Why Are There are "Flavors" of Pilates?

Joseph Pilates Teaching

Joseph Pilates called his exercise "Contrology." After Joseph and Clara Pilates' deaths, the Method became known as "Pilates," but there were disagreements among those teaching/marketing it. In an unsuccessful law suit (U.S. District Court – Southern District of NY, Opinion 96 civ. 43 (MGC) October 2000) bid to trademark Pilates, a U.S. federal court ruled the term “Pilates” generic and free for unrestricted use. Now, you can call anything you like "Pilates" -- which is how "Piyo," "Yogilates," "Piloxing," "Aqualates" and the like got started. As a result, there are many brands or flavors of Pilates.

Anyone can start a Pilates Instructor training program. Anyone can teach a class and call it Pilates...so what's the difference? Many programs claim to have "evolved" beyond Joseph Pilates. Equipment has been "improved" with additional features and functions. 

Joseph Pilates with a Client

If you're looking for a studio/instructor who teaches closely to the original, look for a "Classical" studio. Ask the instructor about his/her training and for his/her lineage -- how close his/her instructor is to Joseph Pilates and "The Elders" -- the teachers that he and Clara Pilates personally trained. The closer they are, similar to genealogy, the closer their teaching methods should be.

No matter whether you choose Classical or a more modern approach, be sure your instructor is well-qualified and the studio is reputable. It's a relationship -- you should feel safe, supported, and be able to communicate openly with your instructor. If not, keep looking.