Fitness Pilates vs Clinical Pilates

Pilates was invented in the early 20th century by Joseph 'Joe' Pilates who believed that mental and physical health are inter-related.

Many early adherents to his method were dancers for whom conditioning was vital to building flexibility, strength, stability and endurance, and coordination in the legs, abdominals, arms and back.

On this page I distinguish between two main applications of Pilates: Fitness Pilates as a physical fitness system developed by the inventor, and the recent Clinical Pilates.

Fitness Pilates

Most people first come across Fitness Pilates when they join a Pilates class, often at a gym or leisure centre.

This form is Pilates as an exercise aimed at general improvement in physical fitness.

The benefits of Fitness Pilates can be summarised:

Improving posture and balance
Improving strength and stamina
Preventing injury
Preventing back, neck and hip problems
Relieving stress and improving sleep patterns
Helping prevent osteoporosis
Getting back into shape after giving birth.

My Fitness Pilates page has a lot more on this topic.

At my studio in Hildenborough I offer both small Fitness Pilates classes and one-to-one sessions.

Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates is an entirely personal application of Pilates techniques to the treatment of specific conditions and to accelerate rates of recovery.

The benefits of Clinical Pilates can be summarised:

Aiding rehabilitation after strain, injury, illness or an operation
Deals with individual, rather than group, needs
Treating back, neck and hip problems
Achieves faster results than those achieved through exercise-oriented activities
Incorporates functional exercises which mimic everyday movements
Can head off potential injuries by restoring the body's correct physical balances.

Clinical Pilates is prescriptive and can only be undertaken in a one-to-one relationship between client and qualified practitioner.

I hold Clinical Pilates sessions at my studio and sometimes visit at home clients who cannot make the journey. My Clinical Pilates page has full details.

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