A common debate in the Pilates community centers around how the spine should be aligned during exercises. Online, some people say that contemporary Pilates emphasises maintaining the natural curves of the spine, unlike classical Pilates, which demands a “flat back”. As a Pilates instructor who has gone through comprehensive classical training from the Jay Grime lineage, and has attended workshops with Lolita San Migual, and the wonderful MeJo Wiggins and Brooke Siler (Romana Kryzanowska lineage). I have never been asked to or trained to teach a “flat back”.
I’ve been trained to help people find connections in their body and make these connections stronger.
Why do people say you should use a ‘flat back’ in classical Pilates?
What Did Joseph Pilates Say About Spine Alignment?
One of Joe’s most debated quotes in the Pilates community is his claim that backs should be flat: “In a newly-born infant the back is flat because the spine is straight.” Factually, this statement is incorrect and doesn’t align with modern anatomical understanding. So, what did Joe really mean? There are several ways to interpret it:
- At face value, he may have been advocating for a straight spine.
- He might have made an overzealous claim emphasising the importance of spinal elongation.
- His original context and intentions could differ from how we interpret the statement today.
But how can we get closer to his true intent? One useful reference is the cover of the book where this quote appears, Your Health (image below). The cover illustrates the results of his corrective system for posture. Notice how the men on the left only lightly touch their glutes with their lower backs slightly off the surface—if you imagine that same posture rotated and lying on a mat, it doesn’t depict a spine pressed flat into the floor, as an imprint would suggest. Instead, it shows an elongated spine, which is further emphasized by the bidirectional arrow separating the before and after, symbolising lengthening. This visual helps us understand that Joe was likely emphasising spinal elongation rather than a forced flattening of the back.
Also, in ‘Return to Life Through Contrology‘ written by Joseph in 1945, he offers valuable insight into how he viewed the spine and movement. Throughout the book, he emphasises the importance of spinal articulation, core control, and balanced posture. But at no point does he explicitly advocate for maintaining a “flat back” at all times. In fact, the accompanying photos of Joe himself show a naturally supported spine. He does not appear to be imprinting his lower back into the mat. It’s important to recognise that one isolated sentence from another book (Your Health) should not override the broader message he conveys in Return to Life. His method was about dynamic control and length through the spine, not rigid or unnatural positioning.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re trying to understand the difference between classical and contemporary Pilates. Please don’t use the idea of a “flat back” as a defining distinction between the two. This oversimplification not only misrepresents classical Pilates, but also suggests a disconnect from Joe’s own work.
If you are curious, why not look at or revisit the original sources? Understanding Joe’s method requires more than quoting a single line. It requires reading his books, observing his movements, and appreciating the context in which he taught. The true difference between classical and contemporary Pilates lies in interpretation, emphasis, and evolution, not in a false binary of flat vs. curved spines.
Want to Experience Classical Pilates?
If you’ve only ever taken Pilates classes that focused on choreography or sweat, come experience Contrology the way Joseph intended it. You might just discover strength, stability, and awareness you never knew you had.
Ready to experience the difference?
Book a class with us and discover how classical Pilates—taught the way Joseph intended—can transform your body and mind.