Clinical Pilates
PILATES CLASSES AND WHAT THEY ARE GOOD FOR…
Author: Jennifer Franks
WHAT IS PILATES?
The concept of Pilates was initially developed by German born Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, however his original idea has been adapted and modified over several decades and Pilates today has many different and varied approaches. Joseph Pilates devised hundreds of exercises, all with the goal of improving abdominal or "core" strength and increasing spinal control and stability. The vast majority of his exercises were designed to be performed on specific apparatus such as the Reformer and Cadillac/Trapeze Table which utilise spring resistance to progress the complexity of the exercises.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF PILATES?
As mentioned above, the original concept developed by Joseph Pilates has been modified over the years, and today, there are 2 common types of classes available - the traditional equipment based classes which are undertaken with small group sizes to allow more individualised attention and a personalised programme for each participant - these are often referred to as Clinical Pilates or Clinical Exercise classes, and are commonly (although not always) run by qualified physiotherapists or other allied health professionals, as part of rehabilitation and recovery following injury.
There are also floor or mat based classes, which are more general and undertaken in larger group sizes, meaning all participants perform the same exercises together. Floor or mat based classes may include the use of small pieces of additional equipment including the Magic Circle, foam roller, resistance band and hand weights, all of which can increase the difficulty of the exercise being performed. Floor or mat classes are commonly run by non-medically trained instructors.
WHAT AND WHO IS PILATES GOOD FOR?
Pilates is good for a multitude of conditions, problems and injuries!! Due to the low-impact and modifiable/adaptable nature of Pilates, it can be undertaken by virtually anyone, regardless of age, particularly equipment based Pilates which does not involve having to get on/off the floor. Most commonly, Pilates is used for people recovering from a lower back problem, and also for people looking to improve their general posture and strength especially if they have ongoing neck/shoulder/upper back pain from computer based work. Pilates can also be an excellent way to recover following joint or muscle injury, orthopaedic surgery, abdominal surgery, or pre/post-natally, to assist in regaining abdominal and pelvic floor strength and control. Additionally, Pilates has become very popular amongst professional dancers (where it all started!) and elite athletes in all areas of the sporting world, as it is recognised as being highly beneficial in providing excellent core stability and strength which is crucial when competing in high level sport.
WHAT TYPES OF PILATES ARE AVAILABLE AT PRESTON PHYSIOTHERAPY?
At Preston Physiotherapy, we offer small group equipment based classes, with a maximum of 4 participants to ensure you get the focused attention from our Physios. Classes are all led by our fully qualified physiotherapists (so you are in very safe hands!) and take place in our beautiful new purpose built studio which is light filled, airy and spacious. Every participant has been fully assessed by one of our physiotherapists prior to commencing a class, to ensure that the exercise programme designed is specific to each individual and their particular needs. In most cases, at least 1 x one-on-one session will have been undertaken to ensure equipment familiarity. Progress is monitored session by session and progressions introduced in a safe and timely manner by the physiotherapist, in order to ensure ongoing improvement without the risk of injury or aggravation of pain.
You can purchase casual sessions or buy in packs to save cash! Call us to discuss or book online for you assessment any time you like.