Pilates is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles, including the abdomen, back, and hips. It also helps improve flexibility, posture, and overall strength.
Pilates exercises often involve controlled movements and breathing techniques to help you become more aware of your body and how it moves. It can be done on a mat or using special equipment, like a reformer (coming soon).
Pilates can benefit people of all fitness levels because it can be modified to suit individual needs and abilities. It’s a great way to improve your physical health and feel more balanced and aligned in your body.
Our services are led by APPI-trained physiotherapist and Pilates instructor Freya Lightfoot. At Back to Fitness Physio, we have lots of Pilates options to choose from.
With our 1:1 Clinical Pilates sessions, you can be confident that your technique will be spot-on, as not much passes our ‘Eagle Eyes’.
Clinical Pilates marries the best bits of Pilates with the medical brain of the physio. This means that exercises can be adapted to work around pain or injury, which will ultimately help the recovery process.
At our Ripponden clinic, Freya will conduct a Pilates assessment with you. Based on the findings, she will identify areas where you must focus on building strength and muscle control. She will then create a bespoke Pilates workout that you can practice together and at home.
This is not just for people in pain (although it does really help) but also for people who want to stay strong, develop muscle control and improve their fitness and flexibility. It’s also for people who feel they need more supervision than is possible in a group setting.
To see or feel any benefit, the exercise programme must be followed for at least 12 weeks, with the exercises practised two or three times per week. You can start with 1:1 sessions, and then you may feel ready to participate in one of our small group sessions.
A 1:1 Clinical Pilates session costs £90 (1 hour).
These small group clinical pilates classes occur at our Physio Rehab Barn in Rishworth. They are led by Freya Lightfoot, our APPI-trained physiotherapist and Pilates instructor. She can combine her knowledge of Pilates with her medical knowledge as a physiotherapist to provide an enhanced class experience.
Often, patients tell us that they don’t feel confident that they are doing the exercises correctly in a large class environment. Doing the exercises incorrectly can cause more problems than they solve, and they certainly won’t be as effective as if done correctly.
We limit our classes to 10 people. Freya will teach the class and will be supported by a therapy assistant or head physio, Charlotte (APPI trained).
What is different in our class is that everyone will have either been to us as a patient, been for 1:1 clinical pilates sessions, or had a telephone call with Freya before attending the first appointment if we haven’t met. We will know you, your body, and your goals; therefore, we can tailor the class to your unique requirements.
To see results, classes should be attended for at least 12 weeks, and exercises should be practised twice or thrice per week. The body needs time and repetition to grow stronger.
The price per class is £15.00. All new patients can try a class for free!
Sometimes, life is just too busy to attend a class in person. That’s why we have set up our Online Clinical Pilates service.
Classes will be live-streamed twice weekly, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your own home. Perhaps you’ve only a small time window between Zoom calls, or maybe you’re on holiday and would like to keep up good habits. You may want to buy this service for a relative who doesn’t live locally.
There are lots of options to choose from.
Please get in touch with us for more information on this service.
Muscles need time to adapt to see any changes in strength, posture, or flexibility. They need at least 12 weeks of exercise, repeated two or three times weekly. You can pay as you go for our classes, but it might help your compliance and, therefore, the results to commit to a block of sessions.
Pay as you go
£15 per class
4 Clinical Pilates Classes
£52 (4 in-person classes as a one-off purchase, valid from the date of purchase and expires in 28 days).
4 Clinical Pilates Classes and online access
£60 (direct debit) auto-renewal monthly and cancel anytime.
Unlimited online classes (includes live streamed and access to our online library)
£30 (direct debit) auto-renewal monthly and cancel anytime
Pilates is a full-body workout that improves muscle tone, flexibility and strength. It’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Clinical Pilates classes, overseen by healthcare professionals like physios, are specialised sessions tailored to address specific musculoskeletal conditions or injuries.
These sessions focus on therapeutic exercises using equipment such as reformers and mats to improve mobility, stability, and function.
Unlike regular Pilates classes, clinical Pilates is personalised to the individual’s needs, targeting weak muscles, correcting movement patterns, and managing pain.
These classes integrate clinical expertise with Pilates principles to support injury rehabilitation and enhance overall physical well-being.
Pilates offers numerous benefits for weight loss and overall fitness. It targets specific muscle groups, promoting lean muscle mass development, boosting metabolism and aiding in calorie burning even at rest. Pilates also strengthens the core muscles, improving stability, balance, and posture, enhancing overall fitness. While it may not burn as many calories as high-intensity cardio exercises, Pilates contributes to calorie expenditure, especially when performed at moderate to high intensity.
Additionally, Pilates emphasises mindfulness and controlled breathing, reducing stress and emotional eating tendencies.
Moreover, it improves flexibility and range of motion, making other exercises more comfortable and effective. Pilates should be combined with cardiovascular exercise and a balanced diet to maximise weight loss benefits. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or certified instructor before starting any new exercise regimen.
