Improving health through movement, education and empowerment

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What is Physio Led Pilates?

 

Pilates is a form of low impact total body exercise that helps to enhance quality of life through improving strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, body awareness, breathing control and stamina.

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It is named after its creator, Joseph Pilates, who developed the exercise method in the 1920s to overcome his disability from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. He dedicated his life to improving his and others physical strength and was ahead of his time in believing mental and physical health were closely connected.  Prior to his celebrated work with dancers he spent much time using his method to rehabilitate World War I veterans.

 

It is therefore no surprise that Physiotherapists use the Pilates method and its principles as a treatment to manage and reduce the risk of injuries, aid recovery and help ease aches and pains.

 

Physio Led Pilates is suitable for almost everyone, including those with postural, spinal, musculoskeletal, respiratory, or neurological conditions and for those who have never exercised. It is also helpful pre- and post-surgery, as an adjunct to sport or performing arts, and to enhance weight loss programmes for toning muscles.

 

Anyone can call themselves a Pilates teacher as there is currently no legal requirement to be registered or have a Pilates qualification. Whilst most have an appropriate Pilates qualification, Physiotherapists have  the additional expert knowledge of the body and  experience of rehabilitation which provides reassurance that each exercise you are asked to do is safe and appropriate for you and your body to give you most benefit at this time.  

 

 

 

 

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Research shows that regular Pilates practice will enable you to achieve many health benefits including:

• Improved core strength and stability

• Improved posture and balance

• Improved flexibility 

• Improved breathing control and relaxation

• Improved general fitness and wellbeing

• Enhanced cognitive function

• Correction of muscle imbalances

• Reduction of tension and stress

• Prevention and management of back pain (and pain arising from inefficient 21st style movement patterns) 

• Reduce the risk of injury.

Clients quickly find the health benefits of moving more efficiently carries over into everyday life and the simplest tasks (eg, lifting, bending, climbing stairs, walking) feel easier.  The benefits of a regular Pilates schedule are endless, individual, and sometimes life changing.   

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I am is a Chartered Physiotherapist, registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and a certified Pilates Instructor with a PhD from the University of Bath. I have spent time in clinical, academic and research settings but most of my career has been in the NHS working with people challenged by chronic long-term pain. However, early in my career I specialised in orthopaedics and sport and my interest in Pilates was kindled when working as a physiotherapist with elite gymnasts and observing its rehabilitation and performance potential. 

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Before completing my Pilates instructor training, I spent over 20 years perfecting my own technique and continue to practice what I preach - so I know what I am asking from others!  Pilates has given me the strength and flexibility to move with a sense of freedom and do the things I enjoy with ease. Importantly, it has provided the medium to recover from various health conditions over the years and manage ongoing pain from arthritis.  I love going to class myself to enjoy that sense of mind/body connection – or quoting Joseph Pilates feeling the “complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”

 

I enjoy teaching clients of all ages, abilities, disabilities, fitness levels and with or without health issues as ALL benefit from the Pilates method. It is a joy and privilege to observe the physical and mental health benefits I have seen clients gain through regular practice. This is what provides the inspiration for my teaching and my mission of “future proofing”.

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I offer small group classes with a maximum of 12 people; this allows me to observe and guide everyone through their exercise in a safe way. I modify and adapt exercises for individuals according to their needs and ability at that time. 

Classes are delivered both through face-to-face contact and Zoom, allowing you to choose the platform most convenient to your circumstances.  Although I cannot give you specific physiotherapy advice on your individual condition during class, I can give more comprehensive Pilates advice as a Chartered Physiotherapist. And, if you have a specific injury or condition or want a programme specifically designed for your body, I offer one to one sessions. 

 

Prior to attending your first class or 121 session you will need to complete a short health questionnaire. This is followed up with a telephone call so we can establish your specific areas of concern and goals.  Understanding your medical history and motivation for starting Pilates gives me more insight in how best to help you get the most from sessions.  If you are totally new to Pilates, joining an established class or have a pre-existing medical or health condition I may recommend an introductory one to one session to better understand your unique requirements, go through beginner Pilates fundamentals and establish together the best path forward – one-to-one sessions, classes or a combination of both.

 

Please note any information you provide is treated in strict confidence and in line with my professional and regulatory body standards (HCPC and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy).

If you have any questions or wish to join a class/one-to-one session please do not hesitate to contact me on jhall_work@yahoo.co.uk (NB: the underline of my email address hides the underscore between jhall and work as in jhallunderscorework)  or on 07980 069464.  

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Dr Jane Hall