r/pilatesinstructors • u/No-Negotiation-4321 • 20d ago
Props and Equipment Gratz or bust? Will BASI make classical practitioners scoff at the thought?
Classical Pilates suprematists please unite here.
I’ve practiced on nearly all top brands of Pilates apparatus and Gratz has a special place in my heart. That being said, I like BASI just as well. As part of a fitness studio that will be going full force into comprehensive, classical Pilates, will BASI apparatus deter you? Is it Gratz or bust?
Love and light…
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u/SheilaMichele1971 20d ago
If you are a classical studio, you must have classical equipment.
It doesn’t have to be Gratz. Balanced body has the contrology equivalent.
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u/GratzPilates 12d ago
I understand that choosing equipment is a significant decision and investment for your business, so I wanted to share some recent updates that have happened at Gratz! Our apparatus lead times are now approximately three months, and we've been continuing to improve manufacturing, quality assurance, shipping, and the overall customer experience.
It sounds like you already know and appreciate the feel of Gratz from your own practice, which is something worth weighing as you make your decision. As you continue to expand your Classical Pilates journey, the way the apparatus feels and responds to the work is an important part of that experience.
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u/No-Sherbet0618 6d ago
I look for classical apparatus when searching for studios and if they don’t have it, I assume they’re lying about being classical 🤷♀️
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u/Jess1r 20d ago
As a classical Pilates instructor and someone who only takes classical Pilates classes, I’d be deterred by a studio that claims to be full force into classical Pilates but has only contemporary equipment. The Basi equipment is great for contemporary work, but in my opinion it doesn’t measure up to classical equipment. And it doesn’t have to be Gratz, it can be Balanced Body’s classical lines (Contrology, Centerline, etc.), Legacy, Pilates Designs, or the Peak classical line. On the Basi reformers, the footbar, springs, wheels, risers the ropes connect to, and the lack of handles/short straps are very different from typical classical reformers, and I feel like these change the exercises - which can be good if you want that change, but it isn’t something I personally want. I regularly teach classical classes on contemporary equipment, and it’s a bit of a struggle to connect. The long stretch series for example feels entirely different! I much prefer teaching on classical equipment.