But what are the 34 moves?
We have been breaking them down, building them up... but do you want to know more?
The famous 34 Pilates mat exercises come from Joseph Pilates’ book Return to Life Through Contrology.
Joseph Pilates didn’t sit down and decide, “I’ll make 34 moves.” This was simply the set he arrived at after years of testing what actually worked.
So how did he choose them?
He wanted a complete, full-body system—one that covered core strength, spinal movement, flexibility, and coordination. He worked with dancers, gymnasts, and even boxers, and drew heavily from rehabilitation work and breathing techniques. All of this influenced what made the final cut. Quite simply, he kept what worked and dropped what didn’t.
His philosophy was clear: do fewer exercises, but do them really well. This idea of efficiency is key—and it’s where we need the discipline to sometimes slow things down, make movements smaller, and really make them count.
He believed that these 34 exercises were enough to work the entire body without being excessive.
The order matters
The sequence isn’t random. Traditionally, you might warm up with things like spotty dogs or star jumps before coming to the mat for The Hundred. This is where we start to connect breath with movement and switch on the core—what Pilates called the Powerhouse (often referred to as “the centre,” or as I like to say, the engine room). From there, we build into more challenging strength and control work, finishing with integrated, full-body movements.
The 34 are essentially his “best of” list—a tight, well-thought-out sequence refined over time, not a magic number he was aiming for. He created many more exercises, and through first- and second-generation teachers, there’s now huge variety. But if you go to a class and work through “The 34,” you’ll find the same movements all over the world—just taught with different cues and emphasis.
I really like that. Despite all the variety out there, it connects us through a shared foundation.
Bringing it to our mats
We’re not dancers or gymnasts—we’re real people using these exercises (among many others) to move better, build strength, improve endurance, and increase mobility. What we all share, though, are the principles: breath, control, precision, coordination, and centering.
I truly believe all levels can work with the 34, because there are so many ways to adapt and modify. Over the past few weeks in our intermediate classes, we’ve been breaking the exercises down and building them back up so we can run through them in sequence—and identify the ones we want to improve or better understand. I’ll be bringing this into the all-level classes in the coming weeks too, and all sessions will be recorded so you can revisit them—because practice really is essential.
Joseph Pilates didn’t see his method (which he called Contrology) as something you only did for an hour on the mat. He believed it should carry into how you move and live every day. His famous quote, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness,” really shows just how forward-thinking he was.
So with that in mind—practice matters. Use the library, revisit your nemesis exercises, and keep working at them.
Yes, running through the 34 can be tough—but it’s so worth it. It flows, it challenges us, and it leaves us feeling stronger, more open, and more connected.
It just works.
New in library this week
We have been far more interactive this week so less new content but last Saturday's 30 mins class (and tomorrow's) are recorded, plus Pilates and Strength training week 2 from today. (weight training)
I suggest you all try yesterday's "breaking down the moves" class as we start with a bit of a twist on 100, 1 leg circle, single and double leg stretch, spine stretch and roll up by doing them standing. A different approach on a familiar move. (The 34 moves and how to break them down)
How did you get on with some of the Q and A/workshop style classes this week? I've really enjoyed them (but no, it's not all about me!)
Next week's classes
Tomorrow's extra Easter ad hoc 30 mins will be reformer on the mat. Details in calendar of what you need to be prepared.
Easter Monday class is an express 30 mins.
Wed extra 08.30am
Friday - no live classes - PLEASE stay with your schedule and go into the library and select a class from last Friday to keep you on track.
APRIL PTPB
Pass the Pilates ball.
This has been a daft/fun thing that has been doing the (social media) rounds and is into it's 10th year and I thought this year, we at JP, could join in.
So... you need your Pilates soft/squishy/mini ball and your mobile. Prop your mobile up to film you and get someone off screen to throw the ball to you which you catch - you then do something like a squat with it between your legs or a one arm circle or lunge holding it in front of you - any of the many moves we have done (you can call me for inspiration) or simply just catch and then throw... I will then link all the little clips together to make a montage so it looks like one is throwing it to the next and so on.
As you are looking at the camera, have the ball thrown in on your RIGHT and throw it to your LEFT - that. keeps us all uniform! if you what's app me the video I can edit off the bits either side. Keep it short - 2- 3 secs should give you time but dont rush it! if in doubt just catch it, smile it at the camera and throw it on again. Get the kids involved and get creative. On the boat, on the beach, in the garden, in your camper van, down on the allotment, wearing Easter bunny ears, in pyjamas.. you get the picture. Send in as many as you like - the more the merrier. I will put it all together and post at the end of Easter on Insta and Facebook and will share on you tube too for those who don't have social media. This will not make any money, win any prizes or achieve anything other than being a part of a fun, daft Pilates thing that started in Australia and has grown legs around the world( I was going to say grown balls but maybe not... )
Dates for your diary
Coffee and catch up TUESDAY 21 April - details in calendar
Summer picnic - June 24th, Haunted History walk and pub supper - July 8th and Isle of Wight Revitalise day July 23 - all details to follow but save the date.
If you know anyone who might like to try a class or join one of our ad hoc 30 mins, there is a stand alone charge and all welcome! Send them my way.
Amongst other things, I am currently working on my content on You Tube and creating a couple of playlists to share with "Friends of Juliet's Pilates" so class attendees who I may not be currently seeing are going to be sent a link. I will get back to you when I have completed this.
If you have not yet, why not join our what's app group - an easy way to keep in touch and swap ideas, share class feedback, arrange lifts to socials and more. What's app me and I can add you to the group .
Have a very happy Easter,
Juliet x
Julietspilates.com email juliet@julietspilates.com call 0773 6359062
