Have you experienced an injury that has stopped you from participating in activities that bring you joy? Perhaps that injury or condition led you to seek treatment from a licensed professional such as a physical therapist, which improved or solved the problem – but now what? How do you return to activity without re-injuring yourself? STOTT pilates is an excellent option to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and fitness activities.
Pilates is a mind-body exercise system pioneered by Joseph Pilates, a physical trainer and inventor. His exercise regime and equipment has been used since its inception during WWI to promote physical fitness, flexibility, correct postural alignment, core stability and breath-work. The original exercises developed by Joseph Pilates can still be performed as Classical Pilates, but a more modern, exercise-science based approach to this program has been developed and is called the STOTT Pilates method. Physical therapists, exercise professionals and sports medicine experts have used current research and physiological principles to create a safe and effective method of exercise accessible to all ages, levels and abilities.
"A certified Pilates instructor is an ideal person to provide foundational education and personalised information for your transition back to the activities you love."
Certified STOTT pilates instructors have participated in a rigorous training program that includes didactic learning, observation, practice teaching and thorough examination so that they can safely guide participants through a well-rounded and complete exercise program. Assessing participants and creating exercise programs that cater to their needs means progress can happen more quickly than if a cookie-cutter approach was adopted. Also, skilled instructors can make needed modifications or use props to help an individual get all they can out of each exercise.
Healthcare professionals often do not have the length of time or number of sessions you might need to feel confident setting newly gained techniques into practice in the real world. Also, there are individuals in the community who may not be credentialed, offering advice that may or may not be beneficial to you given your particular history. A certified pilates instructor is an ideal person to provide foundational education and personalised information for your transition back to the activities you love. Private, also known as one-on-one sessions, allow the most time for education and detailed instruction for any participant. Group classes also exist to provide a fun but safe environment to practice new techniques under the watchful eye of the instructor.
Foundational principles are built into every STOTT pilates exercise. In a rehabilitation setting, it is common to learn about an injury and how to correctly complete activities while on a path to resolving that injury. STOTT pilates also places a large emphasis on performing exercises correctly by introducing the core principles and using education and cues for optimal performance. Once the principles are mastered, progressive exercises are integrated to further challenge stability, strength and endurance.Various pieces of apparatus such as the reformer, cadillac and tower, along with props such as resistance bands, myofascial balls, and fitness circles are applied to help individuals attain excellence with the basis of each exercise. They also add an additional “spin” on any activity so sessions are always dynamic and fun.
Having a skilled movement professional guide and correct you as you move through an exercise program will improve the quality of your performance and increase your confidence with activity inside and outside of the pilates studio. Your STOTT certified instructor provides education, supervision, and exercise progression to skilfully transition you from rehabilitation to fitness.