What is Classical Pilates?
You may have heard us talking about Classical Pilates and wondered what the difference is.
The simplest explanation is that Classical Pilates follows the original system created by Joseph Pilates. The exercises, equipment, teaching style, and progressions are all designed to work together as a complete method.
Contemporary Pilates grew from the same roots but often adapts exercises, changes sequencing, and incorporates more modern approaches to movement, rehabilitation, and exercise science.
Neither approach is "better" than the other. Both can help people move better, feel stronger, and gain confidence in their bodies. The difference is mainly in how the method is organised and taught.
❋ What Classical Pilates Feels Like
Clients often describe Classical Pilates as:
clean and structured
clear and logical
challenging but purposeful
rhythmic and flowing
consistent from class to class
It's not about doing lots of different things.
It's about doing the right things well.
Rather than constantly introducing new exercises, Classical Pilates uses repetition and progression to help your body learn. Over time, movements become more familiar, more connected, and more rewarding.
❋ The Equipment
Classical equipment is built to teach your body.
The springs, dimensions, and movement pathways provide feedback that helps you find strength, control, balance, and alignment.
Many clients find that the equipment itself helps them understand how an exercise should feel.
It feels different, in a good way.
❋ The Order
One of the things Classical Pilates is known for is its carefully designed exercise sequences.
In the Mat and Reformer systems, exercises are performed in a specific order, with each movement preparing you for the next. The sequence is designed to:
warm you up
challenge you
strengthen you
stretch you
restore you
Clients often notice that this progression feels logical and purposeful because every exercise has a reason for being there.
It's worth noting that not every piece of Pilates equipment follows a strict sequence in the same way. The mat and reformer are where you'll see the most recognisable classical order, while other equipment is selected and used according to the needs of the client and the goals of the session.
❋ Teaching Style
Classical Pilates teaching tends to be:
clear
direct
hands-on
rhythm-based
focused on flow
It's not about choreography or constant variation.
It's about building skill, strength, confidence, and understanding through a method that makes sense.
The goal isn't simply to complete a workout.
The goal is to develop a stronger, more capable body.
What This Means for You
Here's the part that matters most.
If you've been attending classes with Yvonne or Samantha for example, you've already experienced a largely classical style of Pilates.
If you've been attending classes with Liv or Claire, you've been experiencing a more contemporary approach.
So for many clients, this isn't something completely new.
In fact, many of you have already experienced elements of both approaches during your time at EQ.
Contemporary Pilates is what EQ was built on. It's been our foundation for many years and has helped thousands of clients move better, feel stronger, and feel more confident in their bodies.
We're not replacing that foundation.
We're building on it.
Our move towards a more classical framework is about creating greater consistency across the studio, clearer progressions for clients, and a deeper connection to the original Pilates method.
For most clients, Classical Pilates won't feel completely different.
It will feel:
familiar
clearer
more structured
more progressive
more purposeful
It's the same EQ you know and love.
Just with an even clearer roadmap for where your Pilates journey can take you.