Pilates Classes
Pilates is being hailed as the “fastest growing exercise technique worldwide”.
Joseph Pilates its founder described it as “The attainment and maintaince of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind, fully capable of naturally performing our many daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure”
The American Council on Exercise recently predicted that “mindful” exercise programmes will further increase in popularity, particularly Pilates for its ability to develop strength and balance for a large spectrum of health and fitness levels.
Pilates is a mind body 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 8 sound principles:
- Concentration
- Precision
- Centering
- Control
- Breathing Routine
- Isolation
- Flowing movement
Pilates focuses on the correct movement and therefore on quality not quantity. When performed regularly Pilates positively changes the body.
At Physio4U in Oranmore, our Chartered Physiotherapists teach Rehabilitation Pilates.
What is Rehabilitation Pilates?
The medical world is now realising the benefits of the Pilates method for the prevention and rehabilitation of neck and back injuries.
In order to prevent a recurrence of back and neck pain it is essential to retrain the deep abdominal and spinal muscles.
Hodges (1999) and his colleagues at the University of Queensland, Australia, have developed a model of spinal stability. They propose that the deep abdominal muscles, deep spinal muscles (mutifidus), diaphragm and the pelvic floor muscles are co-activated to form an enclosed abdominal ring which is termed a “cylinder of stability”. This cylinder is termed the “central core” in Pilates.
With Rehabilitation Pilates the focus is also on the contraction of the pelvic floor to facilitate the deep abdominal and spinal muscles to contract thus activating this central core. This system is further challenged by introducing graduated arm and leg movements and stretches.
Rehabilitation Pilates is a unique exercise programme that focuses on correct movement quality, core stabilisation and postural correction.
Chartered Physiotherapists are experts in the analysis of movement dysfunction and body biomechanics and so are ideally placed to advice on appropriate rehabilitation regimes.
Even if you have no symptoms, the Chartered physiotherapists will often identify movement faults which may result in potential injuries and hence pass on prevention tips.
WHO IS IT FOR?
- People of all ages and level of fitness
- People seeking to optimize their health, wellbeing and relaxation
- People with back pain, muscle and joint pains
- People with poor posture
- People with balance problems
- Arthritis
- Stress related illnesses
- Sporting populations
- Pregnant women & post natal
- Men as well as women!!!
BENEFITS OF Rehabilitation PILATES:
- Speed up recovery following injury
- Prevent injury recurrence
- Improve balance
- Improve co-ordination
- Improve posture
- Increased health and well-being
- Increased relaxation
- Strengthen core muscles
- Increased flexibility
- Aid in stress management
- Improved strength & stamina
- Help prevent stress incontinence
- Performance of safe exercise
- Chartered Physiotherapist led and monitored
CLASSES:
The numbers are limited to 14 people. This is to ensure specialized attention for all participants to make sure its quality movement not just quantity!!
Class members should be able to get on and off the floor and be able to lie flat on a mat. If these things are difficult for you individual sessions of Rehabilitation Pilates or the back fitness class may be more appropriate.
Clothes should allow freedom of movement.
All equipment relating to exercising will be provided by Physio4U.
Duration and Location?
Classes will be run in six week blocks with each class being one hour in duration. The cost is €100. Full payment will be required in advance to reserve your place.
If there is a particular day/time that would suit you best let us know at info@physio4u.ie
Classes and times will be updated on a regular basis.
Aileen O'Rourke is one of the Chartered Physiotherapists who is trained in Rehabilitation Pilates. For more information on Aileen see her profile.
Individual Assessment:
If you are not attending Physio4U Chartered Physiotherapists for management of a specific injury/condition and would like to attend the Rehabilitation Pilates classes then please contact us on info@physio4u.ie or (091)792871 to book an assessment session. This is 15 minutes in duration and there is no charge. This session is conducted by either Joan Boult or Eimear O'Leary our Pilates trained Chartered Physiotherapists who will complete a full assessment focusing on assessing the quality and range of spinal movement, flexibility and muscle power and control. This will allow the Chartered Physiotherapist to plan specific exercises that will meet each individual’s specific needs and ensure that they are exercising at a safe and appropriate level during the class. These assessments take place the Tuesday before the first class but must be booked in advance.
In summary what’s the difference between Pilates and Rehabilitation Pilates:
| Rehabilitation Pilates | Pilates | |
| Instructed by a Chartered Physiotherapist | Yes | No |
| Individual assessments and small numbers | Yes | No |
| Injury diagnosis and Management | Yes | No |
| Rehabilitation Programme | Yes | No |