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pilates
Pilates is a system of body conditioning, which helps improve posture, strength, flexibility and core stability. It is named after its inventor, Joseph Pilates (pronounced pi-lah-tees), a physical trainer who worked in an internment camp during World War I. He helped to rehabilitate returned soldiers, using the only available equipment - hospital beds, with the use of springs for resistance. Clinical PilatesClinical Pilates has been developed by Physiotherapists to help overcome pain and movement problems and assist rehabilitation. Some exercises have been modified to make them safer and more therapeutic. Other exercises have been eliminated, due to the risk of injury, which has been reported with conventional Pilates. Recent scientific research has shown that sufferers of back pain often have a weakness in specific spinal and abdominal muscles. They may not be activating these muscles in the right way or at the right time, or the muscles may be trained for strength but not endurance. Many Physiotherapists have found that retraining and strengthening of the deep or 'core' stabilising muscles is essential in helping a client with back pain return to optimal function. At Free to Move we offer two styles of Clinical Pilates: Studio Classes and Floor Classes. Both are suitable for beginners as well as continuing participants.
Clinical Pilates Studio ClassesThe Free to Move Studio Pilates programme involves the use of special equipment including the Pilates Reformer and the Pilates Trapeze Table. Our Studio Classes have a maximum of 4 participants, with each person having their own individual programme. The small class size allows for a high level individual attention from your Physiotherapist. This allows most participants to progress more quickly than in the Floor Classes. Before commencing the studio classes, participants must attend
two individual sessions. The first session is a thorough Physiotherapy assessment. We look at factors such as your medical history, range of movement, muscle strength, muscle imbalances, tension patterns, posture and balance. From the assessment your Physio comes up with a list of problems (for example pain, stiff joints or particular areas f muscle weakness) and a list of goals that directly address these problems. Your Pilates programme will then be based on these goals.
At your second appointment, we start you on your individual Pilates programme in the Studio, coaching you and providing hands-on guidance to help you perform the exercises correctly. We also train you in how to use the Studio equipment safely. Once you've completed these two sessions, you are ready to attend Studio Classes. At these classes, participants complete a circuit around the Pilates equipment, each person working at their own level and completing a different set of exericises according to their personal programme. A Pilates Physio continuously watches and supervises all participants, correcting and reminding you about posture, muscle use and how to perform the exercises. Sometimes hands-on treatment, strapping or a hot pack are given to enhance the benefits of your exercise session. You don't need a good memory as the exercises are written on your programme and your Physio will remind you about things you've forgotten, as well as teaching you new exercises expanding your repertoire as you improve. One section of your programme will involve floor or fitball work. We can photocopy this for you once you are performing the exercises well, so that you can practice at home. These sessions usually run in blocks of 5 weeks and you can find out times, dates and costs by opening the newsletter below.
Fitball, BodyBolster and resistance band exercises are also taught, giving you options for home practice and helping make your exercise regime more interesting, effective and challenging. Exercises are carefully progressed. Resistance is only increased once you are performing an exercise with the correct technique at a particular level. In this way, participants gradually improve concentration, coordination and body awareness. Clinical Pilates Floor ClassesFloor Classes (sometimes called Mat Classes) are another way to enter our Pilates programme. These classes have approximately 6 to 14 participants and are an economical way to learn Pilates. They are also the most economical way to learn Pilates. Many people start with the Studio Classes and progress to the Floor Classes once they are feeling more comfortable and confident.
Clinical Pilates Floor Level 1 classes introduce the basic concepts and teach the introductory exercises and correct technique, with lots of practical suggestions for making movement safer and easier. Participants also learn how to use the BodyBolster to bring relief, correct muscle imbalances and improve postural alignment. The beginners Level 1 classes are an excellent way to learn the basic Pilates techniques. Some participants prefer the Floor classes to the Studio, as they are gentle, and mostly done lying down, yet take a lot of mental concentration as you learn new patterns of muscle use. The Level 1 classes are suitable for pregnant women as well as those recovering from birth. Prenatal and postnatal participants are advised to attend for an individual assessment prior to commencing the classes. Many people repeat Level 1 before progressing to Level 2, but this depends on factors such as your age, existing fitness level and pain or movement difficulties. Clinical Pilates Floor Level 2 classes introduce the use of a fitball. Participants are carefully coached in the Clinical Pilates technique, using a fitball in a variety of positions such as sitting, standing, kneeling and lying down. Those with current pain issues or poor balance should talk with one of our Floor Pilates Physiotherapists before enroling in this class. Participants need to bring along their own Fitball or purchase one at the class. Clinical Pilates Floor Level 3 classes also utilise a fitball and participants should bring their own ball to class. Level 3 includes more challenging exercises, to further develop your skill and increase your repertoire of exercises. Level 3 classes are suitable for people who have completed Level 2 without difficulty and want maintenance, improved levels of strength and flexibility or prevention of injury recurrence. They are not suitable for those with current pain or movement difficulties. Benefits of attending Free to Move ClassesParticipants in Free to Move Training classes have reported the following benefits: 1. Relief of stiffness, pain and tension
Click here to READ WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY . . . More InformationFor more information about the Clinical Pilates check out the following websites: CLICK HERE TO ACCESS OUR NEWSLETTER AND COURSE INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN ENROLMENT FORM http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/
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