The Different Styles of Pilates

We all know that there are different styles of yoga- anusara, jivamukti, vinyasa, gentle, etc. But did you know that there are also different styles of pilates? There are many different styles out there, so we’re all bound to find one that suits our needs!

In this post, I’ll list a few different kinds of workouts that anyone may be looking for, and match them up with different styles of pilates that respond. These are just SOME styles and certification programs! And, these are just general suggestions based on my thoughts and experiences.


Your style: You want a strong, full body workout and a “good-ache” the next day

Pilates style: Try Power Pilates and Ellie Herman Pilates

These two styles of pilates are very different from each other in some ways, but both will use the pilates equipment, and your body, in as many ways as possible during the hour. Both of these styles strongly focus on abdominal/core work and quickly flow through the exercises so the hour is a continuous, core-intense session.

Power Pilates teaches classical pilates, which is very close to the original exericises that Joseph Pilates created and taught in his New York City studio in the early 1900's. Power Pilates has studios throughout the United States, which is great because you can look up a Power Pilates studio anytime you travel to a different city. You can expect the teaching styles and exercises to be taught in the same consistant way in every Power Pilates studio.

Ellie Herman Pilates teaches many of the classical exercises, but with a lot of variations as well. In general, this style approaches pilates from a more dancerly perspective and can be a fun way of adding new and creative exercises to your pilates routine.

Both styles teach with a "neutral pelvis", that is, with the natural curves of the back, and both styles are taught at my studio, Rhinebeck Pilates.

Your style: You're recovering from an injury and want to work your way back to health

Pilates style: Kelly Kane Pilates or Core Dynamics PilatesLook for pilates instructors certified under either of these studios. A teacher from Kane School or Kinected will have strong knowledge of anatomy and understanding of injuries and will move you through the exercises with ease and precision, slowly strengthening your body back to health.  Kelly Kane originally developed a name for herself and her certification program, and recently merged with Kinected- the people behind FAMI workshops (which I attended in 2008)- to create an extremely strong and admirable program.

Core Dynamics is a studio that teaches pilates based on Eve Gentry's style of pilates. Eve was a dancer and student of Joseph Pilates who had a gentle, theraputic approach to her teaching style. Look for any instructor who mentioned that they're certified under Core Dynamics or who mentions that they have an Eve Gentry approach to pilates.

Both styles teach with a neutral pelvis, and a slow, methodical approach that can be, though is not always, more theraputic than a hard-core workout.

Your Style: You want to do pilates the exact way it was originally taught by Joe back in the day.

Pilates style: Romana's PilatesRomana Kryzanowska was Joe's student and protege'. She was asked by Joe to carry on his legecy, which she has proudly done. Now in her 80's, Romana still does pilates herself, though does not personally run the certification program.
Instructors of Romana's Pilates  is call themselves "Authentic", as a way to set themselves apart or above other instructors.  As a client, the truth is that you are the one to decide if this type of pilates is right for you.   Whether or not its more authentic than classical pilates is up for discussion.  Some details about this type of instruction are strongly debated by instructors who do not teach from this approach. For example, neutral pelvis is not taught, instead, the low back is pressed down into the mat, among other things.
You can also view this post on Bookieboo, a fitness site for active moms, where I am the Pilates Blogger!