What’s so special about a classical reformer?

I love and own both Classical and Contemporary equipment, both provide benefit. But…

I was taught the Classical Exercises on a Balanced Body contemporary reformer. My Classically-trained instructor was brilliant in verbally translating the sensations I was looking for - but I still felt like something was missing.

My instructor would describe feelings and sensations that I would desperately search for. I felt like the carriage was constantly “sliding out” from underneath me, and I could never find the feeling of “dragging” the carriage in. My grip was never as firm or secure on the footbar and the dimensions in general just felt “too big”. The lighter spring tension did have some benefit to strengthening my upper body, but at a disconnect from the rest of my center. I felt like I was moving from my limbs, but not my core. And the teaser on that thing was like a circus act…

So, I did what had to be done; I ordered a classical reformer.

The moment I got on, I could not stop smiling. Everything fell into place. Every turn, every corner, every teaser, I was connected to my center. I was supported, yet challenged, and I entered into a new era of understanding. Every exercise had a new dimension added to it.

This was it.

How could I have gone so long without feeling these connections?!

If you change the apparatus, you’ve changed everything. The contemporary boasts innovation and user-friendly reformers/apparatus (making the exercises easier) but at the cost of degrading the feel and fundamentals of the original work.

Think about that one spot you can’t quite get to feel right…it’s like wearing a shoe two sizes too big. Or, respectfully, it’s like wearing a knockoff brand instead of the real deal. Lots of similar elements, but the fit is different. The Classical reformer is made for precision with every dimension and tension calibrated to challenge and support in all the right places.

The Classical reformer’s dimensions, tension and leverage supports and challenges your body in just the right way….why did we ever change it?

Modern and conventional pilates workouts are consumer oriented in that they adapt to the clientele’s preference alongside trends, in contrast, in the traditional method, it is the student that adapts to Classical Pilates. We don’t change the work. The work changes us.

My journey from using a contemporary reformer to embracing Classical apparatus illustrates the realization that adherence to the original work provides a deeper understanding and lasting benefits.

The unique and cohesive exercises are complex and varied enough you could spend a lifetime studying without inserting innovations and other methodologies. To master the flowing movement, technical clarity, rhythm and dynamics require a firm understanding of the foundations of movement, which the original work of Pilates provides, and likely will require a lifetime of study.

The feel in my body is a testament to the work. I don’t dismiss the other apparatus entirely, but if we’re going to do Pilates, let’s make sure we know what Pilates is and where it comes from. If you feel the same, please, chime in. If you don’t, that’s ok too. You’ll drink fine wine someday ;) For me, this method will be carried with me for the rest of my life as allowed. To feel the difference is to know the difference.