The “Wild West of Pilates”? - What’s in a Name and Why it Matters
Pilates has been hitting the headlines again a lot recently, and not always for the right reasons!
With headlines like “The Wild West of Pilates” and big name news outlets such as the BBC reporting on the “dangers” of the current Reformer trend, people are understandably asking questions. Here is our take on what these headlines are about, why the name “Pilates” matters, and how you can ensure you find the right studio that teaches the method you are seeking.
What is it all about?
“Pilates” and “Reformer” have experienced somewhat of a boom in recent years. Pilates has suddenly become trendy; celebrities are crediting Pilates for keeping them in shape, the Reformer has stepped into the limelight as the exercise apparatus of the moment. The drive for social media clicks & likes on sites such as Instagram and Tik Tok has led to a new type of Pilates aesthetic. Hashtags like #PilatesPrincess and #PilatesEra are trending. Pilates is booming…but not necessarily in the right way.
Joseph Pilates once said “The whole country, the whole world should be doing my exercises, they’d be happier”. So why isn’t the Pilates world celebrating the current Pilates boom?
Of course we want more people to discover Pilates and experience its benefits. It’s why we do what we do. The thing is, behind the scenes there are things we are starting to see more and more of that give us cause for concern…
Poor quality training: Fitness instructor training can be a lucrative business. The current Pilates boom has seen “Pilates” training courses launched by generic fitness providers who are themselves inexperienced in the actual Pilates method. The methodology of Pilates is diluted to generic exercises, designed for group fitness and to be instructed rather than taught. There are now Reformer fitness training courses that can be completed entirely online or over as little as a weekend! This is a stark contract to the intensive study of the Classical Pilates method that can take years and hundreds of hours to complete.
In-experienced Studio Owners: As Pilates has grown in popularity, so has the number of studios being opened by non-Pilates teachers; business people with an eye for investment opportunities. Class sizes grow to improve profitability. Teaching integrity gives way to trendy aesthetics, branded upsells and profit margins. New teachers jumping straight into the world of studio ownership, expecting it to live up to the glossy aesthetic portrayed on social media, before themselves honing their skills out in the Pilates world and realising what running a studio really means.
Lack of Understanding of the Apparatus: Teaching on the apparatus comes with a big responsibility in health and safety. We are responsible for checking and maintaining our apparatus, ensuring our clients know how to work safely on it, and importantly understand what strengths and connections the client needs to have mastered to be ready for certain exercises on that apparatus (and how to get them there!). The most advanced exercises aren’t always the ones that look the most spectacular, they are the ones that require the most control and understanding of how to move with the apparatus. This takes time and a deep understanding of the work that simply cannot be achieved via a weekend training course. Throw into the mix the variations between different apparatus brands, and the growth of cheaper modern reformers. New brands are appearing from manufacturing companies with little experience of the actual Pilates method. Apparatus is being modified to be more convenient, easier to manufacture, look prettier - often sacrificing key details in the apparatus design that ultimately make a difference to the work. Remember, Joe was meticulous in his method, and small details in the apparatus he invented matter.
Dilution of the method: The methodology of traditional Pilates - the very thing that makes it so effective - has become diluted or lost altogether amidst the desire to create ever more trendy large group classes and creative flows, designed to look appealing on social media or exciting to the attendee. Teaching the individual has shifted to instructing the group. When this happens, we are no longer teaching Pilates - it becomes fitness on a mat or Reformer.
Put all this together and you inevitably move towards an increased risk of accidents, injuries and ultimately damage to the entire Pilates reputation. This is what has the Pilates world so concerned.
*** I should make one thing clear at this point - this is not about traditional Pilates teachers being “scared of competition” or “rejecting evolution”, as I have often seen claimed. Fitness trends come and go, and to be honest if it gets people moving and enjoying exercise that is great! I’m not dissing it. There is space for all types of exercise and I give respect to those instructors who put hours of work into pulling together ever more creative flows to keep their audience entertained. There are bodies that are well suited to Reformer fitness style classes, and who absolutely love it. I have no issue with this, and I will happily direct people to studios that offer this if that is what they are seeking. BUT when we start calling everything on a mat or Reformer “Pilates”, this is where it becomes problematic. ***
As teachers we may know the difference between the Pilates method, and generic mat or reformer based fitness…but does the general public? If the name Pilates is being used for exercise classes that are far removed from the method itself, how can the public know the difference?
