There are three basic styles of Pilates which have evolved over the years. Repertory, Modern and Clinical Pilates.
The Repertory style is based on the original teachings of Joseph Pilates and is mainly aimed at the dance population. The Modern style is a modification of the original form but similarly, both these styles have an emphasis on stretching and strengthening with close attention to exercise accuracy and technique. Classes can be both mat or equipment based although the mat based classes tend to be in larger groups with less attention to individual needs..
Research is showing that a different approach to these traditional strengthening programs are required to improve the control and efficiency of the way our deeper core muscles function to stabilise our spine, shoulder and pelvic girdles. The Clinical Pilates repertoire is research based and is focused on improving the quality and control of movements rather than retraining strength and power. Unlike Joseph Pilates who discouraged mindless exercise this is the essence of what we try to achieve with Clinical Pilates. As your core muscle control improves the exercises should become mindless and automatic just like any other motor skill you acquire with practice and improved co-ordination.
The equipment provides an effective way of challenging the efficiency with which the core muscles work, thus enabling them to learn how to improve their control. The equipment allows this process to happen dynamically and this is important because it is more functional and essentially when we need the stability the most.