Clinical Pilates 

What is Clinical Pilates?

Clinical Pilates adapts Joseph Pilates' original body-weight and spring based exercise method. It incorporates current knowledge of human anatomy, neuromuscular physiology, biomechanics and physical rehabilitation. 

Equipment with springs, such as the Pilates Reformer and Stability Chair are used to teach movement. The main goals of most Pilates programs are to improve strength and to gain mobility.

Clinical Pilates is a gentle, intelligent, mindful and whole-body form of exercise therapy. Consequently, each exercise follows a set of principles.

For example, each exercises has a breathing pattern. There is also a focus on breathing three dimensionally with the rib cage.  Each breath pattern keeps us mindful, the result is a stronger connection to the muscles needed for stability and movement. 

Exercise choices during Clinical Pilates appointments account for your goals, your movement capacity and your health conditions.

What Are the Differences Between Private Clinical Pilates and Pilates Classes?

Firstly, in group classes the instructor's attention is divided between multiple participants. Unlike in a private session where the focus is solely on you. 

Secondly, group classes are usually formatted and are often limited to one piece of Pilates equipment.  During private Pilates sessions we have access to the mat, Reformer and Stability Chair.

Thirdly,  group classes are often fitness based, instead of having a rehab focus. 

What Happens During a Private Pilates session?

During the first appointment there is an assessment that includes a health history, a movement screen and goal setting. There is also time for an introduction to the Pilates principles and some exercises.

Follow-up sessions begin with a check-in to see what you have been doing since your last visit and to learn how you are feeling. Since the focus on you, that day's exercises are progressed or regressed depending on how you feel and what you are capable of doing. 

Book in East Vancouver near Renfrew Skytrain Station at C.A.T.C.H Physio and Wellness.

It is often used simultaneously with other therapy modalities, like massage therapy, chiropractic and physiotherapy. 

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Why Choose Private Pilates with a Kinesiologist?

Clients take part in private Pilates because they get individual attention. Therefore, the focus is solely on them, their health condition(s) and their abilities.

 Alfred is a compassionate and attentive Kinesiologist with over 20 years of experience.  Along with a Pilates certification, he is also an allied health professional with a 4 year degree in Human Kinetics.  He understands your medical condition(s) and movement history. 

Most clients also seek the support and guidance of a human movement expert. 

People who choose Pilates have a variety of health, physical rehabilitation, and fitness goals.  

For example:

What are the Differences Between the Pilates Reformer and Stability Chair?

The Pilates Reformer and Stability Chair are both pieces of specialized exercise equipment that are similar and different.

Similarities Between the Reformer and Stability Chair

Firstly, the main similarity is that they both have several built-in springs to assist with movement and provide resistance. These springs also have a variety of tension levels. There Reformer has an adjustable gear bar to change the starting tension. Where as the springs have different attachment points with many combinations to alter the challenge.  

For example, changing the total spring tension switches each exercise's focus between strength and stability. Therefore, the exercise becomes easier or more difficult.  

Secondly, the Rehab Pilates Reformer has an elevated platform that makes it easier to transfer on and off it. The chair is also elevated, however its height can make some exercises too difficult for someone with knee pain.

Thirdly, the chair provides the capacity for exercises that mimic daily activities, like sitting and climbing stairs. While the Reformer, has a tower, which is a modified Pilates Cadillac to assist with standing and other exercises.

Differences Between the Reformer and Stability Chair

The first difference between the two is the available accessories.  On the Reformer these include the mat converter, jump board, long/short box, straps and arc barrel. Even though, the main accessory on the chair are the adjustable handle bars, the long box is also used for some of the chair exercises, like the standing leg work. 

A second difference is the platform size.  The mat converter extends the Reformer, so a person can lie down on it.  Unlike the Reformer, the stability chair surface is the size of a large square seat which remains fixed.  As a result, you need more body-control to lie down it. 

Thirdly, spine support is different between the two. On Reformer the spine is in a supported position more often. During exercises on the the stability chair the spine has less support.  This means that the back muscles do more work during the chair exercises. 

Another key difference is in the footwork exercises. On the Reformer there is larger leg range of motion than on the chair. Lastly, the pedals work independently or together on the chair, so clients can use their left and right side together or separately. 

Choosing between using either one depends on each individual's needs and goals.