Contrology: Original Pilates

[Robert V]

I just got a program from Romana Kryzanowska, the lady who Joseph Pilates left in charge of his system. She's 80 years old. She teaches Original Pilates which is very different from what you see now.

It contained a few original clips of Joseph Pilates teaching and exercising.

What struck me was how athletic the original Pilates was or is.

I've often been a little hard on Pilates for it's lack of 3-D movement, but originally it wasn't the case.

The apparatus like the Cadillac was really just a big sohisticated "monkey bar".

The Reformer has many dynamic movements.

The mat work contained gymnastic type movemnts, standing not just on the mat.

I cringed at some of the coaching methods. It reminded me more of Army PT than anything else. She is like a drill Sergeant.

PT and Chiroprators would die if they saw some of her coaching techniques.

Yet, it's very interesting.

Often I remind people about the bogus claims of Pilates, "long lean muscles", for Joseph himself was built more like me. He was thick and wasn't long and lean, nor is Romana.

The program will help sharpen my Pilates skills, but it was more interesting than anything else.

[PeterN]

Robert.

I've been teaching Pilates since 1997. I just attended episolon in Philly. yes, Pilates, when done at advanced levels, is very gymnastic, intense, &acrobatic. Joseph Pilates was a boxer and circus performer. The dance influence came later after he opened his studio in NYC.

Unfortunately much of what passes for Pilates today in healthclubs is watered down, sanitized versions of original exercises, or worse. Pilates cannot be learned from a video. You need to work with a an experienced teacher for an extended period to understand the method. Pilates was influenced by Swedish gymnastics and the Turners.

Pilates , when taught well, will help you identify and eliminate patterns of tension and compensation. Pilates is an invaluable exercise method. You can check out my website at www.movementworkpilates.com

Yours,
PeterN

[Scott Sonnon]

Peter,

It's great to hear your input. I'd love to read more from you on how CST and Pilates complement each other...

[Robert V]

Peter,

Thanks for your input. I agree with you. I began solely as a Pilates instructor in 1998. It was a great introduction into movement therapy. I began blending Ashtanga with Pilates later and now I integrate it with Warrior Wellness/Bodyflow and other sophisticated movement concepts.

An introduction to Pilates demands the attention of a qualified trainer during one on one or very small group sessions. If not, there will be neck and back injuries. Moreover, obtaining the true benefits become almost impossible.

I know about Mr. Pilates background and its influence in his program. He actually came to the states to train boxers, but the dancers got him first.

I haven't seen a lot of sophisticated movement in most of todays pilates mat classes. But I've seen great GPP. The Pilates machines grant more sophisticated movements and SPP, but most people can't afford the machines, nor afford the cost for private lessons on them. That's why I've incorporated Bodyflow and Warrior Wellness. It fills in the gaps. I don't know if you've explored Dykhaniye and "Be Breathe", but it compliments Pilates very well.

Yet, as you stated, Pilates is a vehicle to discover patterns of tension. That's why most physical therapist use the some of the movements.

I love exploring different instructors interpretations of Pilates, for there is the original practice and methods formed from the original method, with the aid of scientific knowledge Joseph was not privy to. Watching the original program made it clear why some of the movements were eliminated, but unclear why some were for they have great value.

There is always something more to learn. Hopefully, you'll be willing to share some of your knowledge here.