PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
CLINICAL PILATES METHOD
- For all levels of ability — All ages and all levels catered for
- Benefits include increased control, strength, flexibility and endurance
- One on one sessions with a Physiotherapist or group sessions available
- Health fund rebates available
Clinical Pilates Sessions
Cairns Total Physiotherapy provide Clinical Pilates sessions with one of our trained Physiotherapists for all ages and ability levels. Group sessions are made up of small sized classes with only 4 to 8 people. Private sessions are available for those who need extra attention and one on one training.
Initial physiotherapy screening is required to ensure your needs are addressed and due care is taken to exercise to your level to best exercise specifically for your needs.
Our six week beginner classes start from only $110. In these beginner courses you will learn the principles of Pilates, the theory and latest research behind core stability training as well as feel more balanced and focused on your core. Over this six week period, Mat classes are set up to provide a foundation of Pilate principles and to develop a program of movements.
After completing the beginners course, clients can join the Progressed Mat classes at their leisure.
Bookings for the Clinical Pilates classes are necessary. If you would like further information about the classes or would like to make a booking please contact Cairns Total Physiotherapy.
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History
Pilates is a specific system of exercises. It is named after its founder Joseph Pilates who began to develop his ideas in a World War I English prisoner of war camp while assisting injured prisoners to recover from war induced injury. He then moved to New York in the 1920’s and set up a studio there.
In the early days his exercises were embraced by the dance world who found them to be excellent in terms of strengthening and performance enhancing. In the event of an injury the Pilates exercises also maintained strength and assisted with rehabilitation.
In more recent times Physiotherapists have embraced Pilates as it provides the specific strength and core stability needed by so many of our clients experiencing ongoing back pain. The program includes up to 250 exercises that focus on the use of the deep abdominal muscles, correct breathing and good posture.
The Benefits of Pilates
- Improves body conditioning — flattens, tones and strengthens abdominal muscles
- Improves posture and prevents injury
- Balances strength with flexibility
- Relieves stress and tension
- Enhances body awareness
- Heightens concentration
- Enhances athletic performance and movement quality
- Boosts self image
Pilates Mat Classes
Pilates’ movements are performed lying down on a mat so stress is taken off the body allowing the posture to be corrected. A series of flowing exercises are performed which require concentration, correct breathing and precise execution. Each exercise is only performed 5-10 times, allowing for maximum mind body connection. The exercises look deceptively easy and familiar but take some time to master. With regular practice the correct movements are achieved and the full effect of the exercise can be felt. The exercises require a high level of concentration and regulated breathing producing a calming effect that leaves the mind and body feeling refreshed, relaxed and energised.
Who can do Pilates?
Pilates is a gentle series of movements that uses the body’s own strength to stretch and strengthen muscles, so it can be practised by anyone of all ages and fitness. The movements are generally not aerobic so cardio-vascular fitness does not have to be high.
Pilates can be adapted to the needs of clients who have particular problems — your Physiotherapist will assess your ability to participate and modify exercises appropriately. For clients with acute and sub-acute pain we design a program of exercises that do not aggravate their pain but rather start to activate their deep stomach and back musculature to develop strength and control around their weakened segments.
These exercises and others that can be progressed to different stages and a program can be designed to be very challenging requiring a very high level of core stability recruitment. These are excellent for elite athletes to provide that edge over the opposition or to sharpen up slightly weak core stabilizers.
Exercises for elite sports people have a sports specific way in which we design specific exercises with the challenges of the particular sport in mind.
Exercises for dance professionals and dance students have a dance specific slant where we design exercises with the demands of dance technique in mind.
Can't I just learn from a book or a DVD?
Pilates looks simple and familiar but you need an objective view that can check alignment and technique, and constant prompting, as performing the movements incorrectly has no benefits.
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