Summing up Contemporary Pilates is not easy, there is so much to say and even more to be experienced. It is functional movement combining corrective training with fun. It upholds and respects the fundamental principles of the Original Pilates Method, and looks at a person as a whole being with unique wants and needs. Contemporary Pilates stays up-to-date, open to change and is based on the wisdom of many proven and well-renowned modalities of modern science.

• art of motion integrates deep understanding of the body, its interrelated systems and the power of visualisation as developed in the Franklin Method.
• integrates knowledge of myofascia and its tensile qualities.
• includes  the principles of elasticity and dynamics provided by Gyrokinesis.
• involves the principle of dual pull and reciprocal work used in both Gyrokinesis & Yoga.
• integrates principles of the supple, yet powerful work and holistic approach of Rolfing Movement and Feldenkrais.
• integrates the ever-evolving knowledge of physical therapy.
• combines artistic elements of dance with functional training.
• involves fundamental principles of Neurolinguistic Programming into teaching didactics.

In summary, Contemporary Pilates makes you feel light on your feet, elastic and energized in your body, refreshed in your mind and efficient in your daily activities!

There is no debate that Joseph Pilates laid the foundation for a unique, highly efficient and versatile exercise system.

At art of motion we value his original thoughts and treat the Method with the respect it deserves, but as a contemporary school we are open to progress, we embrace change and appreciate the wisdom that many gifted scientists, anatomists, physical and movement therapists are making available to us today.

Like many ingenious people, Joseph Pilates had what I call “inner wisdom”. Taking this inner wisdom and looking at it from a viewpoint of modern science simply adds a new dimension to the Method. The contemporary approach is more a matter of refining, expanding and including, rather than excluding or changing.

While many Pilates-inspired programs “water down” the Method, Contemporary Pilates doesn’t, it applies a modern and holistic approach to enhance what Joseph Pilates created many years ago.

As a Yoga and Gyrokinesis teacher who admires the work of Ida P. Rolf, Thomas W. Myers, Eric Franklin, Moshe Feldenkrais and many other gifted people, it was unavoidable to integrate what I have physically, mentally and emotionally gained from these various modalities into Pilates. Together with my team of skillful educators, we have developed a style of Pilates that is contemporary, holistic and above all, effective, using the knowledge of western science, the wisdom of eastern movement arts and our own experience as movement teachers and bodyworkers.

Joseph Pilates well beyond his time, developed Contrology, combining eastern philosophies with western physical training that included over 500 exercises. However he didn’t just develop this unique training system – he also engineered the equipment, specifications and tuning required to teach his method properly. Without a doubt Pilates can work wonders, as it has proven itself for more than 80 years as an effective and safe method of training; assuming it’s taught and applied correctly.

In recent years the word Pilates worked itself into the mainstream, the direct result of an intellectual property lawsuit in which a US federal court ruled the term "Pilates" generic and free for unrestricted use. This is just one of the reasons for the great variety of Pilates styles available on the market today.

Renowned protégés of Joseph Pilates such as Romana Kryzanowska and Ron Fletcher, as well as their students, uphold what is called the True, Traditional, Original or Classical Pilates Method. So do many well-established schools around the world; and this with great success.

Why change it if it works, you may ask now. A valid question worthwhile exploring.