- Muscle toning
- Core Strength
- Increased Caloric Expenditure
- Mind-Body Connection
- Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion
Reformer Pilates is a type of Pilates practice that utilises a specialised piece of equipment called a reformer.
The reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform (carriage) that slides back and forth on tracks within the frame. It also has adjustable springs, straps, and bars attached to it.
During a Reformer Pilates session, the practitioner performs various exercises lying down, sitting, or standing on the reformer, using the resistance provided by the springs to target specific muscle groups.
Yoga involves holding poses and flowing sequences, while Pilates focuses on controlled movements for muscle engagement and stabilisation.
Both offer physical and mental benefits, but individuals may choose based on personal preferences and goals.
For Pilates, prioritise comfort and flexibility in your attire. Opt for breathable, form-fitting clothes like leggings or yoga pants paired with a supportive sports bra (for those who need one!). Avoid bulky accessories and loose clothing that may restrict movement. Consider wearing socks with grips to prevent slipping. Tie back long hair to keep it out of your face. With the right clothing choices, you can focus on your Pilates practice without distractions.
Pilates instructors typically undergo specialised training and certification programs to become qualified to teach Pilates. These training programs vary in duration and content but generally cover principles of Pilates, anatomy, biomechanics, teaching methodology, and practical instruction. Pilates certification programs may be offered by Pilates organisations, fitness institutes, or educational institutions accredited by reputable fitness governing bodies. Upon completion of training and passing required assessments, instructors receive certification or credentials indicating their proficiency in teaching Pilates. Additionally, many Pilates instructors continue their education through workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses to stay updated on the latest techniques and advancements in the field.
Our physiotherapists have completed the APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute) training.
Yes, Pilates can burn calories and contribute to fat loss, albeit to varying degrees, depending on factors such as intensity, duration, and individual metabolism. While Pilates may not burn as many calories as high-intensity cardio exercises like running or cycling, it still promotes calorie expenditure, especially when performed at moderate to high intensity. Additionally, Pilates exercises target specific muscle groups, helping to build lean muscle mass. Increased muscle mass can boost metabolism, leading to more calories burned throughout the day, even at rest. Furthermore, Pilates can contribute to fat loss by promoting overall fitness, improving muscle tone, and enhancing metabolic function. However, to achieve significant fat loss, it’s essential to combine Pilates with a balanced diet and other forms of exercise, such as cardiovascular workouts, as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan.
Yes, Pilates can be considered a form of strength training. Pilates exercises focus on controlled movements that engage and challenge various muscle groups, with a particular emphasis on core strength. The resistance provided by the body’s own weight, along with the use of specialised equipment like reformers and resistance bands, helps to build and tone muscles throughout the body. Pilates also incorporates elements of flexibility, balance, and stability, contributing to overall strength and functional fitness. Regular practice of Pilates can lead to increased muscle tone, improved posture, and enhanced overall strength and endurance.
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer and fitness enthusiast. Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates method in the early 20th century as a form of exercise and rehabilitation. Initially known as “Contrology,” Pilates designed the method to improve physical and mental well-being, incorporating breath control, concentration, centering, precision, and flowing movement principles. Over time, Pilates gained popularity and evolved into the comprehensive system of exercises for strength, flexibility, and body awareness that is widely practised today.
Yes, Pilates can help build muscle. Pilates exercises involve controlled movements that target specific muscle groups, particularly focusing on the core muscles. By performing Pilates regularly and with proper form, individuals can increase muscle strength, endurance, and tone throughout their body. Pilates also emphasises functional movement patterns, which can enhance overall muscle balance and coordination. While Pilates may not lead to the same level of muscle hypertrophy (growth) as heavy resistance training, it can still contribute to significant improvements in muscular strength and definition, particularly for beginners or those looking for a low-impact form of strength training.
Clinical Pilates is overseen by healthcare professionals like physios. It’s tailored to rehabilitate injuries or address specific musculoskeletal issues and focuses on personalised exercises to improve mobility, stability, and function. This can be 1:1 or in small groups and is perfect for people with pain or injuries.
In contrast, regular Pilates, led by certified instructors, emphasises overall fitness and wellness through core strengthening, flexibility, and posture improvement. It is typically conducted in group settings and takes a broader approach to conditioning without the personalised rehabilitation focus.
Pilates can aid in various injuries and musculoskeletal conditions by strengthening core muscles, improving stability, and promoting proper alignment. It targets areas like the lower back, neck, shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles, addressing issues such as pain, instability, and muscle imbalances. Pilates’ focus on whole-body integration and balanced muscle development makes it effective for rehabilitating injuries, improving posture, and preventing future issues. Whether it’s addressing lower back pain, muscle imbalances, or repetitive strain injuries, Pilates offers tailored exercises to support rehabilitation and overall well-being. Consulting with a qualified professional ensures that Pilates exercises are appropriate and beneficial for individual needs.
