Clinical & Reformer Pilates
Clinical Pilates in Sutton Coldfield & Lichfield
Matwork group classes, Matwork 1:1, or Reformer 1:1
What is Clinical Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that was created by Joseph Pilates. Clinical Pilates is based on the traditional Joseph Pilates method, although it differs from traditional Pilates as it takes into account the participants individual physical needs. Pilates works on balance control, muscle control, lengthening and strengthening muscles. At Ebrook your session will be taken by a physiotherapist, ensuring you’ll be able to enjoy your session with the knowledge that it will be tailored to your individual needs and injuries.
Tailored to you
Traditional Pilates requires a high level of strength, control and body awareness, which initially can be too much for a beginner or someone with an injury. Clinical Pilates has modified traditional Pilates exercises to reduce the demands on the spine, creating more options to allow you to participate.
Will I benefit?
If you have long term back pain, feel like your core strength could be improved, or if you want to work on your overall strength and muscle control, then Pilates is for you. We work on balance control, muscle control, lengthening and strengthening muscles.
Strengthen and Lengthen
Overtime, we will work to improve your balance, improve your mobility, to create a strong and resilient body. There will be many adaptions, allowing you to work at your level, with the option to progress when you are ready.
“Change happens through movement and movement heals.”
MATWORK Clinical PILATES
Group classes:
Small group classes of up to 8 participants are taken through an hour-long Pilates class. Each week we have a different focus and use a range of different exercises. Small equipment adds variety to exercises and adapts the movement to make exercises easier or more challenging, this includes, the small Pilates ball, foam roller, light weights, and the magic circle. Classes are welcoming and interactive creating a personal and friendly atmosphere. This class is perfect is you want to continue to strengthening post injury, or to improve mobility and strength overtime to create a strong and resilient body.
If you have a specific injury, it is recommended to see a physiotherapist or osteopath first to ensure this form of exercise is appropriate for you. You may be recommended to have a 1:1 first.
1:1 Matwork Pilates
Alongside our classes, we offer 1:1 clinical matwork Pilates with a physiotherapist, allowing you to choose a time to suit you. These are fully individualised to you, an initial 1:1 will include a medical history, a movement assessment if you have an injury, and then dependent on your familiarity with Pilates, a run through of the basics or straight into a session. Every session onwards, we will work together on your weaknesses, improving your strength and mobility.
If you have any worries about joining a class, then having a 1:1 is a good way to improve your confidence. We can discuss your injuries in depth ensuring you know what you can and cannot do and an opportunity to learn the basics of clinical Pilates first.
What is a reformer Pilates?
Reformer PILATES
The reformer is a traditional piece of Pilates equipment designed by Joseph Pilates. It consists of a bed with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys. Don’t worry though, we will guide you through the equipment to ensure you feel safe when using it.
Reformer Pilates is done on a reformer bed, which uses light springs to create resistance. On the reformer you can create many variations of exercises, which can create sessions for people of varying abilities. From those with high levels of pain and limited ROM, to challenging high level athletes, and all the people in between!
Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates
It is down to personal preference of what you choose. Some people find matwok Pilates is perfect for them, but others enjoy the variation the reformer can provide. If you do one, it does not mean you can’t do the other!
The reformer is a brilliant rehab tool for your injury. It allows us to tailor you a workout plan to ensure optimal rehabilitation, alongside full body strengthening. Many exercises are similar to those on the mat but due to the added resistance we can increase the intensity of the exercise. Alternatively, we can use the increased resistance to create stability, to make the movement easier, allowing for greater focus on control. You don’t have to be injured to use the reformer. Reformer Pilates is great for sculpting and strengthening muscles, and a 1:1 environment ensures the exercises are focused to you and your needs.
What is a reformer Pilates?
Benefits of regular reformer Pilates
If you have long term back pain, feel like your core strength could be improved, or if you want to work on your overall strength and muscle control, then Reformer Pilates is for you. We work on balance control, muscle control, lengthening and strengthening muscles.
Overtime, we will work to improve your balance, improve your mobility, to create a strong and resilient body. There will be many adaptions, allowing us to build your strength and endurance, progressing exercises when you are ready.
The reformer is often described as fun! It’s challenging but the equipment allows for movement which otherwise is unachievable on the mat.
The famous quote from Jospeh Pilates… “You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.”
Most Popular Questions about Pilates
Pilates Most Frequently Asked Questions
Your 1:1 reformer session will be taken by a physiotherapist. On your first session, we will have an in-depth chat about your exercise history, medical history and assess your movement. We will discuss your goals and aims of using the reformer, whether that’s injury rehabilitation or pushing yourself to strengthen and lengthen your muscles. Then we will get started, first you’ll learn the basics and then depending on your ability we will progress onwards at your own pace!
We recommend exercise clothing for both matwork and reformer Pilates. For reformer Pilates we recommend wearing grippy socks so you don’t slip.
If you have an injury, we recommend seeing a physiotherapist or osteopath first, so your injury can be assessed, and you can be guided to the best option. Whether that’s straight into a group class, 1:1 matwork or reformer.
Yes! Some people believe you should do matwork first, but in a 1:1 setting you’ll be guided every step of the way.
No! any age is welcome on the reformer. So long as you feel comfortable moving then you can participate in Pilates, even on the reformer. A discovery session is a great way to work out if the reformer is for you or not.
Under 16-year-olds need to be accompanied by an adult.
Yes! We are offering free 15minute reformer discovery sessions. This allows you to ask any questions and have a go on the equipment. Very occasionally someone will have a go and not like it at all, others love it straight away!
Ideally, yes. Depending on your preference (and budget), we recommend you do it as much as you like. We can always give you an exercise program to practise at home and in between sessions. Our monthly direct debit options make having weekly or fortnightly session more cost effective.