The benefits of a Pilates class lead by
a Charted Physiotherapist
Pilates was originally developed to aid in the training of professional dancers, and consequently the exercises are very physically demanding. These traditional Pilates exercises, which are commonly taught within gyms and
pregnant women, those requiring postural re-
In contrast, Modified Pilates, developed by the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates
Institute (APPI) which is taught by Rachel Else, focuses on retraining the deep stomach,
pelvic floor and back muscles that are vital in stabilising the spine, but known
to be weak in those with low back pain, to prevent and rehabilitate low back pain
in accordance with the latest scientific research. Thus restoring the function of
these muscles and reducing the reoccurrence of low back pain by 50%.
Another problem with Pilates in gyms and health centres is that classes are large and usually mixed ability. This means that beginners do not get sufficient tuition on how to correctly activate the deep postural muscles, and end up contracting the wrong muscles which can have detrimental rather than beneficial effects.
Rachel Else’s classes are small and all participants are of the same standard. This
means that everyone and in particular beginners get the attention they need to get
the maximum benefit from this form of exercise.
Where class members have specific problems such as low back pain then they can be confident that a Chartered Physiotherapist will have a better understanding of their problem and be able to tailor the exercises that individual does to meet their particular needs.
health clubs, can be unsafe for some people because they involve long lower limb levers which put large loads on the lower back and neck. Additionally these classes often include 'shoulder stand' positions, where class participants rest on their neck and upper back.
This type of Pilates is not suitable for those with low back pain, neck or shoulder pain,