Is Pilates Broken? How Joseph Pilates' Method Adapts to Modern Life
“Joseph Hubertus Pilates, born on December 9, 1883, in Mönchengladbach, Germany, was a visionary in physical fitness. As a child, he faced health challenges, including asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever, which motivated him to pursue physical activity to strengthen his body. He engaged in gymnastics, bodybuilding, skiing, and boxing, and studied various exercise regimens, including yoga and martial arts. In 1912, Pilates moved to England, where he worked as a professional boxer, circus performer, and self-defense instructor. During World War I, he was interned in a British camp, where he developed his unique exercise system, originally called "Contrology," focusing on the mind's control over muscles. After the war, he returned to Germany briefly before emigrating to the United States in 1926. There, he and his wife, Clara, established a studio in New York City, where they taught and refined the Pilates method for decades.” - en.wikipedia.org
Joseph Pilates' innovative system of workouts and equipment was designed to engage the whole body from the inside out. His revolutionary exercise modality offers numerous holistic benefits achieved through mindful movement. At its inception, Pilates provided a novel approach to physical activity, distinct from the labor-intensive lifestyles and limited exercise options of the early 20th century, which primarily included gymnasium-based gymnastics.
One of the remarkable aspects of Pilates' method is its impact on the nervous system. By encouraging movements that challenge sensory perceptions, Pilates was ahead of his time, promoting exercises that stimulated the nervous system in unique ways. While the benefits of Pilates remain significant, our modern lifestyles in 2025 present different challenges to our nervous systems compared to the era when Pilates was developed.
Observing archival footage of Joseph Pilates working with clients reveals his direct and sometimes forceful approach to movement. In contrast, contemporary Pilates often emphasizes gentler movements. This evolution reflects the understanding that different nervous systems respond uniquely to various styles of Pilates. For clients who may find classical Pilates dysregulating for their modern nervous systems, alternative approaches within the Pilates practice can help them learn to regulate effectively within a typical class flow.
Reflecting on my journey as a dancer, I initially practiced classical Pilates, which rescued me from chronic back injuries caused by dancing and yoga. Pilates provided the stability I needed, whereas yoga left me feeling ungrounded. My approach to Pilates mirrored my dance training, focusing on form, flow, rhythm, and breath. While it kept me strong for performances, after I stopped dancing, my Pilates practice no longer supported the movement patterns required for daily life.
My deep dive into Neuro Pilates at the Neuro Studio allowed me to redefine my practice, tailoring it to my sensory preferences and honing in on the essence of each movement. Returning to classical Pilates with this newfound awareness has enhanced my connection to the exercises. Exercises that once challenged me now feel accessible, and I often receive compliments on my strength and form. This experience underscores the relevance of Joseph Pilates' principles, particularly his focus on the nervous system. It's possible that the original work invigorated individuals more profoundly in his time than it does today, due to the differing demands on our nervous systems. This suggests that a single approach to Pilates may not be universally effective in the modern context.
My goal is for all my clients to confidently participate in a classical Pilates class, equipped with the knowledge to approach each movement effectively. The Pilates industry offers a rich diversity of styles, ensuring that clients can find a practice they enjoy and are likely to continue. This variety also provides aspiring Pilates professionals with a solid foundation, allowing them to explore and specialize in areas they are passionate about, whether in movement, fitness, or rehabilitation.
The Pilates industry stands on the brink of a renaissance, with teachers continually evolving Joseph Pilates' work to resonate with a broader, modern audience. This adaptability enhances the practice's value within the fitness and wellness sectors.
It's disheartening to hear potential clients express intimidation toward Pilates, often due to elitist messaging surrounding the practice. I encourage individuals to explore any style of Pilates that feels accessible, as the movement offers inherent value. For those of us seasoned in Pilates, it's important to remember our initial experiences and the journey that led us to our current practice. Personally, I recall my early exposure through Mari Winsor's tapes and a magic circle, which sparked my interest and eventually guided me to a career post-performance.
Thus, Joseph Pilates' revolutionary practice isn't broken; it's a dynamic system capable of adapting to the times, aligning with what Joseph Pilates likely envisioned. Continue practicing the Pilates style that brings you joy and serves your body best. I look forward to seeing you in the studio soon.
