Are Essential Principles Being Compromised?

Recently, I have been alarmed by the surge of injuries and mishaps that have surfaced due to the increasing popularity of budget Pilates classes across London.

The latest reports can be found in The Times and The Standard. The six foundational principles of Pilates—Concentration, Centering, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow—seem to be neglected, leading to potential hazards in practice.

In my view, while we put in significant effort, there is also immense joy in the process. Thus, I propose adding JOY as the seventh principle.

A Step Back in Time

This trend originated in Los Angeles and New York about 15 years ago, with the term 'Pilates' gaining traction akin to the aerobics craze of the 80s.

From Jazzercise in the 90s to Zumba in the 2000s, and more recently, CrossFit and HIIT, these fitness trends encouraged many to get moving. I have participated in numerous classes over the decades!

However, these workouts did not involve complex and potentially hazardous apparatus. Most were straightforward, unlike some of the risks associated with modern Pilates.

The Current State of Pilates

As Pilates becomes a common term in the UK, many are eager to hop onto the Reformer trend, aiming to maintain a neutral spine, a concept often misunderstood. They seek to push themselves and “feel the burn.”

The influence of celebrities like Madonna and Jennifer Aniston has opened floodgates for a new wave of fitness enthusiasts wanting to replicate the results of their idols.

While Pilates is indeed a remarkable holistic workout system, we must remember that these stars often have personal trainers and nutritionists guiding their every move. They frequently train with top-notch equipment and commit to multiple sessions each week.

For instance, during filming, Matthew McConaughey sought a classical Pilates instructor for six days a week to achieve peak fitness! Working with premier teachers can cost between $600-$800 (£400-£600) for four sessions weekly. Madonna even preferred two-hour sessions, doubling that expense.

This reality is unattainable for most, yet the desire to emulate these celebrities remains. The double-edged sword of celebrity endorsements raises awareness of Pilates while introducing potentially harmful variations.

Comparing Pilates to a Ham Sandwich

Innovative entrepreneurs aim to capitalize on trends. The assumption is that enhancing something good will yield better results.

Let’s recruit more celebrities for new studios, modernize Pilates equipment, and integrate elements like boxing and animals into classes. (Yes, this is genuinely happening!)

It's akin to transforming a simple ham sandwich into a rich Monte Cristo, which combines indulgent flavors that can leave one feeling overwhelmed.

A Brief Culinary Diversion

A Monte Cristo sandwich consists of white bread, ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and jam, all dipped in egg and fried in butter, with a dusting of powdered sugar.

This nostalgic recollection speaks to my youthful experiences and the absurdity of combining sweet and savory.

My Perspective

My journey in Classical Pilates began around 1997, two decades after my Monte Cristo experience. My instructor was Romana Krysanowska, a direct apprentice of Joseph Pilates.

While various Pilates schools existed back then, most maintained a connection to the original teachings.

Now, let’s address the core issue—would you trust a teacher who received their training over a few weekends with your child?

Many of these budget or hybrid studios must hire less qualified instructors to manage costs. They often utilize imitations of Pilates equipment, which may pose safety risks.

Often, studios rely solely on reformers, substituting other necessary apparatus like Towers or Wunda Chairs with generic circuit training.

The image above illustrates slack ropes and a footbar locking mechanism, similar to one that recently failed in a studio, resulting in serious injuries. Loose straps during exercises can lead to accidents.

In Classical Pilates, instructors undergo a minimum of 700 hours of training (about two years) and are rigorously tested on safety protocols. Our approach relies on knowledge passed down through generations of master teachers connected directly to Joseph Pilates. I am proud to be a second-generation instructor.

The equipment we use is the original design created by Joseph Pilates in collaboration with Gratz. Our methods have been refined over 60 years because they are effective.

The Seal

This term refers to one of our concluding matwork exercises but also symbolizes the importance of centering the body safely.

I believe any worthwhile movement system should uphold the six (or seven) principles we value: Concentration, Centering, Control, Precision, Breath, Flow, and Joy.

If you're considering joining a Pilates class, be sure to ask questions:

• How long did the instructor train? Look for someone certified for at least 18 months.
• Which school provided their accreditation? A comprehensive training center is preferable over a weekend course.
• Inspect the equipment before your class. Opt for spring tension instead of ropes or cords. I prefer Gratz and Pilates Designs.
• Avoid jumping on celebrity fitness bandwagons.
• Seek smaller classes for personalized instruction.
• Feel free to reach out to me with any questions at [email protected].

Don’t let Contrology turn into a catastrophe. Be informed about what you're getting into!

I invite you to explore my new Substack newsletter, where I share tips for better health and discounts for both in-person and online classes.

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Stay safe and remember to embrace the joy of moving well.

For more health-related stories with intriguing insights, check out these:

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Thank you for reading!