FAQ’s
There are lots of amazing Pilates instructors in London. These range from fitness to rehabilitation so it depends on your needs. The best thing you can do is look at the instructors training to see the level of expertise. As there is no governing body in Pilates setting a baseline standard, qualifications can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 years. Try to find someone who has a good standard of training. However, it also comes down to personality so you may have to try a few different studios.
This depends on the reason for your back pain. If you speak to most spinal surgeons they will suggest one or the other. Generally, if something isn’t hurting your back or causing your pain that is a good place to start. If you have been doing group classes try some 1:1s to make sure you are moving correctly. Otherwise, if you are unsure then go and see a Physiotherapist who will give you a full assessment and can point you in the right direction.
Pilates will significantly increase your abdominal strength and endurance and can also be used to strengthen upper and lower limbs as well as working on postural awareness and stability. However, if you are looking at improving your overall muscle strength, weight training in the gym is best for this. This is because to increase muscle size you have to expose it to more load then Pilates can offer, particularly mat Pilates. Some group Pilates classes will include weights and combine it with common gym exercises but a typical Pilates class will not. Try combining a variety of exercises to get the best results.
Pilates is a safe and great way to get your body moving if you have not been participating in regular exercise without putting undue stress through your body. However, some studies have shown that neither Yoga or Pilates significantly changes your body composition. The best results for this is other methods of training such as Cardio workouts. However, Pilates does such a good job at strengthening your stability system it signficiantly reduces the risk of injury that impact or weighted exercises can create. Importantly you must be eating a balanced and nutritious diet to get the best results.
As you get further along your pregnancy then it is recommended that you do not do heavily loaded abs exercises, including a plank. These can increase the risk of getting an abdominal separation (diastasis). There are lots of other exercises you can do safely and if you are lifting weights then your abs will be working anyway!
Yes if it is done correctly with someone who understands what is happening. If you have sciatica and have had it for a while then you should seek medical attention prior to a pilates appointment. This can be with your GP or a Chartered Physiotherapist. They will be able to assess you properly and determine why you are getting sciatic referral. If they think it necessary then they will also refer you on to a specialist. Remember that nerve pain can feel better when it is moved but can then get worse afterwards so it is really important to understand what is happening and why you are getting the pain.
Unfortunately yes, but so can anything. The important thing is to know why you are getting the pain and if there is a structural reason for it or if it is just the way that you are moving or sitting. If you are in a class and getting the pain, talk to your instructor and potentially try some 1:1 sessions to help you with your form.
Complete Pilates is a great place for you to come if you are suffering from an injury. We have instructors who are qualified Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists and Osteopaths who will assess you and lead your programmes to ensure that you are progressing as quickly as possible. We are part of Complete-Physio which give us options for clinical physiotherapy, osteopathy and soft tissue massage if we think you require extra assistance. Please ensure that you make us aware of any injury by contacting us and we will place you with the best qualified instructor to ensure that you progress at a quick pace.
The most important thing is to understand what the problem is. Getting an accurate diagnosis will make sure that you do not aggravate the problem or turn it into a long term issue. Ideally, consult your GP who is likely to refer you to a Physiotherapist or Specialist. You can get an ultrasound scan and may be directed to an MRI depending on the problem. Avoid impact exercises such as HIIT classes or running as this may aggravate it. Try using a bike with a slightly higher seat as this will keep the knee moving. Once you have consulted a clinician they will be able to direct you which exercises to do and to avoid. Just remember that exercises should not make it worse.
There are lots of amazing Pilates instructors in London. These range from fitness to rehabilitation so it depends on your needs. The best thing you can do is look at the instructors training to see the level of expertise. As there is no governing body in Pilates setting a baseline standard, qualifications can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 years. Try to find someone who has a good standard of training. However, it also comes down to personality so you may have to try a few different studios.
If you are looking for 1:1 sessions in zonal London prices can range from £60 – £200. Classes can start from £10 for mat and £15 for equipment based. Most studio’s will offer a discount for new starters and a lot also do promotional events throughout the year.
Try and find something which is close to either your work or home. The more convenient it is the more likely it is that you will go regularly. Try not to travel too far as this means that it is more likely you will stop before you see the benefits