Pilates is often recommended by the medical profession as it encourages a
balanced development of the body through strength, flexibility and mobility.
The exercises are safe and progressive and can be modified to any level of
ability. Pilates is focused on slow controlled movement - there are no
impact or high energy movements, technique and precision are more important
than lots of repetitions.
The primary symptoms of Parkinson's that may be helped by Pilates are
slowness of movement, stiffness, pelvic floor / bladder control and the loss
of balance and posture. The emphasis on the deep core muscles which support
your spine will assist with balance and strengthen your pelvic floor to help
with bladder control and we encourage you to increase your range of movement
and ease stiffness through stretching.
Balance, co-ordination and motor control are vital to perform everyday
activities such as walking and picking things up. Our aim within our classes
is to work on functional movement to help you live as comfortably and as
easily as you can.
We are currently working with Parkinson's UK and provide a weekly Pilates
class for Parkinson's at our studio in Lower Earley. The class has been
running since March 2011 and we have seen some great results - and had lots
of fun too!
If you are interested in attending a class for Parkinson's or organising
a class in your local area, please email
Claire. We are
happy to put on classes in the surrounding areas (Caversham, Wokingham etc.)
if there is enough demand. Family members and carers are welcome too.
Below are a some testimonials from our current attendees:
Ambika: I started Pilates classes with Claire & Raj at
work more than 3 years ago. When I did it at work I felt more energetic and
could work efficiently afterwards. After retirement I have continued to attend their classes. Early this year I organised Pilates for local support group
members. I found it is very beneficial attending classes with people of a similar medical condition as the exercise programme is tailored for Parkinson’s. Every week
the instructor pays attention to members specific physical issues and
modify the workout for individuals
Attending the classes helped me to be more aware of
my posture and also helped me to improve my breathing technique.
Pilates are not a vigorous work out is slow & controlled. The core muscle and joint movement has helped to improve my stiffness, balance,
mobility and coordination. The relaxation took me to another
world several times.
Once Raj had to wake me up.
I enjoy going to Pilates and I look forward to meeting up with other members
of the group.
Our Instructors Claire and Raj are brilliant I
would highly recommend them to other PD sufferers. People with early stage of Parkinson's
could easily fit in a general mixed ability classes as the instructors always give
modified exercise or alterative according the persons ability.
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Margaret: I have been attending the Pilates classes for about six months and have found them very worthwhile.
Raj is excellent and runs the classes at the correct level for the group but is conscious of the individuals. I feel very relaxed after the classes which are very enjoyable and therapeutic.
The
classes have made me aware that I can still exercise and have given me a boost of confidence. I look forward to meeting up with other members of the group. I would highly recommend them to other PD
sufferers.
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Mary: One of the greatest benefits I have gained
is that Pilates has made me more aware of my posture so that I try to walk
more upright. It also helps my mobility and stability.
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David: I am convinced that these classes have been of great benefit in maintaining my flexibility.
I had a frozen shoulder when I started classes which is now pain free.
Also I find it of benefit to meet socially and enjoy the exercises with other people with the same problems.
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Kathie & Bill:
Bill and I enjoy pilates because it has helped us in many ways. Having PD I get very stiff and the
exercises we do have improved my joint mobility. The emphasis on core
muscles improves my stability and my balance. The pelvic floor work is good
for bladder control which is often compromised in PD. But most of all I find
that it is really relaxing and, at the end of the session, my tremor has
gone - unfortunately it quickly returns.
Because of his brain injury Bill has issues with his stability and co-ordination and he has found
that pilates really helps. Pilates is fun and we have a good laugh - often
at Bill's expense but he loves it! We hate to miss a session. Raj is an
excellent teacher.
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