Authentic Pilates Camden

Pilates is a disciplined physical system that was created by German anatomist Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century. Through a series of precise, controlled movements it targets all muscle groups in the body whilst working on posture, coordination, flexibility and balance.

Pilates is suitable for individuals of any age and fitness levels, making it an inclusive practice that adapts to people of all ages and abilities. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, Pilates offers benefits for every age group and supports a wide range of fitness levels. In addition to its physical benefits, Pilates also supports mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall psychological well-being.

It is also one of the ultimate mind, body and spirit training practices, improving concentration, focus, increased body awareness, stress management and injury prevention.

While today it’s more commonly known as Pilates, Joseph Pilates originally called his exercise method Contrology. In his book, “Return To Life”, he claims that “Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.”

‍Contrology has been producing results since 1929 when Joe opened his first gym in NYC and still grows in popularity today despite his death in 1967.

The word “Pilates” has saturated the fitness/wellness industry with multiple and sometimes conflicting iterations of Joe’s exercise method. Classical Pilates is considered to be the practice in its truest form. It offers a refined, premium experience that emphasizes quality and precision, setting it apart through expert instruction and a focus on excellence. That’s not to say that other versions of exercise should be dismissed but if you are looking for authenticity, classical Pilates is where you start. 

So how do you know if you’re doing the real thing? How do you know you are practising the method Joe spent a lifetime developing and teaching and not a new exercise trend that’s simply inspired by it and borrows his name? If you truly want to reap the benefits Mr. Pilates outlined in his book, learning his method matters.

In terms of how it stands apart from other forms, often the Pilates classes we see offered now are fusion-based, using some of the elements of Pilates (generally the mat or reformer), but incorporating other movement techniques and methods.

This means they move away from the true methodology of Pilates and can become more like HiiT training on an unstable surface. Of course, classes will vary wildly at various studios.“In the original Classical Pilates method, there is a sequence to the work, which was designed to move the body through a full range of movement.

The sequence builds intelligently with foundational exercises at the beginning and more complex exercises as you gain strength and control,” The teachers focus on the entire body, mind and spirit, making it a holistic practice. Pilates supports individuals at every stage of their fitness journey, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness for all. With consistent practice, participants can attain their health and fitness goals through the method. It’s working with all these components that make it a powerful system.

The transitions between exercises are exercises in themselves and it’s important to keep the work one seamless, continuous flow. Classical Pilates is dynamic, controlled, flowing – and yes, you do sweat!”

“ The only unchanging rules you must conscientiously obey is that you must always faithfully and without deviation follow the instructions accompanying the exercises and always keep your mind wholly concentrated on the exercises as you perform them. This is vitally important for you to gain the results sought, otherwise, there would be no valid reason for your interest in Contrology.” Joseph Pilates

When practising Pilates, clients should expect to move, be physically and mentally challenged, and even break a sweat.

Your workout will traditionally begin on the Reformer or Mat which is the foundation of your training.

The goal of the Method is to systematically develop your mind’s ability to control each full-body exercise from your “powerhouse” (core).

Joe stated, “Contrology begins with mind control over muscles”. As a new client, you’ll likely feel surprised at the subtle intensity of even beginner exercises. We recommend that new clients start with a beginner Reformer class or a private session to receive personalized guidance and maximize their results.

At our Camden Pilates studio, we believe that every individual deserves a Pilates practice that suits their unique fitness level and personal goals. That’s why we offer a diverse range of classes designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your skills.

Our studio classes are a fantastic starting point for those new to Pilates or anyone who prefers a more traditional approach. These classes focus on bodyweight exercises, helping you build a strong foundation in core strength, flexibility, and alignment. If you’re ready to take your practice further, our reformer classes introduce you to the transformative power of the reformer machine, which uses spring resistance to challenge your strength, balance, and control in new ways.

But the options don’t stop there. We also offer classes that incorporate other specialized equipment, such as the cadillac, wunda chair, and barre, each designed to target different muscle groups and keep your workouts fresh and engaging. Our expert instructors are passionate about creating a supportive and intimate environment, ensuring that every class is tailored to your needs and fitness level.

Whether you’re looking to improve your flexibility, build strength, or simply enjoy a fun and effective workout, our studio has a class to suit you. Join us and discover how Pilates can transform your body, mind, and life.

Stepping into your first class at our Camden Pilates studio is the beginning of a journey toward better health, fitness, and mental clarity. Our expert instructors are dedicated to making your introduction to Pilates a positive and empowering experience, guiding you through each movement with care and attention.

During your first class, you’ll learn the principles of Pilates practice, including proper alignment, breathing techniques, and the art of controlled movement. Each exercise is designed to improve your posture, balance, and flexibility, while also building core strength and enhancing your overall physical well-being. Our instructors provide personalized feedback and support, ensuring you feel safe, confident, and fully engaged throughout the session.

