Pilates is rather a generic term for an exercise system created by the late Joseph Pilates.  There are many different variations and interpretations of Joseph Pilates work.  There is power Pilates, Windsor Pilates, fitness Pilates and many more.  Mostly all of the different types of Pilates well taught by knowledgeable instructors.

The problem is that some of these Pilates Exercise variations are suitable mostly for able-bodied reasonably fit individuals.  Many Pilates classes have more in common with an aerobics class than therapeutic Pilates.  I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with this type of Pilates class in that they'll give you a great workout and is a fantastic part of your overall fitness programme.

They can be problematical because Pilates has become synonymous with rehabilitation particularly with back and neck pain / problems.  Many of the more extreme forms of Pilates would definitely not be beneficial to anyone with a structural problem.  In fact it could even make an existing problem much worse.

The type of Pilates I teach is strictly therapeutic.  There are only a couple of Joseph Pilates original exercises that we do in our normal beginners class and even those are heavily modified to make them suitable for beginners.

What's required is that the gyms make it clear when they advertise a class distinguising  between fitness and therapeutic Pilates.  That way people with back problems will know which class is suitable for them and is not going to make their existing condition worse.

Robert Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)