25/02/2025
A response to a post in a UK Pilates forum on
"The misinterpretation of Pilates" we say,
"The misrepresentation of Pilates" .
The growing trend in "reformers", appears to be great for all manufacturers of apparatus and training providers building short courses - often online, and to many young people attracted to the "reformer". We welcome differences in practice, however, these practices undermine- again- the depth of education, skills and practice of the Comprehensive Pilates teacher and those who offer mat and some apparatus in small or home studios. The negative impact on all longstanding businesses which carry the name "Pilates" cannot be underestimated. This cannot and should not continue and we have solutions.
Since 2013 "Protect the Public, Protect the method" has been the mission statement of Pilates Teacher Association along with our goal of creating a distinct occupation. We welcome the "Call to protect the Pilates method". Our review paper in 2024 clearly details the challenges in the sector. https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/.../pilates-in-2024....
Pilates teachers themselves called for differentiation and in our research from 2019 we proposed a framework of practice. We sought, and continue to seek, a distinct occupation code for Comprehensive Teachers which would clearly differentiate and define the skills and knowledge to become a "Comprehensive Pilates Teacher" from all other products named "Pilates".
https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../abs/pii/S1360859219300762.
Defining types of Pilates practice or "not Pilates" practice would seem to be needed more than ever so that the public and those wishing to train can have clear and unambiguous information. Starting on a short training named "pilates" can be the entry point to a lifelong career, clear information on the pathway must be available.
It was stated in the post that a large educational provider wrote that "..today’s Pilates is dynamic, engaging, and seriously hard.." We agree!...except it always has been since the days of Joe Pilates ! It is a disciplined progressive workout which equally can be tailored to the needs of the individual at a pace appropriate to skill and body condition. In the beginning they may be slow, but progression through the system builds the skills. Our survey also had comments from teachers which said that while Pilates was not "therapy" it had "therapeutic" properties.
The physiotherapy and clinical interpretations of Pilates on a reduction and isolation basis, based on literature stating that " the repertory approach closely follows the original exercises as set out by Pilates himself,...It is fairly fast and dynamic right from the start of the programme....this approach can be potentially dangerous. " (Latey 2001) brought Pilates based mat to a place of almost "rehab" and participants were mostly women, commonly older. Further, as stated by teachers in the survey, too many providers were creating movements which bore no relation to Pilates and "in the name of science". While "the six principles" are often cited as what makes an exercise "Pilates", these were created by students of, and relating to the teaching of the method by Romana Krysanowska. Therefore, it could be argued that these are Romana's principles and appropriating them outside of that teaching school is misleading. Nevertheless, they are a useful guide on what Pilates himself may or may not have wanted. This interview tells us more about the principles and one of the author's Gail Friedman.https://youtu.be/tQRYq3pIu8s?si=RAfCyyEnhMgzZEwN.
Today's reformer drive is returning the dynamics to "Pilates" and encouraging younger, and more male participants. Great! But there needs more clarity on what is being offered. Is it a group Fitness Reformer class? - is it Pilates based exercise?- or
The law gives guidance, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Trading Standards offer the ability to express concerns on the law by traders who may use misleading statements or omissions. https://www.which.co.uk/.../consumer-protection-from.... If you feel your business is being negatively affected contact your local Government trading standards in the UK. You may also write to the UK Government body for the fitness sector,
CIMSPA to express your views.
To reformer studio businesses and training providers, please consider ensuring that your business describes your offerings clearly, if not tailored to individual need of each participant, not using the exercises designed by Pilates or comprehensive Pilates brands, it's reformer class . We wish you every success in your businesses, but please have respect for those who are the specialists.
We call for the practice of the system and the education of Comprehensive Pilates teachers to be protected not just "principles". The global comprehensive teaching community are unique and deserve individual recognition of their craft. They are a specialist occupation. To join Pilates Teacher Association, please follow this link https://www.pilatesteacherassociation.org/join/
