What is Clinical Pilates?
Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's. Pilates is a conditioning exercise programme that targets the deep postural muscles of the abdomen and spine to improve overall central core stability and posture. The mind and body are brought together to achieve these aims through the following eight sound principles: Concentration, centering, breathing, isolation, routine, precision, control and flowing movement.
Pilates is a conditioning exercise programme that targets the deep postural muscles of the abdomen and spine to improve overall central core stability and posture.
Clinical Pilates is a series of mat based exercises in various different body positions which have been adapted by physiotherapists to make them more suitable for patients with back and neck pain, and those recovering from injury. It is a relaxing and gentle form of exercise. It is run in small classes to enable the patient and physiotherapist to work together to ensure that the exercises are being completed correctly and so that if required the exercises can be adapted on a one to one basis.
By completing Pilates exercises regularly, it can help to improve your posture, strength and flexibility alongside a healthy lifestyle. Many patients find that Pilates is a useful form of exercise when returning to their normal hobbies/sports following injury. Evidence supports the use of the pilates method in the prevention and rehabilitation of back injuries. By retraining the deep abdominal and spinal muscles, Pilates can help to prevent the recurrence of back pain.
Class Information
Classes run as a six week course, of one class per week. This is to enable you to benefit the most from the classes. Additional exercises are added to increase the difficulty of the classes as the course progresses. Classes run for approximately 1 hour, including warm up and cool down exercises/stretches and a main class. Classes are limited to 8 people to enable one to one teaching during the classes and for the exercises to be adapted to different levels for all those participating. Classes are suitable for all those aged 18 and above, and all abilities, including beginners and those who have attended pilates before.
Mats, pillows and towels are provided and exercise sheets are given regularly at both beginner and intermediate level classes to help patients continue their exercises at home.