or by changing body orientation.
The distinction between the two is subtle and relates more to intention than to the exercise itself. If you change an exercise simply to keep things fresh, that constitutes a variation. Conversely, modifications aim to adjust the exercise to better suit each student’s fitness level. If you maintain the exercise dynamics but intend to make it more accessible for a student, you are creating a modification.
Take the time to learn! Dedicate yourself to your personal practice and continue to evolve. I want you to succeed and, in turn, inspire your students. I hope you begin to see the limitless options available for incorporating variations and modifications into your practice.