Finding your perfect Pilates match

Classical Pilates: staying true to Joe’s vision

Classical Pilates is as close as you can get to what Joseph Pilates originally envisioned. This approach honours the detailed, dynamic full-body system that Joe developed, drawing from his background in boxing, weightlifting, skiing, martial arts, yoga, and dance.

If you’re someone who appreciates tradition and wants to experience Pilates in its purest form, Classical might be your calling. The teaching is precise, the sequences are traditional, and you’ll often find that instructors at Classical studios have completed comprehensive Classical Pilates teacher training programmes.

Studio Pilates: the contemporary approach

Studio Pilates takes Joseph Pilates’ original method and adapts it with a more contemporary lens, using all the beautiful Pilates apparatus. What we love about this approach is how client-focused it is – your instructor will create personalised programming that includes both original Pilates exercises and other Pilates movements to meet your specific goals.

The emphasis here is on exploring and understanding your unique body and mind connection. It’s still very much a full-body workout, but with that personal touch that helps you discover what works best for you. Like Classical instructors, Studio Pilates teachers need comprehensive training to work in these environments.

Both Studio and Classical Pilates centers often offer group classes (on apparatus and mat) that can range from focused to dynamic workouts, depending on what you’re looking for. The attention to detail remains paramount, and there’s always that beautiful focus on how your mind and body respond to movement and challenge.

Clinical Pilates: where healthcare meets movement

Clinical Pilates represents the beautiful evolution of Pilates into the healthcare sphere. As the method became more mainstream, health professionals recognised its incredible therapeutic potential and developed this specialised approach.

What makes Clinical Pilates unique is its medically-informed methodology. Every decision is driven by the practitioner’s clinical background and your specific health goals. This makes it particularly beneficial for people dealing with conditions like strokes, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, chronic headaches and migraines, acute and chronic back pain, or those in pre- and post-operative recovery phases.

The Pilates apparatus becomes a powerful rehabilitation tool in these settings. Clinical Pilates instructors typically hold both an allied health degree and comprehensive Pilates teacher training, ensuring they can safely and effectively work with complex medical presentations.

Reformer Pilates: the fitness-focused favourite

This is the style you’ve probably seen all over social media! Reformer Pilates classes focus on challenge and fitness, with less emphasis on the technical elements of traditional Pilates. Classes typically stick to just the reformer (hence the name), often with 10+ people in a class. But they’re still incredibly fun and effective for people who simply want to move.

Many instructors in this space come from fitness backgrounds with in-house education, making it a great entry point if you’re considering starting your instructor journey. It’s accessible, energetic, and perfect for those who want to experience Pilates without diving too deep into the methodology.

Virtual Pilates: your gateway to the Pilates world

Don’t overlook virtual classes! They’re actually a fantastic way to dip your toes into the Pilates world. We’ve seen so many clients start with virtual sessions, fall in love with the method, and then come try in-person classes. It’s a wonderful, low-barrier way to discover if Pilates is for you.

Finding What Works for YOU

At Waves, we focus primarily on Studio and Clinical Pilates, with some of our instructors also bringing Classical training to the mix. But here’s what’s most important: finding a type that works for YOU. Something you genuinely enjoy and want to return to regularly.

Your Pilates journey might evolve throughout your lifetime. Maybe you start with Reformer Pilates for the fitness challenge, then move to Studio Pilates as you develop a deeper appreciation for the method, or perhaps explore Clinical Pilates if you’re dealing with a specific issue. There’s no right or wrong path, just different interpretations and focuses.

Questions to ask when choosing a studio

Before you commit to a studio or class, here are some helpful questions to ask:

• What type of Pilates do you specialise in?
• What qualifications do your instructors have?
• Do you use all the apparatus, or focus on specific equipment?
• Can you accommodate my specific goals or health considerations?
• What’s the class size like? (This can vary significantly between types)

The beauty of having so many different Pilates approaches is that there truly is something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the precision of Classical, the personalisation of Studio, the therapeutic focus of Clinical, the energy of fitness-based Reformer, or the convenience of virtual classes, you’re still moving – and that’s what matters most.

As we always say, variety is the spice of life. The more people moving and enjoying movement, the better!

Take your time exploring the different options available to you. Your perfect Pilates match is out there waiting.

Ready to find your Pilates fit? We’d love to help you discover which approach resonates with you. Feel free to reach out with any questions – we’re here to support your movement journey.

Author: Katina McCulloch, co-founder and director at Waves

Disclaimer: this site cannot and doesn’t contain medical/ health advice. The medical/ health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.