Unlock the Pilates Party: Discover the Original 34 Exercises and Transform Your Workout!

Pilates enthusiasts everywhere, listen up! Did you know that many of you might be practicing Pilates—or at least think you are—without ever diving into the classical, original 34 exercises? That’s right! You could be doing just the basic moves, or not even those yet, and instead, be rocking some pre-Pilates exercises.

In a previous post, I dished out the juicy details on how Joseph Pilates cooked up a series of invigorating physical exercises to kick bad posture, unhealthy lifestyles, and lousy breathing to the curb. The result? A recipe for improved posture, balanced muscles, better balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, and even upgraded breathing capacity and organ function. Talk about a Pilates party!

So, what’s the deal with my classes? When I teach Pilates, I’m serving up Joseph Pilates’ signature moves. If I dish out an exercise that isn’t pure Pilates, I’ll give you a heads-up by saying, “This ain’t your mama’s Pilates!” and spill the tea on where it comes from. I might whip up some modifications to help you work your way up to the perfect version of the exercise, but I won’t pretend it’s a Pilates original. It could be a tasty pre-Pilates appetizer, though!

Mr. Pilates’ exercises are simple, challenging, and downright delicious when it comes to delivering what they’re meant to do.

“The benefits of Contrology depend solely upon your performing the exercises exactly according to instructions – and not otherwise.” – Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Party Master

If you follow the sequence like a choreographed dance, your body will warm up, get challenged, and then cool down. You’ll be strengthening and stretching your torso, arms, and legs in every possible direction, like a graceful Pilates ninja. The sequence will have you defying gravity by transitioning from lying down to sitting up, kneeling, and standing.

The goal of this Pilates fiesta, and my mission during sessions, is to create a “strong full-body and mind workout, appropriate for the client, that centers around abdominal strength.” It’s not just a workout—it’s a celebration!

Some exercises are basic party starters, while others are intermediate or advanced dance moves. At first, I’ll skip the more complex steps and focus on the basics. If an exercise doesn’t jive with someone’s injury (back, knees, shoulders, or neck) or if they’re not strong or flexible enough to groove with precision and control, I’ll DJ a modification or spin some pre-Pilates tracks to help them build strength and flexibility for the original dance routine.

Check out this video from Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ protégé, who demonstrates the basic, intermediate, and advanced sequence just as the Pilates Party Master intended.

“Study carefully. Do not sacrifice knowledge to speed in building your solid exercise regime on the foundation of Contrology. Follow instructions exactly as indicated down to the very smallest detail. There IS a reason!” – Joseph Pilates, dropping truth bombs

I’m not a Classical Pilates teacher, and I don’t dig labels. But when I’m teaching Pilates, I’m all about staying true to the Pilates groove. I’m certified to teach a whole bunch of fun stuff like step, aerobics, bodypump, bodycombat, kettlebells, Krav Maga, self-defense, yoga, and Pilates. I like to mix and match the moves and knowledge from one style to another when it’s beneficial for someone’s training, but I’ll always spill the beans on what I’m doing and why.

Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll reveal all of Joseph Pilates’