At Pilates School of Movement, we teach Classical Pilates so we can support your individual journey through this beautiful method. We are the only studio in Brussels that teaches the traditional Classical Pilates system in small group set ups (maximum 5 people). This is the style of Pilates we believe in and love: connected, precise, respectful of the body, and deeply energizing. In the studio we love sharing and teaching little gems and meaningful insights about Classical Pilates that you may not know. For example:

Did you know that in traditional Classical Pilates all the apparatus connect?

Classical Pilates (originally called Contrology) is one complete, intelligent, harmonic method. The Pilates Reformer, Pilates Chair, Pilates Tower, and Pilates Mat are not separate workouts but different expressions of the same system. Each apparatus challenges the body in a slightly different way while reinforcing the same principles: control, precision, balance, and flow. Basically, Classical Pilates revolves around the traditional 34 exercises of the mat sequence. The Mat is the core of classical Pilates, and all the apparatus exist to support it:

The Reformer is a Mat with wheels and springs.
The Pilates Tower is a Mat with springs and bars.
The Pilates Wunda Chair is either a smaller mat or a smaller and more vertical Reformer that adds balance, precision, and challenge against gravity.
Everything we do on the equipment ultimately helps you move better on the Mat and in daily life.

We love it when, in the middle of class, one of you suddenly says: “Oh, this is like that exercise on the other machine!”* That’s when the body — and the method — truly connect.

All the apparatus and moves connect, and the body connects. For example, Footwork and Hundred on the reformer build the organization, strength and coordination needed to permit the same movements on the Pilates Wunda Chair, since it brings the works in the vertical position – adding balance, precision and deeper work against gravity on a smaller base of support. At Pilates School of Movement we work with all the apparatus because together they form one intelligent connected method.

Did you know that traditional Classical Pilates follows a specific order?

In classical Pilates, the order matters. It’s not about rigidity, but about building skills in a smart, progressive way. Each exercise prepares your body and mind for what comes next, and every movement has an opposite to create balance. This natural progression builds strength, mobility, and coordination in layers. You’re following a map and the apparatus are your tools.

And the goal is to move with efficiency, power and grace.

Did you know that we traditionally start on our backs and finish standing?

In Classical Pilates, the sequence is designed to respect your body and the way it moves. We typically begin lying down because it allows the spine to decompress and the body to organize with gravity gently supporting you. By the end of the session, we finish standing so your body can integrate the work, align with gravity, and carry the benefits into your day.

This natural progression helps your spine reposition itself more freely, leaving you feeling grounded, balanced, and ready for everything that comes next.

Did you know that we often perform the exercises three times?

In classical Pilates, many exercises are traditionally repeated three times. Each repetition has a purpose:
the first time you explore the movement,
the second time you refine and improve,
and the third time you offer your best for that day.

We want you to feel energetic, aligned and revitalized, instead of exhausted. The reps are opportunities to deepening the connections between the mind and all the body parts; it’s about learning better and using the apparatus in a more supportive way. It gives your body the time to organize, strengthen, and integrate the work. Each session becomes a chance to show up with respect for your body, to build awareness, and to progress without chasing perfection. In Classical Pilates we build strong flexible muscles, heathy joints, resilient bones and supple fascia to support real vitality.

Did you know that we don’t play music in Classical Pilates?

You are the music in Classical Pilates! We don’t play music in our studio so we can truly listen to you: to your breath, your laughter, your movement, and the feedback of the springs. Sometimes there is silence, sometimes laughter (even some grunts! 😂) , sometimes that quiet moment when everything suddenly makes sense. This awareness is part of what we love about Classical Pilates: it helps you move with more precision, presence, and connection. In Classical Pilates, the music is:

the rhythm of the exercises

the soft opening and closing of the springs (quick tip: they shouldn’t make noise)

the way your breath directs the movement

and the tempo your teacher uses to guide you through a complete, connected workout.

Did you know that Joseph Pilates called his method Contrology?

His book is titled Return to Life through Contrology (1945) — and we love it when you say things like:

• “I feel in control.”
• “I love working with all the apparatus.”
• “I feel alive.”
• “I feel my whole body.”
• “I don’t have pain.”
• “I feel one with the springs.”

When you say these things, it means you’re truly understanding his system and philosophy, the real reason behind practicing this style of Pilates. You become our teachers when we hear this from you, because we can see the method integrating into your mind and body. We’re so happy to celebrate these changes and improvements with you, and we feel honored to witness your progress.

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If you’d like to discover true original Pilates the way it was designed by its creator, Joseph Pilates, come join us at Chausée de Charleroi 173. We are located in the heart of Brussels, between Saint-Gilles and Châtelain, only ten minutes form Louise-Ixelles 💛