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Walk into ten different Pilates studios and you may experience ten very different things. The word “Pilates” covers an enormous range of teaching styles, equipment, and methodologies – and not all of them have much in common with what Joseph Pilates originally created.
At Sharp Pilates™, we teach classical Romana’s Pilates – the original method, unchanged. Here’s what that means, and how it differs from contemporary Pilates.
What is Classical Pilates?
Classical Pilates refers to the method as Joseph Pilates developed and taught it, passed down through a direct lineage of teachers. At Sharp Pilates™, we teach Romana’s Pilates – the classical tradition transmitted through Romana Kryzanowska, who studied directly under Joseph Pilates and taught his method faithfully for decades after his death.
Classical Pilates is defined by:
A specific exercise order. The classical method follows a deliberate sequence of exercises, each building on the last. The order is not arbitrary – it reflects Joseph Pilates’ understanding of how the body moves, recovers, and develops strength over time.
A complete system of apparatus. Joseph Pilates designed an entire system of equipment – the reformer, cadillac, wunda chair, high chair, arm chair, spine corrector, ladder barrel, small barrel, foot corrector, pedi pull, and more – each piece working in concert with the others to create a complete, healthy body. The apparatus was never meant to be used in isolation. It was designed as a system, and together it addresses every part of the body in ways that no single piece of equipment can do alone.
Authentic apparatus. Classical Pilates is taught on equipment built to the original specifications – the proportions, spring tensions, and materials Joseph Pilates designed his method around.
Fidelity to the original work. Classical teachers do not add, remove, or significantly modify exercises. The method is taught as it was developed, with the understanding that Joseph Pilates’ system is complete as designed.
Every Session is Different – Even Within the Classical Order
One of the most common misconceptions about classical Pilates is that following a set sequence makes every class the same. It doesn’t.
The classical order provides a framework – but within that framework, every session is tailored to the individual. Your instructor reads your body, adjusts the work to where you are that day, and progresses or modifies exercises based on your development over time. The sequence is the foundation, not a script.
This is one of the things that makes classical Pilates so effective over the long term. The method grows with you. As your strength, flexibility, and body awareness develop, the same exercises become deeper, more demanding, and more rewarding. Clients who have been practicing for years are still discovering new layers in exercises they’ve done hundreds of times.
What is Contemporary Pilates?
Contemporary Pilates refers to approaches that have evolved away from the original method – incorporating elements from physical therapy, dance, yoga, functional fitness, and other movement disciplines.
Contemporary Pilates is not a single unified system. It encompasses a wide range of teaching styles and philosophies, from studio-based reformer classes to large group fitness formats. Some contemporary approaches stay close to the classical roots; others diverge significantly.
Common characteristics of contemporary Pilates include modified or reordered exercise sequences, equipment designed for modern manufacturing rather than classical specifications, incorporation of props and accessories not part of the original method, and exercises added or adapted from other movement disciplines.
Contemporary Pilates is not inherently bad – but it is a different thing than what Joseph Pilates created. Understanding that difference helps you make an informed choice about your practice.
The Problem With Reformer-Only Studios
In recent years, reformer-only studios have become increasingly popular – large group classes on a single piece of equipment, often set to music, with sequences that change every session. While these classes can be a good workout, they represent a significant departure from what Joseph Pilates intended.
The reformer is one piece of a complete system. It was never designed to be used alone. Joseph Pilates created an entire suite of apparatus because he understood that different pieces of equipment challenge the body in different ways – and that true physical health requires all of them working together.
Practicing on only the reformer is like going to the gym and only ever using one machine. You may get stronger in certain areas, but you are not getting the complete, balanced development that the full classical system provides. The cadillac, chairs, and barrels each address parts of the body and movement patterns that the reformer simply cannot reach.
At Sharp Pilates™, we use the full system – because that’s what the method calls for, and because that’s what gets results.
Why the Distinction Matters
The difference between classical and contemporary Pilates isn’t just philosophical – it’s practical. The classical sequence was designed as a complete system. Every exercise has a purpose, and the order in which exercises are taught and practiced is part of what makes the method work.
When the sequence is modified, reordered, or supplemented with outside influences, the integrity of the system changes. Results may differ – and the cumulative, progressive nature of the classical method is harder to experience when the method itself has been altered.
At Sharp Pilates™, we believe the original method works – and that fidelity to Joseph Pilates’ work is worth preserving. Our clients experience the classical sequence as it was designed, on apparatus built to classical specifications, taught by instructors trained in the Romana’s Pilates tradition.
How to Know What You’re Getting
If you’re looking for classical Pilates in Austin, here are a few questions worth asking any studio:
What lineage does your teaching come from? Classical studios can trace their teaching back to Joseph Pilates through a direct line of teachers. Ask about the lineage.
What equipment do you use? Classical studios use apparatus built to original specifications. If a studio uses equipment from large commercial fitness manufacturers (Balanced Body, Peak, Stott, etc), it is likely a contemporary approach.
Do you use the full system of apparatus? A classical studio uses the complete range of equipment Joseph Pilates designed – not just reformers. If a studio only has reformers, it is not teaching the classical method.
Do you follow the classical sequence? Classical teachers follow the order Joseph Pilates established. If a studio significantly modifies or reorders exercises based on contemporary movement theory, it is a contemporary approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Classical Pilates follows Joseph Pilates’ original method, taught in sequence on the full system of apparatus he designed. Contemporary Pilates includes modern variations that often modify the sequence, use different equipment, or blend in elements from other fitness disciplines.
No. The reformer is one piece of a complete system that includes the cadillac, chairs, and barrels. Classical Pilates uses the full range of equipment, since each piece addresses the body differently.
Ask about their teaching lineage, what apparatus they use, whether they use the full system rather than just reformers, and whether they follow the original exercise sequence. Studios using equipment from large commercial fitness brands are typically teaching a contemporary approach.
Not necessarily, it’s simply a different approach than what Joseph Pilates originally created. The key is understanding which one you’re getting so you can choose what fits your goals.
Classical Pilates in Austin at Sharp Pilates™
Sharp Pilates™ is Austin’s classical Romana’s Pilates studio. We teach the original method on the full system of authentic classical apparatus, in a small-group and private setting designed to give every client real attention and real results.
If you’re looking for the real thing – classical Pilates as Joseph Pilates developed it, on the complete system of apparatus he designed – we’d love to welcome you to the studio.
Visit our Group Sessions page or Private Sessions page to learn more and book your first class.
Sharp Pilates™ is located at 4111 Marathon Blvd, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78756.
We look forward to seeing you in the studio.
