February 6

The Sooner You Know About Classical Pilates The Better

  • Min. Read

What is Classical Pilates?

Classical Pilates is one of the original series of exercises in Pilates. The 34 exercises are done in the exact order that Joseph Pilates developed in the 1920s. It’s a no equipment, 30-minute workout that you can do anywhere. As Joseph Pilates said himself: 

In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body”

Classical Pilates

The goal of Joseph Pilates’ classical Pilates workout was based around his 3 principles: breath, full body commitment, and full body health. These principles were then expanded upon to become less abstract, becoming the Pilates Principles:

  • Breath
  • Concentration
  • Centering
  • Control
  • Precision
  • Flow
Classical Pilates

Beyond these principles for good form, Pilates is well-known for its numerous benefits for the body. Both as a practice of recovery and overall fitness. Practicing Pilates benefits you by:

Classical Pilates
  • Decreasing back pain
  • Preventing injuries
  • Increasing energy
  • Decreasing stress
  • Increasing mobility and agility
  • Preventing age related injuries
  • Keeping the tissue supple and free

As a result, Pilates is a great way to exercise the body. It’s not a practice that requires high intensity workouts to see benefits, though you certainly can challenge yourself if you want to. No matter what, you’ll get results from any Pilates mat work. Classical Pilates sets itself apart by being particularly appealing for a few reasons.

Why Choose Classical Pilates Over Other Options?

Classical Pilates

What sets classical Pilates apart from more modern Pilates mat classes is the specific order of the exercises. These 34 exercises are intentionally done in a precise order.

The exercises start by warming up the body before moving into more challenging exercises, and then cooling it down as the series wraps up. At the same time, the sequence makes use of gravity by working with and against the force for even more benefits. Working with gravity helps the body complete movements, while working against it adds challenge to exercises.

Many of the exercises in the sequence use the whole body, such as the Boomerang. 

Classical Pilates

This is important because full body exercises are beneficial. They help:

  • Promote balanced muscle development
  • Promote strength
  • Increase flexibility
  • Increase range of joint motion

Thanks to this, classical Pilates is particularly unique in the practice. Rather than targeting a specific part of the body, classical Pilates works the whole body. This holistic approach keeps the body’s development balanced throughout the fitness journey.

Exercises Featured In Classical Pilates

While every exercise in classical Pilates is important, some are real standouts, such as:

  • Seal - massages the spine and improves balance, improving posture and flexibility.
Classical Pilates
  • Control Balance - strengthens the hip extensors and core as well as improving hip mobility.
Classical Pilates
  • Star - uses the lateral side body for balance and coordination. This increases hip stability and shoulder stability.
Classical Pilates
  • Saw - stretches the hamstrings, hips, and deep abdominal muscles while strengthening the back.
Classical Pilates
  • Hip Twist - strengthen your abdominals and hip flexors as well as stability for your lower back.
Classical Pilates
  • Scissors - improves spine flexibility, strengthens the abdominals, and stretches the hamstrings and hip flexors.
Classical Pilates
  • Leg Pull -  strengthens the hamstrings, glutes, and quadriceps. It also improves stability in the shoulders.
Classical Pilates

Want To Get Started With Classical Pilates?

Classical Pilates

If classical Pilates has caught your eye, Fitstreams has the perfect class for you. The Classical Mat class takes participants through Joseph Pilates’ traditional series from start to finish. 

With a 14 day FREE trial there’s no risk of giving traditional Pilates a shot. There’s no need to commute to a gym for fitness; the Classical Mat class doesn’t use equipment and is a lightning fast 30 minutes. You’ll get your fitness needs met without putting a hold on the rest of the day.

Classical Pilates

Classical Pilates is the traditional sequence originating from Joseph Pilates himself. The 34 exercises aim to work the body using the many full body exercises. This differs from more modern Pilates mat classes that target specific areas of the body one at a time. If classical Pilates interests you, the Fitstreams Classical Mat class is a great way to get started using the 14 day free trial.


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About the author

Laurie Johnson

Laurie’s clear and candid cueing makes classes easy to follow without looking at the screen. Her wit and good nature create an enjoyable class that challenges your limits and celebrates your successes.  

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