As an instructor who has worked with many athletes across various sports, I can tell you firsthand how crucial it is for them to master the basics of Contrology before jumping into advanced exercises. While pushing athletes toward more complex movements is tempting, especially when they’re eager to achieve or return to their peak performance, the foundation exercise of Joe Pilates work is where the magic happens.
I have seen many continuing education workshops worldwide with “Pilates for Athletes” or “Pilates for …” (you name the sport), or something similar in the title. While the workshops may have a nice presentation, I have never seen an athlete new to Pilates ready for most of the work presented in those workshops.
Consistent Need for the Basics
No matter the sport or age, all athletes—elite or just starting—must focus on the rudiments. Contrology isn’t about impressing others with advanced moves just because a person is an athlete; it’s about what Joe stated in his book, “Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, and restores physical vitality.” Accomplishing the goals in Joe’s book will, most of the time, not look impressive in photos. The beauty of Contrology is that it is simple but far from simplistic. As an instructor, your job is to ensure athletes master the basics to lay a solid foundation for their bodies.
Athleticism Doesn’t Matter with Contrology
Athleticism is an excellent asset in sports, but it doesn’t automatically translate to Contrology expertise. Joe Pilates wrote, “How many beginners are amazed and chagrined (even trained athletes in the public eye) to discover how few (if any) Contrology exercises they can execute Properly!” Contrology is based on principles that anyone—whether a world-class athlete or a beginner—needs to understand in their brain first and then in their body to perform these exercises correctly. The movements should be controlled and deliberate. Athletes need to learn to activate and engage the correct muscles from their center before pushing into more challenging exercises. This takes time and consistency for most athletes.
Some teachers have said, “But they are going to get bored doing the same regime repeatedly.” These teachers do not understand what it takes to be a high-level athlete. A person becomes a high-level athlete by doing the same physical and mental endeavors over and over again. Every athlete I have ever worked with loves the consistent regime they experience in Contrology. They feel their psychological and physical progress and have learned a skill they can do themselves. This independence is empowering for athletes.
Don’t Risk Injury: Their Career Depends on It
When working with athletes, remember that their bodies are their careers. If you push them too hard or too fast or get them into advanced exercises they’re not ready for, you risk causing injury—and that injury could potentially end their career. Even the slightest mistake could lead to long-term damage. Properly training athletes through the basics repeatedly reduces the chances of injury and sets them up for long-term success.
Let Coaches Handle Sport-Specific Training
Contrology can be valuable in supporting an athlete’s overall conditioning and rehabilitation. However, we are not physical therapists (unless you are a physical therapist), and we’re certainly not there to replace the expertise of their sports-specific coaches. Trust the athlete’s coach to do what they do best—train them for their specific sport. We complement that training by helping the athlete move better, strengthen weak areas, and stay injury-free. Since the body is tuned from consistently practicing Contrology fundamentals, athletes will get free performance gains without even thinking about it.
Trust Joe’s Original Work for the Best Results
Joseph Pilates designed his method to be accessible and practical for every body type and fitness level. Working on equipment resembling Joe’s original designs is essential for the best results. Joe Pilates carefully crafted tools like the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and Barrels to support his work and efficiently align the body when moving. Using equipment that’s true to Joe’s original designs ensures that athletes’ bodies are properly tuned and balanced, ultimately providing a solid foundation for their sport and everyday life.
In Conclusion
Regarding Joe Pilates’ work and athletes, the basics are everything. You will only get to work with most athletes during the off-season. Therefore, stick to Joe’s original methods, take it slow, and ensure each athlete builds a solid foundation before progressing. By doing so, you’re protecting their careers and providing them with the tools to succeed both on and off the field.
Remember, less can often be more in Joe Pilates’ Contrology work—and in the case of athletes, learning to teach the basics well is always the best way forward.
Joel Crosby
Owner, Senior Level Classical Pilates Instructor
Joel has been teaching Pilates for over 20 years and is a graduate of "The Work" the highly selective Pilates Master Program of Jay Grimes. He runs an internationally recognized Pilates teacher training program and hosts continuing education workshops at the Vitality Method Studio. Learn more at vitalitymethod.com.
