Authentic Pilates

When I say make Pilates Classical Again…what I mean is:

- Build the complexities from the basic origins
- Have a framework and a progressive methodology
- Study and understand the origins of movement and anatomy through the lens of Pilates original work
- Practice the original work to its fullest expression
- Move within your currently capability, while recognizing the areas you could challenge
- Be curious
- Never consider yourself to have “arrived”
- Move with reverence for the vessel you’ve been given
- Learn anatomy, you might as well know what’s under the hood of your car

And of course, stay classy.

Is it too much to ask?

Classical Pilates ASMR 🔈

My studio is equipped with Gratz, Pilates Designs, Legacy and Contrology apparatus.

All of these are reputable classical pilates manufacturers. I have different pieces because I like certain elements on some over others and it allows me to select the apparatus that fits the clients needs best.

Some have more padding, less padding, a slightly different footbar angle, a little more length (80” vs 86”) but the most important thing is that these are the closest designs we have to Joe Pilates original. All have four springs, caster wheels, leather straps, the drag of the carriage, and the original feel of Joe’s Reformer.

The work of Pilates truly makes sense when you practice it on the apparatus it was designed on. Every millimeter matters. When you feel the difference, you know the difference.

These are solid metal pieces, hand crafted, with very specific specs.

I chose metal because of the longevity in them - I’d seen a lot of wood reformers over the years that were dirty, chipped, dinged and yellowed. Though beautiful to begin with, I loved the wood, but truthfully I didn’t trust that others would take care of them the way I would. The metal reformers have a raw, lasting, elemental feeling to them.

Many thanks to the manufacturers in our industry keeping classical Pilates legacy continuing on. Gratz Pilates Pilates Designs, LLC Contrology by Balanced Body

One of the things I love about Classical Pilates is that it’s based on the foundational mechanics of the body. You can distill a function down to its smallest components, rebuild and reintegrate. I’ve always sought out other instructors that teach this way for my own body - resulting in a more unified coordination of my movement, less pain, and a greater understanding of how and why we do the exercises.

I don’t have a lot of patience for movements that induce “junk fatigue” or are complex for the sake of being complex. I prefer simple, meaningful and effective movements for true change in physique and improved function. This is exactly why Classical Pilates was created, and why its methodology has been so rock solid for well over 50 years. The body’s anatomy doesn’t change. So why make it more complex than it needs to be?

…make Pilates Contrology again..

Not just about the order of the exercises.

Make it about the fluid connection of your anatomy moving in the way it was designed to move with the support and challenge of a spring-based system.

Make it about discovering and increasing your awareness of your body in space.

Make it about taking time to slow down and think: this action -> this response -> this consequence

Be curious and explorative, yet recognize proper boundaries keep us from harm.

Make it about sharing this work with others and remember where it came from.

Make it about being guided by the principles: control, precision, centering, flow, breath, concentration..

Make it about remembering that part of control is letting go.

And make it about taking all of these things with us as we “Return to Life”

A certification shows you met the minimum requirements, but what happens after that?

It’s not more certifications…it’s Pilates “grad-school” - in the form of continued private sessions, workshops, intensives, observation, practice, practice, practice and study.

The scope of movement of the body is so vast and broad it’s hard to say it can be learned in a few months or even a few years.

Teachers, keep learning.
Become more than an instructor.
Learn the movements inside and out.
Question everything.
Respect those who teach you.
And pass on what you know to the fullest measure.
Hold nothing back.

Utmost gratitude to those who have helped shape and form me into the teacher I continue to become. Everyone has their own approach to the work of Pilates and our obsession for it unites us.


b.tyler




gracetiers