"Classical Pilates" refers to the method that bears the closest resemblence to the method that Joseph Pilates pioneered, which he called "Contrology." Studios that follow the Classical Method use the original names for the exercises that Pilates himself used, in the original order. Classical Pilates generally adheres to the principle that before working the peripheral parts of the body, the core needs to be strong and stable. Several schools have risen over the last fifteen years which rigorously follow the "Classical" approach -- one of which is Power Pilates. The key difference to the Power Pilates method of certification is that it is a "classical-systematic-integrative approach to Pilates training. Pilates Instructors who are certified by Power Pilates are considered to be practicing "Classical Pilates" and must undergo the full cycle of training described above.

If you are considering Pilates instruction, and would like to be sure that you will be receiving the best training possible, ask the Pilates center or individual instructor how they were certified, and by what training system. If they were certified by Power Pilates, you can be sure that they are teaching "Classical Pilates."

In general, Pilates is taught one-on-one in 1-hour sessions with a professionally certified Pilates instructor. This is especially true in the beginning, and for any exercises involving apparatus. A typical Pilates private session consists of a of both apparatus and mat work as well as any specialized exercises to address your individual body type. In this way the client gradually builds strength, control and balance before moving to more advanced exercises.

As a matter of fact, we can! Pilates Certification is rigorous, but well worth it, both in terms of job-satisfaction and financial rewards. House of Pilates is happy to report that we are the Regional Training Center for Power Pilates of New York and have 2 Teacher Trainers onsite. Students can do all of their training at the center itself. This is enormously convenient for residents of Orange County, CA who wish to become Certified Pilates Instructors. In addition, we are the hub center for Host facilities across the Southwest and can direct you to a Power Pilates Center in your area.

There are two major elements to the Pilates method -- "matwork" exercises and those movements performed on equipment. Over the course of a lifetime, Joseph Pilates developed hundreds of exercises using both a simple mat on the floor as well as a variety of specialized equipment, referred to as "apparatus." These include the Reformer, the Cadillac or Table, the Chair, the Barrel and several other specialized pieces of equipment.

Pilates exercises were primarily developed to align, lengthen and strengthen. Movements are generally not "aerobic" in nature, particularly in the beginning. Instead, Pilates exercises vary in dynamic depending on the exercise. Control and precision are emphasized, repetitions are fewer and focus on isolating muscle groups and developing core strength. Joseph Pilates developed hundreds of exercises, most of which can be modified to suit various body types and injuries.

If you live near Irvine, CA, you may contact us at House of Pilates, since we are certified by Power Pilates and all of our instructors teach ONLY Classical Pilates. If you live elsewhere in Orange County, CA, you can visit the Orange County Pilates website. Most instructors based in Orange County and trained in the Classical method are listed in that site. If you live farther away, the best way to find an instructor near you is to check the instructor listing at the Power Pilates website.

Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. Former acrobat, pugilist and World War I POW, he developed into what can only be described as a fitness visionary. After decades of research, he brought to New York City in 1926 a method of body conditioning the likes of which health and exercise enthusiasts had never seen. Rather than focusing on sets of repetitive weight-bearing movements, Pilates developed a series of specialized exercises to build strength, control and flexibity. Many of the exercises could be performed on nothing more than a floor mat, although hundreds were developed using a series of specialized machines. Joseph Pilates taught his method of "Contrology" until 1967, when he died at the age of 87.

Now, more than seventy years after its introduction, the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning has become one of the most popular forms of fitness training available. Not only has the professional dance community embraced it as the premier method of core-strength training, but athletes and celebrities have used it over the decades to develop the svelte, powerful bodies that their professions demand.

Despite this somewhat glamorous background, Pilates training continues to be one of the fastest growing exercise methods for all walks of life -- from pre-teens to octogenarians, Pilates is embraced not only as a form of specialized training and physical rehabilitation, but also as a deeply effective method to achieve health and well-being.

Simply put, Pilates feels good. As Joseph Pilates himself said "You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions."