Know Before You Go: Pilates is Gentle, But it is Also Rigorous and Sometimes You Will Be Asked to

Go Upside Down, Bend Over Backward, or Balance on a Moving Platform

People new to Pilates are sometimes surprised to learn that Pilates is not the same as tai chi, yoga, chair yoga, functional movement classes, balance classes, or physical therapy. Though Pilates does not brutalize the body, uses specialized equipment, and lighter weight, Pilates is the equivalent of a workout in a gym.

Pilates is not a substitute for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or any other medical intervention. If you are recovering from an injury Pilates should only be attempted after a full and successful course of physical therapy and only after you have obtained your physician’s okay.

If you are suffering from unexplained pain, have unexplained immobility in one or more of your joints, are recovering from an injury, illness, or major medical event, have dizziness, trouble with your balance, or any other concern about your health, we insist that you seek the insight of a medical doctor before attending a Pilates class.

Medical Permission Required: If you have a chronic medical condition like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, or any other chronic condition, if your doctor has given you restrictions on your movement, or if you have had any surgery (including plastic) in the past six months, you must bring a note from your doctor outlining those restrictions and giving you express permission to do Pilates. Furthermore, in cases like these, Nurture Pilates recommends that you take at least one private lesson before you go on to attend a Pilates group class so that you and your instructor can assess your fitness and comfort-level, and devise any modifications that you might need.