If you have just joined our team do check the teacher portal first for a proper introduction or our procedures before returning to this page :)
Case studies
While we do provide group classes, it's crucial to recognize that Pilates is ultimately a personal journey. As instructors, it's our responsibility to be well-versed in common client conditions, ensuring we tailor sessions to their specific needs. To assist you in this endeavour, I've gathered the following case studies. I also recommend creating your own library as you come across unique cases.
While we do provide group classes, it's crucial to recognize that Pilates is ultimately a personal journey. As instructors, it's our responsibility to be well-versed in common client conditions, ensuring we tailor sessions to their specific needs. To assist you in this endeavour, I've gathered the following case studies. I also recommend creating your own library as you come across unique cases.
1. Exercise During Pregnancy and Post-partum: Guidelines for Safe Practice
Exercise is a wonderful way for pregnant women to stay active and healthy, provided they do not have any pre-existing medical conditions. However, safety is paramount, and certain considerations must be taken into account to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Please adhere to the following guidelines for our pregnant clients:
1. Medical Approval is Essential:
Trimester-Specific Guidelines:
First Trimester:
Transitioning Away from Core-Centric Work:
1. Medical Approval is Essential:
- Before beginning or continuing an exercise routine during pregnancy, clients must obtain prior approval from their physician.
- Why: Every pregnancy is unique, and medical guidance ensures exercises are safe and appropriate for individual circumstances.
- We accept pregnant clients up until the 6-month mark. This does not apply to clients who have been regularly attending classes throughout their pregnancy.
- Why: Ensuring a client has been with us prior to the 6-month point ensures a level of familiarity with our exercises and routines.
- Although it's recommended to maintain an exercise routine during pregnancy, beginning a new regimen midway into pregnancy is not advisable.
- Why: Starting a new exercise routine during pregnancy might introduce unnecessary stress to the body. Maintaining a familiar routine is generally safer.
Trimester-Specific Guidelines:
First Trimester:
- In most cases, exercises can continue without major modifications.
- Stay hydrated and cool during workouts.
- Why: Proper hydration and comfort are essential for both maternal and fetal well-being.
- Modifications start to be introduced, avoiding curl ups and sit ups.
- Shift the focus from direct abdominal stimulation to obliques and back.
- Suggested Alternative: For ab work, consider modified planks on the elbows and knees with the hips slightly elevated.
- Why: Adapting exercises supports changing body dynamics and helps avoid strain on the abdominal area.
- Limit time spent on the back to 5 continuous minutes.
- Certain moves may become difficult due to belly size; provide alternatives.
- Abdominal muscles are weakest; offer supportive modifications.
- Suggested Change: Modify the cat-cow stretch to isolate the pelvic tilts only, avoiding deep spinal flexion and extension.
- Why: Protecting the spine and pelvic region is crucial during the third trimester.
Transitioning Away from Core-Centric Work:
- As the pregnancy progresses, focus on leg and upper body exercises (arms, back, and chest).
- Reduce the proportion of exercises that heavily target the core.
- Why: Adapting the workout to include more leg and upper body exercises minimizes strain on the abdominal area and supports overall body strength.
- Avoid Overexertion: Clients should be able to maintain a conversation while exercising.
- Listen to the Body: Encourage clients to take breaks when needed to catch their breath and cool down.
- After pregnancy, clients can resume exercise with physician's approval after 6 weeks.
- For those who underwent a C-section, recovery may take longer.
- Focus on gradual strengthening of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.
- Why: Pregnancy and delivery can be challenging for the body. Gradual recovery and strengthening are essential for postnatal well-being.