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What Is Pilates?

South Jordan Health Center

5126 W. Daybreak Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84009

Phone: 801-213-4500

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Pilates is a method of mind-body exercises designed to develop and improve core strength, alignment, and body awareness in a healthy way. The Pilates Clinic teaches this method in a rehabilitation setting created from a whole body assessment and customized training program to promote healing and recovery. Common injuries treated include low back and neck pain, arthritis, balance deficits, and overuse injuries like tendonitis.

In the Pilates Repertoire, the reformer and trapeze table provide the safest way to learn how to move without pain or fear of pain. Each exercise in the Pilates Clinic can be modified to help you practice with Pilates mat exercises at home and progress into more advanced exercises.

Services & Pilates Rehabilitation

Our physical therapists are trained in movement analysis within the Pilates method. A visit includes:

  • A back evaluation of spine stability, strength, and mobility, specific for your diagnosis
  • A Pilates fitness screen and injury analysis as related to your sport or lifestyle
  • A customized plan of Pilates exercises, movement skills, and lifestyle habits to promote healing
  • Postural retraining and individualized education
  • Breathing integration to enhance stability of the core
  • Personalized education and teaching of body skills required to recover and heal
  • Optimal goal setting and enhanced motivation training for home practice

In the clinic, you'll practice on well-known Pilates specialized equipment (reformer and trapeze table) to experience moving without pain and to promote optimal recovery—one workout at a time. Pilates therapy is also complemented by traditional physical therapies as needed.

Getting Started With Pilates

One good test of core strength and core endurance is being able to maintain a stable spine while lifting the chest, positioning the legs in table top, extending the legs to a 45 degree angle, and holding this stable position for an inhale of five counts and an exhale of five counts for 10 cycles. 

Pilates Equipment

The Reformer

The reformer is a great machine to learn the basic Pilates exercises in an environment that will help you:

  • unload your joints,
  • stabilize your trunk, and
  • get feedback to build your power and master your technique.

The black carriage is a moving table that has springs attached; it has with various levels of resistance to challenge your strength and core all in one session. The straps connect to your hands or feet to guide you into different postures that are safe and supported.

Typically, we start a workout on your back and warm up, center with your breath, and build from there.

The Trapeze Table (aka The Cadillac)

The trapeze table is a level up from the reformer. It:

  • challenges your core strength,
  • builds body awareness, and
  • builds core control.

One of the key differences between the reformer and the trapeze is the use of the springs for your legs and hands instead of the straps for added resistance and control of movement. There is also a tower bar to guide more flexibility and range of motion and much more.

The skills learned on the trapeze table build core strength, control, flexibility, and support joint alignment.

*Please contact your insurance company prior to making your appointment to verify your coverage and referral requirements regarding physical therapy benefits.

Find a Pilates Instructor

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View Our Ortho Injury Clinic

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Read the Symptoms & Injury List

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Physical therapy helps you improve your function, range of motion, and overall quality of life. It can help speed up healing from an injury, reduce pain, and prevent injury. For some people, physical therapy can significantly delay the need for surgery or help avoid it altogether.

Learn How Physical Therapy Can Help You

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