The contemporary STOTT PILATES method has evolved from the original teachings of Joseph Pilates to include modern principles of exercise science. As we learn more about the human body, and discover new applications for pilates, it’s important that we keep the original philosophy of the method moving forward and apply current research about the biomechanics of the body.

Once known as the secret weapon of dancers, over the years pilates has become popular as a form of functional fitness, and is now used by the general public for cross-training, rehabilitation, sports conditioning and general fitness purposes.

Our method caters to different body types and abilities by offering various preparatory exercises and modifications, as well as incorporating props. It’s vital that we continue to enhance, develop and improve on the knowledge we’ve acquired to enable people of all ages and fitness levels to reap the benefits. However, we never lose sight of the foundations and the principles on which our method is based.

As with most exercise systems, pilates has changed as scientific knowledge about our bodies has grown. In fact, even Joe Pilates’ own practice changed over time.

The Pilates Foundation has developed an evolutionary approach to Joe’s work. We teach the classic repertoire that Joe would recognise, but realise that most of our clients need to work through some evolved, adjusted exercises before they get there. The principles of his philosophy are central to understanding how the exercises should be taught, but we draw on modern thinking to adjust the exercises to make them accessible to almost every student.

As scientific knowledge increases, there will be new trends and directions in pilates. The beauty of pilates is that the fundamentals can be adapted and refined, learning from other movement regimes to develop a range of exercise variations and approaches suitable for each individual body.

Commercial pressures are also important. Studio classes of one or two people using expensive equipment are fantastic, but the benefits are only available to a privileged few; matwork classes have brought the benefits of pilates to many more people. In the future, fitness centres and gyms are likely to invest in pilates equipment for group classes, providing the benefits of resistance work while still being commercially viable. Manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge by designing equipment that can be stacked and stored away.

What you’re calling ‘pure versus applied’ pilates, we call ‘classical versus contemporary’, and many people feel very strongly about their particular approach. One side feels the original measurements and designs that Joseph Pilates made on his first-generation equipment were done for a reason and should be kept that way. The other thinks combining a current understanding of human biomechanics with the pilates principle is best.

The truth is there’s merit on both sides. The important thing is how the exercise makes you feel: the end result should be experiencing the great ‘mindful movement’ benefits of a strong core and the increased flexibility that pilates provides. That’s what Joseph wanted, so if one approach really resonates over the other for you, that’s fine. It’s why we carry lines of equipment for both.

In the future, we really see a ‘mindful movement’ fitness revolution approaching, with pilates as a central player. With the continued ageing of the affluent baby boomer demographic, and uncertainty in healthcare reform, people are taking their health into their own hands. But many can’t take the pounding of weight-bearing exercise. So we’re seeing fitness facilities come up with all kinds of incredible programming ideas like combining pilates with cardio equipment or props like kettlebells. In addition, we’ve been developing equipment – like our CoreAlign – that, while not pilates per se, combines strength training with a mind-body approach, which makes for a unique group programming option.

Pilates has also taken off in the world of physiotherapy, but there’s a big difference between pilates for fitness and pilates for rehabilitation. If fitness facilities are offering any pilates-based rehabilitation services, they should be done by someone appropriately trained to handle those specific populations.

Questions have been asked by the public and the media about the validity and evidence behind pilates and I believe the profession has to become more accountable. Pilates effectively has two arms now – rehab and fitness – and we must provide more evidence of the benefits in both arenas. Training must also be delivered at an exceptional standard to guarantee professionalism.

The evolution of pilates to embrace rehab is in line with Joseph Pilates’ original message. Analysing his 1947 book, Return to Life Through Contrology, the message is about making permanent life changes. That’s been lost along the way, in favour of trying to find the perfect pilates body and perfecting a person’s movement on a mat. The real challenge should be linking pilates exercises to functional change – a means of chronic pain medicine. That’s what our method is all about, and rather than digressing from Joe’s vision, it’s in fact very closely aligned – just with a lot more evidence.

How does this translate to fitness centres in spas? Trainers need to ensure that they’re adequately trained, and also that they focus on what guests/clients take away from the sessions, not just what they do in the sessions. Population- or age-specific classes designed to change lifestyle are also an option.

Of course, pilates is also a technique that defines and shapes the body, and this does not necessarily need to change. It just needs to be applied by suitably trained professionals.

Contrology – or, as we now refer to it, the pilates method – has been the subject of much discussion for years. There are those who claim that, if it’s not taught exactly as Joe taught it, then it’s not pilates; others feel that, if Joe were still alive, he would have evolved his teaching and technique.

Pilates has three guiding principles: whole body health, whole body commitment and breath. These principles – along with movement principles such as balanced muscle development, concentration, control, centering and precision – all work together to produce the goals and benefits of the pilates method: benefits such as improved co-ordination, strength, mobility, posture and quality of life. The pilates method offers health for life. In my opinion, it therefore laid the foundation for the functional fitness craze of today.

Pilates participation has grown exponentially and internationally it’s still experiencing strong growth. However, that growth seems to be levelling off in the US. New fitness crazes that have rallied behind the success of pilates, using pilates terminology and references, may be diluting the message and importance. Fitness facilities would be best served by maintaining a strong commitment to pilates, with well-trained instructors who understand the depth and breadth of the method and who can champion long-term participation.

The future of pilates is bright. Through innovation and experience, the pilates method and associated studio equipment has evolved to a higher level, incorporating scientific research and refined engineering techniques while adhering closely to Joseph Pilates’ original principles.

Pilates is always evolving. Rings, rollers, bands and small balls have been around for years, and now new tools such as the Arc [a semi-circle shaped barrel with handles], Orbit [a padded board on wheels] and CoreAlign mean instructors can push the boundaries of where pilates can go and who it can benefit.

While the pilates community has become somewhat fractured over the years, it can unite and strengthen going forward around the twin themes of instructor excellence and client focus. By setting the highest standards in instructor training, equipment and continuing professional development, we will make our instructors the best they can be, which will enable them to carry pilates forward in order to enthuse and help more people.