The Pilates Experience

It all started with Joseph Pilates...
What does it mean when you hear the term
Classical Pilates vs. Contemporary Pilates?

Those who follow ‘Classical Pilates’ try their best to teach the Pilates Method as close to the style and routine as Joseph Pilates taught. While it is true that Joseph Pilates taught many years ago and has since passed, we have black and white photos, film clips, and his students that we can reference as a way to obtain our information.

His most famous disciple, the woman who he chose to carry on his legacy, Romana Kryzanowska, stayed relatively true to his teaching methods and passed on his teachings to her own students. In 1998 she created the first Teacher Manual so that future generations would have actual documentation of the work. That said, there are some exercises that Romana adapted or even created that we often consider Classical, but with the caveat that it was from Romana and not Joe. Most of the Teacher Trainers that are currently teaching the Classical Method of pilates have been students of Romana, or students of one of her students (first generation or second generation).

In regards to apparatus, there are significant dimensions that are used in the manufacturing of equipment that make it Classical or Contemporary. Classical apparatus stays true to the apparatus that Joseph Pilates used, however, Contemporary apparatus tends to be slightly bigger and different in dimensions and, the apparatus often allows for a lot more change. For example, Contemporary apparatus have more springs, different angles of bars, eye hooks, more gears for different heights of people, etc. A Classical reformer is pretty set on 4 springs all of the same tension, up or down for foot bar only, 3 or 4 gears, and not many changing parts (ropes, risers, etc).

Here at Providence Pilates, the majority of our Instructors are training in the Classical Power Pilates method.

“Pilates has taught me so much about my body, my mind, my physical connections, and it goes way beyond that. It really is a lifestyle. It's something that is part of me. It's with me, it's not just an hour workout or a day of work that I come and do and go, and it's gone. It's, it's who I am at this point, you know? And it embraces everything that I, that I do.”

~Cheryl Turnquist, veteran Pilates Instructor & owner of Providence Pilates

Interested in Pilates, but aren’t quite sure what to expect? This video will walk you through two of the most popular pieces of Pilates apparatus - the Tower and the Reformer - to help you understand the types of movement and exercises you’ll be doing, along with the benefits you’ll gain. All body types, ages, and experience levels are welcome in our studio and we have classes and private sessions that run throughout the day, evening, and on weekends.

Group Classes

  • Pilates Mat

    Get ready to move, work hard and keep your spine flexible. We will follow the technique, precision, and order found in the original work of Joseph Pilates. Some classes will utilize props to further enhance your workout. This is an open-level class.

    Our In-Studio classes will be limited to 10 students, but there is always room online! Check out the options for online classes.

  • Tower

    These classes will be limited to 5 students per class. The tower is a wonderful exercise that combines the springs and resistance from the Reformer and the core strength from the mat. Try one and we are sure you will love it as much as we do!

  • Barre

    A total body sculpting workout using the ballet barre and small, isometric, concentrated movements to create lean dense musculature and exquisite movement control. We will use light weights and other props to really feel the burn! We offer several variations of barre classes.

    In Studio Barre classes are limited to 8 students but there is always room online.

Private Classes

  • Private Sessions in Studio

    Work in the studio with all of its different apparatus in a one-on-one session tailored to your needs. You will lengthen, strengthen and tone your muscles. This 55-minute session will give you the most thorough and complete workout possible. We teach private classes in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

  • @HOME Private Sessions

    Enjoy a great workout from the comfort of your own home. With our new @Home Pilates sessions, we come to you and provide a thorough and complete workout. No equipment, no problem! We will bring a mat and the necessary props for that day’s workout. We teach private classes in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.