What kind of workout is Clinical Pilates?

Pilates is a whole-body exercise which was developed by a man named Joseph Pilates originally to rehabilitate soldiers and then later used as strength and conditioning training for dancers.

Pilates training focuses on strengthening the “core” which are a group of muscles that support the trunk of the body, while also targeting the upper and lower body through use of slow and controlled movements. Pilates can either be performed on a gym mat or with specific Pilates equipment such as a Pilates reformer.

In most health clinics “Clinical Pilates” was created as a way to rehabilitate injuries and increase strength through low-impact exercise.

How is Clinical Pilates different from yoga?

Clinical Pilates and yoga are both aimed at increasing one’s overall health. Yoga focuses on more of a mental to physical connection of the body, incorporating repetitive movements to elicit mental relaxation. Those who are looking to unwind from stressful situations may find that yoga is more beneficial for them.

Clinical Pilates does follow suit similarly but was designed to rehabilitate one from the centre of their body (the core) out to their peripheral limbs (arms and legs). Those who have complex medical conditions or injuries will be better suited to Clinical Pilates, especially when instructed by a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist in terms of safety and knowing which exercise will be best.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Clinical Pilates?

There are many advantages to Clinical Pilates such as:

• Improved flexibility
• Improved muscle mass
• Improved strength and/or muscular endurance 
• Overall improved mental and physical health benefits related to performing exercise

In all truth, there are no disadvantages to Clinical Pilates. However, what may be a disadvantage is using Clinical Pilates for rehab when you may be suffering from specific diseases such as osteoporosis or late-stage musculoskeletal rehabilitation where impact exercise is required.

Is Pilates better than the gym?

Again, this question has no straight answer. Depending on what your goals are, stage of life and wants, either the gym or a Clinical Pilates based program will provide you with benefit.

Here at UniquePhysio during your initial assessment, our Physiotherapist’s or Exercise Physiologist will determine if Clinical Pilates is what you need 🙂