Pilates? Why bother?

Pilates has become a ‘hot word’ in the fitness world in the past few years and has multiple reputations. From being “too soft” to “not specific to my problem” to “I got hurt in a Pilates class” you have probably heard many stories.

What is Pilates?
Pilates is a method of movement created by Joseph Pilates who worked with ballet dancers.  His methods and equipment have developed and adapted over the years and now Pilates can be a lot of variations of his original concepts. 

Commonalities include the equipment such as reformers, caddilacs, and wunda chairs (every instructor’s favourite evil). Other common features across Pilates programs are the movements such as Double Leg Series, Gluts Leg On Bar, and lower abdominal movements such as Toe Taps and Hundreds.

Pilates does not have an overriding registration body, so you can get instructors with all sorts of different periods of training, experience, and styles under the same umbrella term.

I can’t speak for everyone else, but I will tell you all about why Pilates with us could be for everyone…

Instructors
All our classes are run by Physiotherapists. Physiotherapists undergo a minimum of four years of university education for their Bachelors of Science: Physiotherapy, plus we each have at least a year of experience as Physios before taking on Pilates classes.

The Physiotherapists running our classes are also Pilates trained, so they have done a one-year intensive Pilates course run by our excellent leader – Senior Physiotherapist Amy Zappa at Midland Physiotherapy.

Classes
We offer Studio classes here, a 1:4 ratio of therapist-to-patient, we ensure that our focus is on you. 

Programming
Our programming is specific to you, your needs, goals, and pain problems. Whether you’re here as a stepping-stone through an injury rehabilitation, to help you return to your normal gym or studio, or whether you are here to stay, we’ve got you covered.

So why bother?
Well, it’s simply another tool for us to use to help you perform your strength, conditioning, flexibility, or rehabilitation under the care of a Physiotherapist who is trained in both musculoskeletal care/exercise and in Pilates exercise prescription and equipment use. We can work you as hard as your pain problem will allow, safely, and using equipment that allows a low-impact session if that is what your body needs.

We can also work your body hard to achieve your goals, regardless of what they might be. I have never had someone leave my class saying that “Pilates is soft”. ?

So, see you in the Studio ? 

Author

Caitlin Hagdorn

Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor

Caitlin is currently completing her post-graduate master’s study in paediatric care and has experience across a variety of sports including gymnastics and rugby.

Mostly you’ll find Caitlin creating obstacle courses and playing games for her paediatric therapy patients, otherwise she’ll be energizing the Studio for her pilates clientele.

Special Interests:

  • Paediatric care
  • Sporting injuries
  • Knee pain
  • Gymnastics/dance/calisthenics