The Benefits of Clinical Equipment Pilates Classes
I have been in the health, well-being and medical world for about 15 years as an Exercise Physiologist and Physiotherapist and from the start, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pilates Clinical Equipment. I quickly saw how it is gentle on the joints, offers low impact support, and can be a powerful tool for healing when exercises are properly prescribed. Personally, I love the feeling of improved posture and effortless movement combined with strength.
As I delved deeper into Pilates, especially during my Doctor of Physiotherapy studies, I was surprised to find that most research was focused on yoga rather than Pilates. Only recently, in 2024, have we seen some research emerging on reformer Pilates, not to mention Pilates itself. Despite this, I’m encouraged to see that Pilates is gaining recognition. While the body of research is still growing, I am hopeful that it will skyrocket in the future. For now, I'll have to try to convince the world about Pilates via my experiences and the physically transformative effects of Clinical Pilates, particularly in its ability to prevent and address pain and disability.
As a practitioner, I primarily focus on musculoskeletal therapy. I love helping people manage and overcome their pain, whether its acute or long-term, using skills, strength exercises and knowledge! One of my greatest passions is introducing people to Clinical Pilates classes. While, I offer one-on-one sessions, semi private sessions and mat classes, I especially enjoy tailored classes with 3-4 people. These small group sessions allow for meaningful conversations, accountability and camaraderie, all while working on Pilates equipment.
I use the reformer, trapeze table and the wunda chair! Although not much research is available on these tools, they work wonders for the body! Joseph Pilates said, “When all your muscles are properly developed, you will as a matter of course, perform your work with minimum effort and maximum pleasure.” Sounds great right! You might be thinking, ‘Kalli, sounds great, but I don’t have the time and energy, plus the added travel to get to another destination!” I understand - most of the time, I prescribe classes for only a short duration, until the body that’s crippled by pain can be managed at home or the gym. What I can say confidently is that Pilates has more advantages than other conservative treatments (e.g. rest, ice/heat, analgesics and NDSAIDs). Just a 4-week Pilates work out has significant effects in reducing pain and disability with long-term benefits!
Recent research indicates that people who did 8 weeks of Pilates Reformer classes exhibited superior outcomes in pain, disability and quality of life to those who did mat exercises (Jeon et al., 2024). The study offers some practical insights that are worth considering. While I’m not discounting the value of mat Pilates or general exercise, I believe it’s important to acknowledge that physical fitness is crucial for managing daily tasks and overall well-being. Staying strong, fit and active can be challenging, especially when dealing with disability and persistent exhaustion. This is why I value group sessions - its easier to skip a workout if you’re on your own. However when you’ve committed to meeting others, you’re more likely to stick with your appointments (Thomas, 2011).
Let’s discuss how gentle equipment Pilates-based exercises can help address various health issues and medical conditions. Neglecting the body can lead to problems such as body aches, poor posture, urinary incontinence, weak core and pelvic floor muscles, persistent exhaustion, physical weakness, and muscle pain. These issues can contribute to depression, excessive worry, nervousness, and anxiety due to the discomfort they cause. While rest is important to help decompress the nervous system, bed rest alone may not be sufficient and can sometimes worsen the problem.
According to Fu and Levine (2018), physical reconditioning with regular exercise is essential for treating conditions like P.O.T.S. and chronic physical disability. They recommend a structured resistance (strength) program for the core and lower body. Particularly, horizontal exercise at the beginning is a critical strategy for those with core weakness and deconditioning. This approach sounds much like what we do with Clinical Equipment Pilates! It doesn’t end there - as the body strengthens, both the duration and intensity of exercise should be gradually increased, with upright exercises introduced as tolerated (Fu & Levine, 2018).
Body posture problems otherwise known as upper cross syndrome and lower cross syndrome can be found in workers in any sedentary job. Pilates was found to be helpful in posture correction, corrective spinal deformity, forward head posture, improving pelted tilt, thoracic kyphosis (Li et al 2024). Clinical Pilates helps to develop the body uniformly, correct wrong postures therefore restoring physical vitality and invigorating the mind!
The clinical studies found in resent research document that Pilates-based exercise is effective in:
improving flexibility (Cruz-Ferreira et al., 2011, Kao et al., 2015, Segal et al., 2004)
core contraction (transversus abdominis contraction) (Herrington and Davies, 2005)
balance (Cruz-Ferreira et al., 2011, Johnson et al., 2007)
trunk extensor strength (Kolynaik et al., 2004)
lower limb muscular co-contraction and strength (Bernardo, 2007, Cruz-Ferreira et al., 2011, Kao et al., 2015, Petrofsky et al., 2005)
osteopenia positive effects on bone formation in women
(Betz, 2005, Kim et al., 2014, Sinaki and Mikkelsen, 1984)
improve static and dynamic balance (Barker et al., 2015, de Siqueira Rodrigues et al., 2010, Gildenhuys et al., 2013, Hyun et al., 2014, Kovach et al., 2013, Mokhtari et al., 2013)
improve functioning (de Siqueira Rodrigues et al., 2010)
improve social and emotional well-being (Mokhtari et al., 2013, Roh, 2016)
Some other studies have shown that pilates exercises: reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent osteoporosis, improve the shape the body and improve body awareness.
Joseph Pilates once said, ‘If your spine is stiff at 30, you are old. If it is flexible at 60, you are young.’ This highlights the incredible impact that pilates can have on how we feel and function, no matter our age. At my studio, Equipment Pilates is designed to help you regain flexibility, strength and balance (just to name a few - see list above). Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to stay youthful and active, our sessions are tailored to meet your needs in a welcoming and supportive environment. Let’s work together to keep your body feeling young and vibrant!
Further current research suggests that just 50-60 minutes of exercise twice a week is a low-cost, easy to-do routine that offers high returns in the long run, including lower medical bills! (Li et al., 2024)
“Through contrology [Pilates] you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities.”
– Joseph Pilates
In Gary Thomas’ book, ‘Every Body Matters' he states it’s important to engage in regular, moderate exercise and to pursue a strength and flexibility program repetitiously. With consistent practice, the transformative benefits become clear. As Joseph Pilates famously said:
“In 10 session you’ll feel the difference,
in 20 you’ll see the difference,
and in 30 you’ll have a whole new body.”
While I can’t speak with you personally, I hope this blog challenges and encourages you to address any long-term neglect of your body with a sense of grace. If my tone hasn't come across as intended, I encourage you to embrace grace as you begin to focus on your well-being. Remember, it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself!
References:
Fu, Q., & Levine, B. D. (2018). Exercise and non-pharmacological treatment of POTS. *Autonomic Neuroscience*, 215, 20-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2018.04.004
Thomas, G. (2011). *Every body matters: Strengthening your body to strengthen your soul*. Zondervan.
Li, F., Dev, R. O., Soh, K. G., Wang, C., & Yuan, Y. (2024). Effects of Pilates on body posture: A systematic review. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic & Clinical, volume 215, P20-27.
