Dynamic
Reformer Pilates
Classical Pilates vs. Dynamic Pilates: What’s the Difference?
When Joseph Pilates developed his original system—what he called Contrology—his goal was to create a challenging, full-body discipline that improved strength, posture, and flexibility. Over time, Pilates evolved to accommodate a wider population, giving rise to variations that differ in pace, equipment, and intensity. Two well-known styles include Classical Pilates and Dynamic Reformer Pilates.
Classical Pilates: The Roots of Contrology
Joseph Pilates originally named his method Contrology and trained elite clients—often dancers—who already had the fitness and body awareness to handle a rigorous, demanding approach. The original aims were to stretch, strengthen, and balance the musculoskeletal system, improve postural alignment, emphasize breath control (particularly through the abdominals), strengthen and stabilize the pelvis, spine, and shoulder girdle, and increase muscular flexibility and joint mobility.
Classical Pilates prioritizes precision over repetition. Rather than performing a high number of reps, the focus is on getting each exercise exactly right. In its early form, there wasn’t a significant aerobic component; Contrology was more about perfecting form and control. This style also often incorporates a wider range of equipment such as the tower, Cadillac, wunda chair, and ladder barrel in addition to the Reformer. Class sizes tend to be smaller, allowing practitioners to pay closer attention to technique and alignment.
Dynamic Reformer Pilates: A Modern Evolution
At The Island, we mainly follow a Dynamic Reformer Pilates approach, with occasional nods to the classical style. In many ways, we still honor Joseph Pilates’s original dedication to posture and controlled movement, but we’ve adapted the workouts to be higher-energy. We increase the pace and fluidity, introduce more repetitions, and raise the level of exertion to push muscles toward fatigue for quicker gains in strength and endurance.
We also place a strong emphasis on maintaining a neutral spine to reduce the risk of posture-related injuries. By adding elements of weight work, circuit-style sets, and minimal rest time, we incorporate strength and cardio benefits, making each session both a muscular and an aerobic workout.
Even though our primary focus at The Island is Dynamic Reformer Pilates, we see immense value in blending classical techniques with a modern, full-body approach. Mixing these styles adds variety to your routine and prevents plateaus in your progress, challenging both mind and body in new ways.
If you already do Dynamic Reformer Pilates, incorporating elements of Classical Pilates can help you refine your technique, as the slower pace and smaller class sizes allow for more precise focus on form. Classical Pilates also introduces new equipment and exercises, keeping your body challenged and engaged.
If your background is in Classical Pilates, you’ll find that Dynamic Reformer Pilates brings a more fluid, fast-paced flow with an emphasis on higher repetition and minimal rest. This style adds an aerobic component and increases “time under tension,” making workouts more intense and potentially leading to quicker strength gains.
If you’re new to both styles, exploring them together will help you build a well-rounded foundation in Pilates. You’ll develop technique, control, balance, flexibility, and strength while keeping your workouts fresh and motivating.
Our Approach at The Island
At The Island, we celebrate Dynamic Reformer Pilates as our core method while weaving in elements of Classical Pilates when they enhance our clients’ experience. Our classes fuse Joseph Pilates’s dedication to posture and control with modern techniques that include greater repetition, fluid transitions, and a focus on functional, compound exercises. This blend allows our clients to see faster, more noticeable improvements in strength, endurance, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness, all while maintaining the mindful, controlled movement that is the heart of Pilates.
We invite you to join us at The Island to experience how Dynamic Reformer Pilates can transform your body, sharpen your mind, and keep you motivated. You’ll also discover how a touch of Classical Pilates can refine your skills and take your practice to the next level. Book a class today and uncover a whole new way to move.