Physio Pilates

Woman in a yoga pose

What is Pilates?

Pilates was originally developed as a rehabilitation method for soldiers. Through years of refinement, Pilates has become an exercise method that integrates postural and breathing awareness into a program designed to strengthen the core muscles. Pilates is a series of fluid movements designed to build body awareness, promote flexibility, and support resistance training in a fashion that builds lean muscle. Pilates is an excellent addition to any exercise program requiring strength and flexibility training that supports the core musculature, encourages improved posture, and helps restore muscle imbalance.

How will Pilates help me?

Pilates is ideal for those looking for light resistance exercise using body weight. It helps create awareness of posture, breathing, and movement patterns that may be contributing to weakness, pain, or dysfunction. Pilates is specifically designed to help patients connect with their body and build strong core musculature in the shoulder blade, low back, and pelvic region.

Physio Pilates Classes

Virtual Physio Pilates classes will be taught by Jeannette Johnson, Registered Physiotherapist and Body Harmonics ® mat and reformer instructor. Your physiotherapist will be aware of your current injury condition and will help you develop a program specific to your needs. The class will be made up of people who have experienced similar injuries, who are looking to advance their home program, and perhaps consider working on their core strength in a community-based Pilates program when finished.

The virtual Physio Pilates class is ideal for anyone who is completing their rehabilitation plan and looking to become more independent with their exercise program. You should be fit to participate in group exercise and cleared to participate by your family doctor and allied health practitioner (physiotherapist, chiropractor, etc.). Some awareness and previous experience with core training are ideal but not necessary.

Click here to book virtual Physio Pilates with Jeannette at the HPC location.

 

Physio Pilates Reformer Appointments

The reformer is a specialized piece of Pilates equipment that allows you to add resistance to your core workout. Using a spring-loaded system, the reformer can be used in sitting, standing, kneeling, and lying down positions to challenge your muscles in a variety of ways. It increases awareness of your core strength and stability as you work through your exercises with increased intensity and endurance when compared to most mat programs. The straps that are attached to the reformer allow you to move your arms and legs in ranges of motion that would be challenging to do on your own without the assistance of the straps while presenting an additional challenge for your core.

The reformer is a great step up for those who have completed rehab for a hip, back, or shoulder injury or those who are progressing through their rehab program with relative ease. It can be used to intensify your current core exercise program and provide you with new challenges for your body’s strength, flexibility, and endurance needs. A reformer is also a great option for those who are looking to strengthen their muscles to support their joints in a low-impact format.

Each reformer session will be taught one-on-one. You will learn how to use the equipment safely and how to modify the exercises and the machine for your specific needs. It is an excellent addition to any core program that may feel stagnant and is a great introduction to the reformer if you are considering participating in a class at any one of the several Pilates studios in Guelph and the surrounding area.

Mat Class Description

By placing a strong emphasis on functional anatomy we will engage specific muscles, and release others. The class focuses on creating support for the legs and freedom for the spine, hips and shoulders. Participants will be directed through a series of exercises to strengthen the core, stretch the muscles and open the joints. Special attention will be given to the specific rehabilitative needs of each participant. As such, each class will involve a maximum of six people. You will leave with a fantastic feeling of openness and grounded-ness!

Woman sitting cross-legged