Classical Pilates: Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Pilates at Urban Pilates

General Questions

What exactly makes Pilates "Classical" vs. "Contemporary"?
Classical Pilates adheres strictly to Joseph Pilates' original method, including specific exercise sequences, traditional equipment, and core principles. Contemporary Pilates adapts these methods, often incorporating elements from other fitness disciplines or modern variations. At Urban Pilates, we remain faithful to the complete system Joseph designed, which has proven its effectiveness for nearly a century.

Is Classical Pilates just more old-fashioned?
Not at all. Classical Pilates isn't "outdated"—it's timeless. The method was revolutionary when Joseph created it and remains cutting-edge in its understanding of the body. Modern scientific research continues to validate Joseph's principles, confirming what he intuitively understood about functional movement and core stability decades ahead of his time.

Will I get the same results from any Pilates studio?
The outcomes from different Pilates approaches vary significantly. Contemporary studios often emphasize certain aspects of fitness (like muscle burn or cardiovascular intensity) at the expense of the balanced body development that Classical Pilates provides. At Urban Pilates, our comprehensive approach ensures you develop strength, flexibility, and control in equal measure, creating sustainable, functional fitness.

Getting Started

Do I need Pilates experience to begin Classical Pilates?
Absolutely not. Classical Pilates is designed as a progressive system suitable for all levels. At Urban Pilates, we start every new client with foundational movements that establish proper technique before advancing to more challenging exercises. Many clients find that Classical Pilates actually provides a more accessible entry point because of its emphasis on precision and personalized instruction.

I've tried Contemporary Pilates before. Will Classical feel completely different?
Most clients who transition from Contemporary to Classical Pilates notice significant differences. The movements may appear similar, but the emphasis on precision, breath, and specific sequencing creates a distinctly different experience. Many report feeling muscles they've never engaged before and discovering new awareness of their movement patterns.

Is Classical Pilates appropriate if I have injuries or physical limitations?
Yes—in fact, Classical Pilates excels at addressing physical limitations. Joseph Pilates originally developed his method while working with injured soldiers during World War I. Our instructors at Urban Pilates have extensive training in modifying the classical exercises for various conditions while maintaining the essential principles. Always inform your instructor about any injuries or concerns before beginning.

The Investment

Why does Classical Pilates cost more than classes at large fitness studios?
The premium pricing reflects several factors: our instructors' comprehensive education (2+ years of specialized training), small class sizes that enable personalized attention, and investment in complete, authentic equipment. Rather than comparing Classical Pilates to general fitness classes, consider it more like specialized physical training or preventative healthcare—an investment with returns that extend far beyond the studio.

How often should I practice to see results?
For optimal results, we recommend 2-3 sessions weekly. Joseph Pilates observed that clients see meaningful transformation within 30 sessions of consistent practice. However, many clients report feeling differences after just a few sessions, particularly in posture, body awareness, and reduction of discomfort.

Do you offer package pricing or memberships?
Yes, Urban Pilates offers several package options that provide savings on regular sessions. We find that clients who commit to packages tend to practice more consistently and therefore see more dramatic results. Contact our studio for current pricing and package details.

The Classical Pilates Experience

How long are Classical Pilates sessions?
All sessions at Urban Pilates are 55 minutes. Despite being shorter than some Contemporary classes (which often run 60+ minutes), Classical sessions deliver more efficient results through their systematic approach and precision.

What should I wear to a Classical Pilates session?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement while enabling your instructor to see your body alignment. Form-fitting athletic wear works well. Avoid loose shirts that might fall over your head during inverted positions. Pilates is practiced barefoot or in clean Pilates socks with grips. For hygiene purposes we require socks to be worn in our studio.

Will Classical Pilates give me the same "burn" as my current workout?
Classical Pilates creates a different sensation than many contemporary fitness approaches. Rather than pursuing muscle fatigue or "burn" as a primary goal, we focus on proper engagement and control. Many clients report feeling "worked from the inside out"—strengthening deep stabilizing muscles often neglected in other workouts. The challenge comes from precision and control rather than exhaustion.

Results and Benefits

How quickly will I see results with Classical Pilates?
Joseph Pilates famously said you'll feel the difference in 10 sessions, see the difference in 20, and have a new body in 30. Most Urban Pilates clients report improved posture, better body awareness, and reduced discomfort within their first month of consistent practice (2-3 times weekly). Visual changes typically become apparent within 2-3 months.

Will Classical Pilates help me lose weight?
While not primarily marketed as weight loss method, Classical Pilates contributes to body composition changes by developing lean muscle, improving metabolism, and enhancing body awareness that often leads to better nutrition choices. Many clients find their bodies become more toned and proportional through regular practice, even without significant scale changes.

Can Classical Pilates replace my strength training or cardio workouts?
Classical Pilates provides comprehensive conditioning that strengthens the entire body with particular emphasis on core stability. Many clients find it delivers all the strength training they need, especially when practiced on the complete apparatus system. While Classical Pilates will elevate your heart rate, particularly dedicated endurance athletes might wish to supplement with additional cardio activities.

How does Classical Pilates help with back pain?
Joseph designed his method with spine health as a central focus. Classical Pilates addresses back pain by strengthening core muscles that support the spine, improving postural alignment, enhancing flexibility, and teaching proper movement patterns. Many clients report significant reduction in back pain after consistent Classical practice—sometimes after years of unsuccessful treatments elsewhere.

About Urban Pilates

What credentials do Urban Pilates instructors have?
All instructors at Urban Pilates have completed comprehensive Classical Pilates certification programs requiring 700+ hours of training, observation, and practice teaching. This rigorous education ensures they understand not just the exercises but the underlying principles and proper progression of the method.

What equipment will I use at Urban Pilates?
Our studio features the complete Classical Pilates apparatus system, including Reformers, Cadillac, Wunda Chairs, and Ladder Barrels built to Joseph's original specifications. This comprehensive equipment setup allows you to experience the method in its entirety, with each apparatus offering unique benefits that complement the others.

Do you offer private sessions or only group classes?
Urban Pilates offers both private sessions and small group classes (maximum 3-6 participants). Many clients begin with several private sessions to learn the fundamentals before joining group classes, while others maintain a combination of both for optimal results.

Have additional questions? Contact Urban Pilates today to speak with one of our expert instructors.