What’s In a Name?
For those who don’t already know about the Pilates method, here is a very quick catch up:
Pilates was originally named “Contrology” by its creator Joseph Pilates. It was renamed Pilates after his death
Joseph Pilates spent his life meticulously studying movement and wellbeing. In Joe’s eyes, exercise had become too aesthetically focussed; focussing on specific muscle groups rather than the body as a whole. His Contrology method was designed with full body wellness in mind
Your main workout was your mat and Reformer. Exercises were learned and practiced in a specific order, carefully designed to enable efficiency and progression. You didn’t add in a new exercise until your body was ready for it…and your body became ready for it by practicing the exercises that came before.
There was a whole system of other apparatus to help you develop strength and control where you need it most. Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrels, PediPul and all the other studio apparatus & equipment all feed into a single system that can be tailored to the individual.
It is the methodology and system approach that made Pilates special; why it was so loved by those who practiced it and why it has endured over the decades long after Joe’s death. It is a system designed for all bodies, all ages and all abilities.
Pilates isn’t an era, it is something that works with you your whole life. We have regular clients in our studio who are in their twenties and clients in their eighties. You do not need to look a certain way or be at a certain level of fitness, Pilates truly is for everyone and it is for life.
Preserving the Method
Classical Pilates is a term often used to describe the teaching of the Pilates method in the way it was intended in Joe’s Contrology. We learn the method as it was passed down from 1st generation teachers; those who were taught by Joseph Pilates himself, such as Romana Kryzanowska and Jay Grimes.
In our training we don’t just learn the exercises and the anatomy. We learn the purpose behind the method and a deep understanding of how to apply the method in our teaching. Classical Pilates training courses are in depth and demanding; requiring hundreds of hours of logged personal practice, teaching observations and teaching practice alongside regular assessments in the ability to demonstrate, teach and apply the method. There are no quick qualifications here; you can expect to spend 18 months or more on your initial training - and that is just the start of your journey!
This is important, as this deep understanding of the method is what makes Pilates work. It’s not just about knowing the exercises, or even the ability to “layer” exercises for a mixed ability group. It is about understanding how the different exercises fit together to help you progress, and how to use the system to teach the individual body in front of you. It is the difference between instructing and teaching.
When we dilute the method, when we instruct exercises rather than teach the individual, when we prioritise creativity over purpose, Pilates looses what makes it special.
What to Look For in a Studio
The first thing you need to ask yourself is what is it you are looking for? What is driving your search for a Pilates studio? After all the best form of exercise is one you enjoy and stick to.
Here are some “green flags” to look for in a pilates studio…
A studio run by an experienced teacher
Teachers who have completed an in depth comprehensive Pilates training, and a studio that nurtures ongoing training and development
An induction process for new clients
Small class sizes, with clearly defined class levels
A studio that greets you by name, and gets to know you and your body
A clear studio policy on the use of studio apparatus, with a focus on health and safety
What you will Get from Us at Be:Poised Pilates
For us at Be:Poised Pilates, Pilates is our passion. We believe in high quality Pilates teaching that treats every body as an individual. With us you will get…
A studio run by passionate teachers: Be:Poised Pilates founder Gina has been teaching Pilates for almost a decade. In 2024 she teamed up with Claire Rees of Pilates with Claire to open the Pilates Studios at Lavant House - the place that Be:Poised Pilates now calls home. Gina has been practicing Pilates herself for over 15 years. Her studio is built from her passion for the method; a desire to help others feel strong in their bodies through Pilates and to support the studios teachers in delivering the highest quality teaching through a deep understanding of the method.
A dedicated Induction Process: Inductions are available for all new clients, and are mandatory for anyone wishing to join our group apparatus classes, such as group Reformer or group Tower. Inductions can either be completed as a Studio Induction Workshop for small groups of upto 4 people, or as 1:1 sessions. Inductions are a chance to learn how to use the apparatus safely, learn how the different elements of the Pilates system work together, and identify key modifications or focus areas to help make the exercises work for what your body needs right now. After your induction we continue to check in with you, to help you settle into classes and feel confident in your practice.