We understand that every body is different, which is why we offer the opportunity to schedule a private session after your first class. This allows you to discuss your individual goals and create a customized practice plan that supports your journey.

Our Pilates studio is more than just a place to exercise—it’s a welcoming community where you can connect, grow, and experience the transformative power of Pilates. We invite you to join us, feel the benefits for yourself, and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Classical Pilates gives you the tools to facilitate movement from the correct muscles and work on balancing muscle strength. If the body’s strength and flexibility aren’t balanced, this is when injuries happen.

Pilates will also help accelerate your training and recovery periods as your body will work more efficiently. Many people find that Pilates can aid recovery after birth, helping to strengthen muscles and support postnatal health. For those seeking personalized support, such as postnatal recovery or specific health goals, private sessions are available with expert instructors.

As part of our comprehensive offering, Pilates provides a whole mind/body workout that focuses on the premise that all movement should start from your core. You can gain better posture, circulation, balance and coordination, and when practised regularly Pilates will help you to move better and feel better for a happier and healthier body and life.

Whether you are using Pilates apparatus or your own body’s resistance on the mat, the series will not leave a muscle or joint untended. Pilates stretches and strengthens simultaneously to improve coordination and efficiency of movement as well as creating that long sculpted look.”

While the reformer is a cornerstone of many Pilates studios, our approach goes far beyond this single piece of equipment. At our studio, we incorporate a variety of apparatus—including the cadillac, wunda chair, and barre—to ensure your Pilates practice is both dynamic and comprehensive.

The cadillac, sometimes called the trapeze table, offers a versatile platform for stretching, strengthening, and even cardio-based exercises, making it ideal for targeting different areas of the body and enhancing overall fitness. The wunda chair, compact yet powerful, is perfect for challenging your arms, legs, and core with a range of movements that build both strength and flexibility.

Our expert instructors are highly trained in using each piece of equipment to design workouts that are tailored to your individual needs and goals. By integrating a variety of apparatus into your Pilates practice, you’ll keep your workouts engaging and effective, continually challenging your body and mind.

Pilates is more than just the Reformer and Mat. Joe was a genius inventor with an equipment solution for many different types of imbalances in the body.

Besides the Reformer and Mat, his Method includes the:
- Cadillac Tower - Electric Chair - Wunda Chair - Small Arm Chair - Ladder Barrel - Spine Corrector - Small Barrel - Pedi Pole - Guillotine - Magic Circle - Foot Corrector - Toe Exerciser - Finger Exerciser - Neck Stretcher - Breathalizer - Push Up Device

The way the Pilates Method works is your Pilates Instructor will use the Reformer and Mat portion of your workout to continually assess your postural and movement patterns.

Here are some basic examples:
- How well can you stabilize your pelvis while moving your legs against resistance?
- How smoothly can you roll/articulate through your spine?
- Can you sit up tall without back support?

Using the full spectrum of Joe’s equipment offers you different levels of stability, support, and spring resistance which makes Pilates even more functional for everyday life. Members benefit from access to a wide variety of equipment, allowing for personalized attention and tailored class placement. Plus, it’s fun to change up your workouts while maintaining cohesive workout goals.

When you change the design and dimensions of the equipment, as most manufacturers have, you change the physics and the focus of the exercise. Thus, you change the results and the Method itself.

Classical teachers are required to go through a rigorous training program, with a minimum of 800 hours of training/apprenticeship (not including self-mastery), under teachers who are within the lineage of Joseph Pilates.

During our apprenticeship, we are required to complete and practice the full body of work (from basic to advanced level) on all pieces of apparatus to fully understand how the exercises are linked and how the system works.

Because I’ve chosen to teach an exercise method that bears the name of its inventor, Joseph Pilates, I feel it’s my responsibility to stick to his work as closely as I can. In my experience, it doesn’t need to be diluted with today’s fitness trends or my creativity. After all, Joe didn’t give me permission to alter or evolve his work. And once you’ve experienced his Method in its entirety you’ll be in awe of just how comprehensive, complete, and genius it is!

We are dedicated to ongoing education for both our teachers and clients, ensuring access to high-quality resources that support your Pilates journey. Our blog serves as a platform to share knowledge, tips, and the latest updates, helping you deepen your understanding and experience of Pilates.

No sudden, vigorous movements and unrestricted play.
No heavyweights.
Not loads of repetitions and sets.
No straining to the point of exhaustion.
Not physical therapy, but body conditioning or rehabilitative exercise.
Not boring and you don’t need to be able to touch your toes to start Pilates!

Our classes in Camden are suitable for all flexibility levels, and we welcome people from all walks of life. Many clients come to love Pilates for its positive impact on confidence and strength. While Pilates and yoga both focus on mind-body connection and flexibility, Pilates emphasizes core strength and controlled movement, making it distinct from yoga.