WHAT IS STOTT PILATES®?
A closer look at the STOTT PILATES® method and why a personalized approach matters
If you've ever searched for Pilates, you've probably come across terms like classical Pilates, contemporary Pilates, reformer Pilates, and STOTT PILATES®. It can be confusing to understand what the differences actually mean.
At The Mind Body Union, I teach STOTT PILATES®, a contemporary approach to Pilates that places a strong emphasis on anatomy, biomechanics, alignment, and individualized movement.
But what does that mean for you?
What is STOTT PILATES®?
STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to the original Pilates method developed by Joseph Pilates.
The method incorporates the original principles of Pilates while integrating modern knowledge of exercise science, anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation.
One of the things I value most about the STOTT approach is that it recognizes that bodies are not all built or moving the same way. Exercises can be adapted to accommodate different bodies, abilities, goals, and stages of life.
Rather than asking your body to fit a particular exercise, we can modify the exercise to better suit your body.
How is STOTT PILATES® different?
There are many different approaches to Pilates, and each has its own history, philosophy, and way of teaching. STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary evolution of the original Pilates method, developed with modern principles of exercise science, biomechanics, and rehabilitation in mind.
What I particularly value about STOTT is the framework it gives me as an instructor. Its principles provide a way of looking at alignment, breathing, stability, and movement while still allowing room for the individual in front of me.
Rather than changing who you are to fit a particular exercise, I can use the equipment, springs, positioning, and modifications to create an experience that is appropriate for your body, your goals, and where you are that day.
That's especially valuable in a private studio, where there isn't a single class format that everyone has to follow.A strong emphasis on alignment
Alignment is an important part of STOTT PILATES®.
Rather than simply completing an exercise, we pay attention to how your body is positioned and how you're moving through the exercise. This can help develop greater awareness, control, and efficiency.
The certification is important, but what matters most to me is how I use that knowledge when I teach.
STOTT PILATES® training includes detailed study of the exercises, their goals, movement sequencing, modifications, alignment, and programming. The equipment-based training spans Matwork and Reformer, as well as Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels.
That gives me a broad toolkit. But the goal isn't to use every piece of equipment simply because it's available. It's to choose the right tool for the person in front of me.
Sometimes that means using the Reformer to build strength. Sometimes the Cadillac provides support or a different way into a movement. Sometimes the Chair challenges balance and stability. And sometimes the most valuable work happens on the Mat.
The equipment is the tool. You are the focus.
What equipment is used in STOTT PILATES®?
One of the benefits of a fully equipped Pilates studio is the variety of ways we can work with the body.
At The Mind Body Union, sessions may incorporate:
Reformer
Half Cadillac
Tower
Stability Chair
Ladder Barrel
Other Barrels
Matwork
Small props and specialized equipment
Each piece of equipment offers something different.
The springs can provide resistance or assistance. The carriage can challenge stability and control. The Tower / Cadillac can support or challenge movement in different ways. The Stability Chair can provide opportunities to work on strength, balance, and control.
Rather than using equipment simply because it's there, I choose what will best support your goals and your body on that particular day.
Why does the instructor's training matter?
Pilates equipment is versatile, but knowing how to use it effectively requires more than knowing the exercises.
My STOTT PILATES® certification includes comprehensive training in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise technique, cueing, modifications, and the use of Pilates equipment.
That education allows me to look beyond simply asking, “Can you do this exercise?”
I'm also considering questions like:
How are you moving?
Where are you compensating?
What does your body need more of?
What might make this movement more accessible?
How can we challenge you appropriately?
What is the goal of this particular exercise?
That is where personalized Pilates becomes especially valuable.
Is STOTT PILATES® good for beginners?
Absolutely.
You don't need to be flexible, athletic, or experienced to begin.
One of the strengths of the STOTT approach is its adaptability. Exercises can be modified based on your experience, current abilities, and goals.
Your first session might look very different from someone else's—and that's exactly how it should be.
Is STOTT PILATES® only for rehabilitation?
No.
While Pilates can be a wonderful way to support a return to movement after an injury, it doesn't need to begin with an injury or limitation.
STOTT PILATES® can also be used to:
Build strength and stability
Improve mobility and balance
Develop body awareness
Support healthy aging
Complement athletic training
Improve coordination
Support posture and alignment
Develop core and pelvic awareness
Create a stronger mind-body connection
It can be challenging, restorative, athletic, or somewhere in between.
Why I chose STOTT PILATES®
My own movement background has taken me through competitive athletics, yoga, motherhood, and years of exploring how the body moves.
When I chose my Pilates education, I was drawn to an approach that combined the principles I loved about Pilates with a deeper understanding of anatomy, alignment, and individual movement patterns.
That's what STOTT PILATES® gives me as an instructor: a framework, but also the flexibility to work with the person in front of me.
Pilates should meet your body—not the other way around.
At The Mind Body Union, every session is an opportunity to understand your body a little better, build strength and confidence, and develop a practice that can evolve with you.
Whether you're new to Pilates, returning to movement, looking to support healthy aging, or wanting to take your athletic performance to the next level, your practice starts exactly where you are.
