Differentiating Various Pilates Style

Reader, Karen, has asked me to list the different certification system available or employed in Pilates studio in Singapore, and to elaborate on how and why they differ from each other. I agree with Karen that this will probably be informative for Pilates newbies in choosing a suitable studio based on the teaching styles, and also be useful for those who are interested to learn to teach Pilates as a career switch. As I honestly have too little experience in other methods other than the one that I am trained in (especially classical Pilates) to blog about the differences, Karen was very kind to start me up with lots of resources.

There are actually many certifications system worldwide which might not be as readily available or established in Asia (yet). You may read a New Zealand Pilates info site which features a "Comprehensive Guide: Pilates Schools, Pilates Teacher Training, Pilates Certification". The author is rather non-biased and give interesting (and humourous) personal views on various systems. But below are some certification systems available and employed in some studios in Singapore (in alphabetical order):


Polestar Education / Polestar Pilates Asia
The Polestar Pilates curriculum is designed by Physiotherapist and Orthopaedic Certified Specialist Brent Anderson, and is based on a scientific foundation, as opposed to an anecdotal one. Drawing on his extensive background in rehabilitation and movement science, Brent Anderson has expanded on Pilates' principles by adding manual skills, advanced body awareness, and principles from motor control theory. The Polestar Pilates method draws on the sciences of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor control, and integrates scientific research findings in the areas of orthopaedics, sports medicine and movement science. Polestar Education is recognized by the American Council on Exercise as a 'Continuing Education Specialist'.

• Being taught in Singapore: Focus Pilates, Ivana Daniell Studio, Singapore Dance Theatre (Kellie Vanderploeg),
  Sky Pilates

Romana’s Pilates / True Pilates
While many fitness professionals are now offering pilates-inspired programs, or in some cases combining what they call Pilates with exercises from other training regimens, The True Pilates method is different because it refers to the system of exercises that were originally developed and taught by Joseph Pilates. Romana Kryzanowska is the world-renowned protégé of Joseph Pilates and has been teaching the method for nearly six decades. Long ago Romana made a commitment to Joe and Clara Pilates to continue their life's work and Romana continues to deliver on that promise today by traveling the world and teaching the next generation of instructors.

• Being taught in Singapore: Classic Pilates, The Pilates Studio
  

STOTT Pilates
Started in 1988, Stott Pilates is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Ms. Moira Merrithew (who was certified as a Pilates instructor under the tutelage of Ms. Romana Kryzanowska) and Mr. Lindsay G. Merrithew created the Stott Pilates method of exercise and equipment to include modern principles of exercise science, spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement to the original classical method. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas Stott Pilates exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization.

• Being taught in Singapore: Options Studio, The Pilates Touch

The Fletcher Work by Ron Fletcher
An evolved approach to the original classical method developed by Mr. Ron Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher was a former dancer who studied the method under Mr. Joseph Pilates and his wife, Clara. With his background in dance, he adapted the classical method exercises and created the Fletcher Work which includes the Fletcher Floorwork, Fletcher Towelwork, Spine Corrector and Percussive Breath™ technique.

In addition to covering the complete Pilates syllabus - including all levels of mat and work on the Pilates apparatus - Ron Fletcher has evolved several innovative techniques to support further understanding of the original Pilates method. Among these include Fletcher Percussive Breathing™, Fletcher Standing and Centering™, Fletcher Towelwork®, Fletcher Floorwork®, and unique pieces of movement on the full range of Pilates equipment.

• Being aught in Singapore: iPilates

The PhysicalMind Institute - The Method Pilates
An evolved approach to the original classical method. Joan Breibart is the President of the PHYSICALMIND INSTITUTE, formerly the Institute for the Pilates Method. Breibart claims she started the Pilates trend in 1991 with the first Pilates certification, the first Pilates video, and the first portable Reformer. Joan's Pilates training programs are being used world-wide (including Wellington New Zealand).
"She regularly writes on all aspects of the Pilates Movement..."Pity none of her writings are on show at her website, which has no free training information to speak of. She is famous for "Standing Pilates", which was designed for the elderly and infirm (available as a pdf immediate download from amazon.com) -see advert in right hand panel).

• Being taught in Singapore: VF Studio