Pilates

Many people may have heard about the Pilates method which is a form of exercise that is gaining popularity across Australia. Our Clinic in Colac has invested in some of the Pilates equipment that is used to modify some of the Pilates exercises when treating people with injuries. For this reason we use the term Clinical Pilates when referring to the Pilates program that we prescribe.

Pilates, like swiss-ball exercises, is an exercise routine which helps to establish core stability whilst also working on flexibility, stamina and postural strength. The Pilates method combines working on smooth, flowing movements whilst maintaining a strong, centred posture, good breathing control and a clear mental focus. The system was first developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century. Joseph Pilates was born in Germany and had been a sickly child so used exercise to improve his health and physique. He moved to England in 1912 and used his strength and fitness to become a boxer. During the first world war he was sent to the Isle of Wight because of his nationality and while there he passed his time by teaching other detainees how to develop physical fitness. Whilst there he also developed his first piece of exercise equipment using springs and a hospital bed. He called this the universal reformer and used it to help rehabilitate spinal injured patients as they lay in bed. After the war Pilates moved to America and opened a fitness centre in New York. His exercise classes became popular with dancers, who identified with his emphasis on flowing movement and mental focus. Pilates continued to develop his system throughout his lifetime looking to different sports as well as yoga and the animal world to increase his instinctive understanding of the body.

The Pilates method is now predominantly taught by physiotherapists and utilises the reformer as well as standing and floor exercises. General Pilates as seen on videos and in gym based group classes are also excellent for people wanting to tone up and develop general strength. One concern though for people with back problems, particularly disc problems is that some of the exercises are too high level and can aggravate their condition. This is where it is important for people with injuries who want to benefit from Pilates should seek advice as to what is best for their condition.

The clinic is equipped with 2 Pilates reformers and a Pilates trapeze. Both Steven and Mark are qualified Clinical Pilates physiotherapists, who draw on their clinical knowledge to create Pilates programs targeted to the client’s needs.

Each school term, a Core Stability class is run in the clinic’s rehabilitation gym. Some of you may have heard the term ‘Core Stability’, particularly in relation to athletic training. This is just one of its benefits, offering athletes a stable centre allowing more efficient movement. It is also very useful for those suffering from low back, neck or shoulder pain, with an emphasis on maintaining good posture throughout the exercises. Participants also find that they feel to be ’standing taller’, with effects on their mental well-being and body-awareness.

The course introduction will touch on why these ‘core’ muscle groups are so important to the ’stability’ of our posture, particularly around the lower back and pelvis. The course is then run, similar to a circuit class, with a number of exercise stations under the supervision of a physiotherapist, making it both safe and enjoyable, even for those who may feel that their recent activity levels may have been less than optimal.

For more information, feel free to contact the clinic on 5232 2400.