Small Group Classes: Our Group Reformer, Group Tower, and Pre/Postnatal Specialist Classes all have a maximum size limit of 4 people. This is so that your teacher can observe, guide and support each person as an individual during the class, and ensure you are working safely with the apparatus. On the mat, we take upto 8 people maximum. Our classes run at specific levels, helping you learn the work and get it in your body in a progressive manner; building strength in one exercise before applying it to the next. This means no one is left floundering in a class, trying to catch up on figuring out what the exercise is rather than properly feeling it in their body.
A personalised Approach: We get to know our clients. We greet you by name, we take time to discover what your body needs, and how you learn best. We are here to make Pilates work for YOU. Whether you are here for a 1:1 or a group class, we treat every person as an individual. When you step into our studio you are part of our Pilates community.
Quality Apparatus & Clear Policies: Our studio uses high quality apparatus from trusted manufacturers, including Legacy, Arregon and BASI. We have documented policies in place detailing regular checks and maintenance activities for our apparatus. New clients are directed to our Welcome Information & Policies page via our welcome email, which includes our studio guidelines for clients and health & safety instructions for working on the apparatus. In your induction you will be shown how to use the apparatus safely, and our teachers guide and support you throughout each class to help you work safely.
A focus on high quality teaching through continuous training and development: All of our teachers are required to have completed or be completing a comprehensive Classical Pilates teaching certification from a reputable Classical Pilates training school, and be commited to ongoing continuous professional development.
Founder Gina is a qualified fully comprehensive Pilates teacher, and has continued to expand and refine her teaching knowledge well beyond her initial qualification. She holds specialist certifications including Pilates for osteoporosis, scoliosis, common orthopaedic conditions, teaching older adults, pregnancy & postnatal , peri-post menopause, Pilates for endometriosis and the Pink Ribbon Programme for post operative breast cancer exercise. Gina is currently nearing the end of an 18 month intensive bridging course with 2nd generation Master Trainer Amy Kellow, to further deepen her knowledge of the Classical method in line with Pilates elder Jay Grimes’ teaching, and will embark on a further Masters Mentorship in 2027.
Studio Teacher Nadine joined the team following several years learning & developing her skills teaching at an established Classical Pilates studio. Studio Teacher Lauren joined us initially as a client herself, developing her Pilates practice in class before transferring this to her teacher training in 2025. In 2026, supported by Be:Poised Pilates, Nadine and Lauren have each embarked on further teacher training with 2nd generation teacher trainer Amy Kellow and her expert training team at Everybody Pilates Education. Both of them are continually deepening and expanding their Pilates teaching knowledge, and applying this to their teaching in our studio.
Our Pregnancy & Postnatal specialist team of Gina and Lauren, have completed in depth study in the needs of pregnant and postnatal clients from international leaders such as The Carolyn Anthony Method and Burrel Education. They recognise the importance of staying up to date with current research and training in this specialist area, via regular research, workshops and CPD.
We hold regular Teacher’s Days at our studio for our teachers. These days are an opportunity for in house development of teaching skills; focussing on topics such as studio health and safety, and supporting clients with specific needs such as osteoporosis or joint replacements.
Our teachers are encouraged to participate regularly in classes, not just teach. It is important that our teachers “walk the walk, not just talk the talk” because Pilates is a journey of continual development for everyone. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses in our bodies; exercises we love and ones we struggle with. As teachers, we can relate to how you are feeling in the studio. We know when to leave an exercise alone for a while, and come back to it once you have used the rest of the system to find the strength or connection you needed to achieve it. How it feels when an exercise finally clicks, or you can feel something in an exercise that you couldn’t before. We know how it feels to have pains and niggles you need to work around or work with, and how to modify our practice when needed to respond to what our body needs in that moment. You will often see our teachers in the studio, joining in with classes or doing their own self practice. Our clients often remark how much they enjoy seeing our teachers in action, and it reminds them that we are all part of this Pilates community together.
Jay Grimes was right when he said Pilates is different. It is different, and this is what makes it special. Pilates can be a wonderful tool to help you live well and feel strong in your body. As teachers, we have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of Joe’s method, and protect what makes Pilates special.