Exeter Pilates Appointments

Are you looking for an Exeter Pilates instructor?

At Kiterise, we know how beneficial the approach is for general health and wellbeing.

Not to mention its positive effect on many specific types of pain and discomfort.

In this guide, we’ll provide more Pilates information, including how you can book a session.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise, originally inspired by elements of gymnastics, boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling.

It aims to strengthen the body and often focuses on the core postural muscles.

It can include exercises on a mat on a floor, or using specialist equipment, like a reformer or Cadillac/Trapeze table.

Often patients ask about how pilates and yoga differ. For a brief explainer, watch the video below:

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates has many benefits but perhaps most significantly, it allows us to strengthen the core muscles that support our spine.

These muscles, in turn, provide a stable base for us to use our arms and legs, whether that be for lifting and carrying or playing sport.

With the right exercises, we can target these stability muscles and gradually correct any imbalances that have occurred over time.

How Does Pilates Work?

Most exercises programmes seek to stretch and strengthen joints and muscles, in order to prepare them for the rigours of daily life.

Pilates is no different.

But where it works well is because it allows us to specifically target our stabilising muscles.

These muscles, unlike those which move our limbs, are constantly active in the background, providing support to maintain a stable posture.

Often, due to poor posture, overuse or pain, these muscles begin to switch off.

Over time this places greater stress on other muscles and joints in the body, which then experience injury.

Types of Pilates

There are two main types of Pilates for which we provide advice and exercise programmes:

General Health and Wellbeing

Pilates is a very popular activity for improving general fitness and programmes range from beginner to advanced.

If you’ve ever attended a class, you’ll know that you’ll often get a good workout and experience sore muscles the next day.

If you’re fit and healthy and don’t suffer from any health conditions, a general, phased programme will usually be fine.

It’s always best to get a tailored set of exercises to suit you however.

Clinical Pilates

Clinical pilates is often used by physiotherapists to treat muscle and joint complaints.

If you suffer from a slipped disc, for example, a general pilates programme or group class could easily make the problem worse.

In contrast, clinical pilates, utilised after a detailed examination, can stretch and strengthen the affected muscles and joints, while allowing the disc to heal.

Conditions Treated

Backs and necks

Pilates is most commonly used to treat spinal issues, including back and neck pain.

Often these complaints are chronic in nature and due to a gradual buildup of postural issues, muscle imbalance and weakness.

Shoulder conditions

Many shoulder conditions may be the result of poor posture and stability issues leading to impingement, inflammation and pain.

Pilates can help address body positioning, which will positively influence the shoulder condition.

Hips, knees and ankles

Pilates can also help with lower limb conditions

Many of the conditions suffered at these joints, like chronic groin pain, knee tendinopathies or achilles problems could well be a result of core weakness.

These issues often need a through biomechanical assessment and any necessary exercises added to the treatment regimen.

This will be performed as standard in our Exeter pilates consultation.

Pregnancy

After giving birth, the pelvic floor muscles and those that support the spine are often weakened, leaving a new mother with back pain and sometimes continence issues.

Strengthening these important muscles can help address such symptoms.

Pilates Classes

While Pilates classes can be a great way of exercising in a stimulating group environment, be aware that you might not get the individual attention you need.

If you have no health issues and simply want a workout, you’ll likely be fine. If that’s the case, many gyms and health centres offer classes run by personal trainers.

If you have specific health needs or want a more tailor-made approach, it’s advisable to seek a one-on-one consultation with a physiotherapist first.

Appointment FAQ’s

How do the pilates clinic sessions differ from an exercise class?

In the clinic sessions, we will often be using pilates exercises in conjunction with other therapies and treatment techniques.

Therefore, as opposed to constituting a full-on workout, it will include exercise prescription that you can then perform at home.

Emphasis will be placed on establishing the correct technique for each exercise and any progressions will be added in your follow up appointments.

How long does a session last?

If you have a health condition, but would like to include elements of pilates in your rehabilitation, the initial appointment will br a detailed examination.

This will take up to 45 minutes and include instruction in the exercises you will need to perform at home between each appointment.

Normally you should leave at least 30 mins for your follow up in order to check on your progress.

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable, loose clothing which allows you to exercise.

If the appointment is in the clinic, it may involve exercise instruction as opposed to a full workout, but be prepared to move.

If the session is organised in your local gym, it might be more intense, so being a towel and water with you.

Booking an Exeter Pilates Appointment

If you would like to book an Exeter pilates assessment, reach out via this contact form.

We will likely ask a few questions to ensure the treatment is a good fit.

Otherwise, see what other services we offer here.

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