Pilates - From Contrology to Kin

Why Principles Matter More Than Order

When you step into Kin Pilates in NYC, you’re not just walking into a workout you’re joining a tradition almost a century in the making.

Long before “Pilates” became a household name, Joseph Pilates called his method Contrology: “the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.” His goal? To help people move with more strength, grace, and ease not just inside the studio, but in everyday life.

At Kin, we share that vision. While we deeply respect the history and structure Joseph laid out, we believe Pilates is less about memorizing a rigid exercise list and more about learning to move with intelligence, awareness, and purpose.

What Is Pilates? An Anatomical Introduction

Pilates is often described as a mind-body workout, but at its core (pun intended), it’s about integration getting your muscles to work together like a well-conducted orchestra.

Here’s how that looks in the body:

• The Core as the Powerhouse: Pilates strengthens your deepest stabilizers—the transversus abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and deep hip rotators—so every movement feels more supported.

• Balanced Muscle Development: Joseph Pilates believed that imbalance creates weakness. We train the whole body evenly, so no muscle gets overworked while another is left behind.

• Breath as a Tool: Breath isn’t just oxygen, it’s your built-in rhythm, your way to release tension, and a secret weapon for deeper core engagement.

And yes, whether you’re on a reformer, tower, or mat, you’ll feel muscles you didn’t even know you had.

The Classical Pilates Order vs. Kin’s Modern Approach

In his 1945 book Return to Life Through Contrology, Joseph Pilates outlined a classical order for mat exercises. Many classical Pilates studios teach that sequence exactly as it’s written and it’s brilliant in its design.

But here’s where Kin takes a slightly different path:

We believe Pilates isn’t defined by the order of exercises, it’s defined by the principles that guide them.

This means we can honor Joseph’s legacy while making space for your body’s needs on any given day. Sometimes that means following the classical flow, and other times it means shifting to address tight shoulders, a sore back, or your personal goals.

The Six Principles of Pilates

No matter your experience level, these principles are the heart of every class at Kin:

1. Concentration -Your full attention on each movement.

2. Control - Choosing precision over momentum.

3. Centering - Power starts from your core.

4. Precision - Every movement has purpose.

5. Breath - Your natural source of rhythm and support.

6. Flow - Graceful, continuous transitions that make it feel like a dance.

When you embody these principles, every movement becomes Pilates—whether it’s the hundred on the mat or picking up your grocery bag.

Why We Put Principles First

By prioritizing principles over a fixed prescription, we can:

Personalize every session whether you’re recovering from injury, navigating pregnancy, or chasing a performance goal.

Blend modern movement science with the timeless wisdom of Contrology.

Make sure every exercise is not just done, but done well.

Pilates for the Modern Body

Joseph created Contrology for bodies of the early 20th century, but today our bodies face different challenges. Hours spent leaning over desks, scrolling on phones, and long commutes have reshaped the way we move. At Kin, we adapt the work to address modern posture and mobility needs, while staying true to Joseph’s vision of a strong, supple, balanced body.

The Takeaway

Pilates began as Contrology, a way to move through life with strength, ease, and control. At Kin, we keep that spirit alive by focusing on how you move, not just what you do.

If you’ve been curious about Pilates or you’ve tried it before but never quite found your fit this is your sign. At Kin, you don’t have to be “ready” or “in shape” or know the names of the exercises. You just have to show up, and we’ll take care of the rest. Start with our Simple Start Plan 3 classes for $89, explore our reformer, tower, and mat sessions, and discover how good it feels to move with purpose. We can’t wait to welcome you home.