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Disclaimer
The Physiotherapy and Pilates Company and Fiona Morris cannot accept liability for any consequences for anyone following any advice or exercises found within this website. Any advice or exercises presented within this website are of a generalist nature and do not take into account the particular physical or medical condition of any individual audience member. All information is meant to be practical and informative but is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice nor replace any relationship that exists between an audience member and their GP, hospital specialist or other healthcare professional.
Pilates FAQ’s
Why Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) Pilates?
The founders of the APPI are physiotherapists who have modified the original 34 matwork exercises originally created by Joseph Pilates. Using their knowledge and the most up to date research they have moved Pilates away from being just for dancers and gymnasts and made it accessible to all adults, children, sportspeople, our older population, those needing neurological rehabilitation, scoliosis, hypermobility and during the pregnancy postpartum periods.
Is Pilates suitable for me?
Pilates is a safe exercise for almost everyone and yes that includes men, not just women. It is low impact and you always work at your own level. Prior to starting a class you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will highlight any precautions or modifications you may need to help you within the class. If you have a complex medical history, a 1:1 assessment may be recommended before joining a class. You do have to be able to safely get on and off the floor but for those with limited mobility or low energy levels modifications can be made. Pilates is a great way to build up your activity levels even if you are new to exercising.
What can I expect from a class?
Each class is focused on or around your mat. We begin with a warm up in standing focusing on posture, mobility, coordination, balance and preparing the body for the more difficult exercises later. The majority of the class then involves exercising in various positions on the mat focusing on mobility, strength and flexiblity. We always finish with a cool down including stretches and sometimes five minutes of relaxation.
Although the exercises are all low impact this does not mean that the class should feel easy. You may not leave sweating like you would at an aerobics class but you should feel challenged.
Small equipment such as resistance bands, weighted balls, Pilates circles and massage balls are used to vary exercises and make them more challenging.
How many people are in a class?
Classes are small and have a maximum of 12 participants. This allows the instructor to monitor individuals and modify exercises as required. Throughout the class the instructor will check how you are managing and offer suggestions or small changes to ensure you get the most from each exercise and to prevent injury.
Do I need to sign up for a block?
To really feel the benefits from a class it needs to be a regular commitment. Regular attendance allows your instructor to get to know you and to tailor the exercises to a level appropriate for you. There are exercise progressions within a block and there is a sense of community and support within the class which you don’t get from a drop-in session. Where possible I offer the option to make up a missed class by attending a different class in the same week. This, however, depends on availability within other classes and is not guaranteed.
Why do I have to complete a Health Questionnaire?
This is a legal requirement from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). All information collected within the questionnaire is strictly confidential and stored following GDPR and CSP guidelines.
Ultimately this is to ensure that you can participate in the class safely, but also to allow the exercises to be tailored to your needs. It allows you to be contacted in the event of a change to classes and if you become unwell during a class it informs us who to contact for you.
What do I need to bring?
For general and children’s classes all equipment is provided, you just need to wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in and bring some water in case you get thirsty.
Pregnancy classes: please bring a pillow to help you to get comfortable in certain positions.
Postnatal pilates: please bring a thick blanket for your baby to lie on and a few toys to keep them entertained.
When can I join a Pregnancy class?
Once you have had your 12 week scan then you can join a class and continue as long as you feel well enough and there is no medical reason for you not to be exercising. If you are having twins, or have any complications with your pregnancy please discuss this with us before signing up.
Can Pilates help with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?
Pilates can be a great exercise to help with PGP, however, it may also be helpful to have a full assessment by a Physiotherapist as there maybe other treatments, manual therapy and advice that they can offer you alongside Pilates. Attending a Pilates class with an instructor who is also a physiotherapist with experience in pregnancy and postnatal conditions means that exercises can be modified throughout the class to ensure symptoms are not worsened.
When can I start a class after giving birth?
If you have had a straightforward vaginal delivery then you can commence a class from 6 weeks post delivery. If you have had a C-section it is recommended to wait 10 weeks to allow time for tissues to heal. If you have had complications with your delivery please get in contact to discuss this before signing up for a class. You can continue within a postnatal class until your baby is properly on the move then if you would like to continue you have the option to attend a general class. Once babies are moving mums spend the class chasing them around and not getting the most from the session.
Can Pilates help with an abdominal diastasis (separation) and incontinence?
Whilst Pilates is not a replacement for full physiotherapy assessment and treatment it can be an adjunct to specific physiotherapy interventions for the above conditions. Attending a Pilates class with an instructor who is also a physiotherapist who has experience in pregnancy and postnatal conditions means that exercises can be tailored to help improve such conditions. If you do have concerns regarding your abdominals or pelvic floor please discuss this with your instructor who may recommend that you attend physiotherapy for a full assessment as well as continuing with Pilates.
