Pilates is everywhere in 2025. You’ve seen it on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, in celebrity interviews, maybe even all your friends are doing it. But with so many styles out there, you might be wondering: What’s the difference between Modern Pilates and Traditional Pilates? And more importantly, which one is right for me?
Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, honest and actually helpful (no Pilates snobbery here).
First, What Is Pilates Anyway?
Pilates is a low-impact, mind-body movement method designed to improve core strength, posture, mobility and alignment. It was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, first to help rehabilitate soldiers during WWI, and later embraced by dancers, especially in the Ballet world, for its ability to build strength without bulk and improve flexibility without strain.
But Pilates isn’t just a bunch of fancy core moves. At its heart, it’s a deeply intentional practice built on six foundational principles: Concentration, Control, Centre, Precision, Breath and Flow. These principles work together to help you move better and feel better, inside and out!
Fast forward to 2025 and Pilates has become one of the most popular ways to exercise, for good reason. It’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re a complete beginner, an elite athlete or someone recovering from injury, Pilates meets you where you are.
We’ve been practising Pilates since we were teenagers (yep, that’s over 25 years ago now!) and teaching for more than 8 years. And what keeps us coming back is that it never stops giving. Stronger bodies, calmer minds, better posture, deeper breath. Every session offers something new.
Traditional Pilates: Rooted in Precision and Control
Also known as Classical Pilates, traditional Pilates sticks closely to the original exercises designed by Joseph Pilates. It often involves:
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Reformer machines (and other equipment like the Cadillac or Wunda Chair) but can also be mat based.
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Precise sequencing of specific moves.
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A focus on form and alignment.
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Small group or private studio settings.
This style can be powerful, especially for rehabilitation and building deep strength. However, it can also feel a little intimidating, especially for beginners or anyone who doesn’t love the idea of equipment-based workouts.
In our opinion, we also find that many of the original moves, like hundreds, swan and even roll-ups are just not for us. They don’t feel functional or beneficial for this modern life we are living. It’s like how we don’t teach handstands in Yoga, we don’t teach some particular Pilates move either.
Modern Pilates: Functional, Flexible and Made for Today
Modern Pilates is less about strict form and more about how you feel. At MerryBody, we take this modern approach. Here’s what that looks like:
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Mat-based movement you can do at home.
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Bodyweight exercises, no machines required. We do add hand weights as an option.
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Functional focus to support everyday movement (think: picking up your toddler or sitting at your desk pain-free).
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Inclusivity: all body types, all fitness levels, all welcome.
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Emphasis on joy, not perfection. Honestly, we feel that Pilates can be elitist and snobby… perhaps it’s our own insecurities… or maybe you agree too? Anyway, we are not that, well we don’t think so hahaha.
Modern Pilates blends traditional principles with real-life needs. We adapt it to your body and your schedule, because we know life is full and workouts need to fit in, not take over and make you more stressed out!
Which Style of Pilates Is Right for You?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Traditional Pilates | Modern Pilates |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment-based | Yes | No (mostly mat) |
| Structured, classical flow | Yes | More flexible, adaptable |
| Studio setting | Common | Often online or at home |
| Suited for rehab | Yes | Yes, with modifications, 1 on 1 |
| Emphasis on form | Strong | Yes, but more forgiving |
| Focus on how it feels | Less so | Yes! |
| Great for beginners | Sometimes intimidating | 100% yes |
Why We Love the Modern Approach
We know what it’s like to feel too busy, or… too intimidated to walk into a Pilates studio. Especially when it feels like everybody already knows the moves, is wearing matching activewear, slicked back pony tails and has perfect form. We felt that way too when we first moved to the Gold Coast… luckily, we had each other to push through the nerves. But we get it, that feeling of nerves can stop you from ever starting.
That’s exactly why we created MerryBody, a supportive, welcoming online space where you can practise Pilates (and Yoga and meditation!) in your own time, in your own way and from the comfort of home. You don’t need to look a certain way. You don’t need fancy equipment. You just need to show up and move exactly as you are.
Want to try it for yourself? Start your free trial today and feel the difference! You can head directly to your App Store and activate the trial and hit play on your first class! Check out the weekly schedule (which we create for you every week) and choose a class. Or, use the filters and select the perfect time (as little as 10 minutes to 1 hour) and body area you’d like to focus on.
On your mobile or tablet device? Sign up HERE and do a class today!
We also add a new class every single week, so you will never be bored, plus the community is a very supportive and lovely place on the internet!
If you prefer to sign up via your desktop, then head on over here.
Questions? Get in touch!
Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla