In my journey of learning the Pilates method, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the profound difference between merely instructing a class and truly teaching it. It’s not just about guiding students through exercises; it’s about fostering their autonomy and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning process.
I hold immense respect for those Pilates teachers who prioritize their students’ independence over rote instruction. These educators invest their time and energy in empowering students and supporting them to explore beyond the confines of the class. In my experience, the best Pilates teachers are those who transform into exceptional educators, helping students cultivate a deeper understanding of their bodies and the practice itself.
When I attended my first Pilates Reformer class, I was immediately struck by how different it was from anything I had previously experienced. Initially, I enjoyed the learning aspect, embracing a fresh approach to movement that kept me challenged for months. However, that excitement eventually gave way to monotony as the repetition set in. Being an inquisitive learner with a strong desire to uncover the “why” behind my experiences, I decided to delve deeper into this new practice. One day, I took a leap into the unknown, eager to explore and understand the intricacies of Pilates. I asked my teacher the reason for teaching repetition.
When questioning the “professionals,” should a student take a step back or confront the teacher directly? I chose the latter and asked my Pilates teacher why we repeatedly performed the same series of movements. Their answer lacked a deeper understanding, and I felt it necessary to further explore.
Driven by a desire for personal fitness development, I explained that I wasn’t there to enhance my performance (such as a competitive athlete or ballet dancer would be). Instead, I wanted to minimize the risk of the repetitive movements that had previously led to injury and burnout. My boredom had reached a tipping point, and I needed to understand why we remained stuck in the same routine without exploring new exercises.
From that experience, I was introduced to the core tenets of the classical Pilates method. I not only got a glimpse of the approach, but of the reason it is believed that fostering muscle memory with repetition is taught, versus offering variations and modifications.
Like any method of learning, the refining of movements certainly increases motor control and improves confidence and mental connection. As a hallmark seen in countless learning methods, the classical approach teaches the importance on repeating a series of exercises with the pursuit of perfection similarly taught in ballet. It’s true that when we stick to a foundational approach to learning, we build a solid and stable base. However, should we explore further?
While the classical approach teaches finely focused learning, I propose perhaps experiencing a more progressive approach may be as — or more — valuable. When we introduce a boarder scope of learning, we foster creativity, become more inclusive to diverse learners, and create a welcoming environment.
My experience and exploration have led me to the notion that we can branch out and apply a progressive approach. We can introduce new exercises, encourage continued adaptation, and promote autonomy.
When we consider Joseph Pilates’ original students — who later taught his method — we see that they were dancers who unknowingly applied the “perfection approach” to the method, which has been passed down through generations of teachers.
Over the years, the Pilates method has evolved considerably, branching out into various approaches to better serve the needs of today’s students. As the industry continues to grow, the importance of adapting and refining the method has never been greater.
Our ability to look to the future of Pilates requires that we keep an open mind and embrace new ways of learning. Joseph Pilates was once deemed a heretic for both his unconventional teaching philosophy and for defying the established norms. Today, it’s the proponents of the classical method who label progressive teachers as heretics, highlighting the ongoing debate and transformation within the Pilates community.
Removing long-held beliefs and dogma opens new opportunities for learning. It encourages critical thinking, allowing individuals to question established norms and explore alternative perspectives. This process can lead to a deeper understanding of the Pilates method, as learners are no longer confined by strict movements and repetitions.
Let’s promote creativity and innovation. Ultimately, this shift cultivates an environment where curiosity thrives — and where learners are empowered to engage more fully with the method.