What Is Pilates?
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.
Find a Pilates Instructor
South Jordan Health Center
5126 W. Daybreak Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84009
Phone: 801-213-4500
Services & Private Training
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, trapeze table, and chair) 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
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.
The Chair
The chair is a more compact piece of equipment that can challenge you in every way. It provides:
- more balance and
- core support challenges in more functional postures.
The bottom pedal(s) are also spring loaded. Exercises you learn on the chair train you with good core control for gait, stairs, running, hiking, posture challenges, and more advanced core work.
The Ladder Barrel & Spine Corrector
The ladder barrel and spine corrector is a dome-like arc that can:
- challenge core stability,
- open your spine more for greater flexibility, and
- bring out your best core strength due to its smaller base of support.
The spine corrector also targets those smaller spine muscles.
*Please contact your insurance company prior to making your appointment to verify your coverage and referral requirements regarding physical therapy benefits.
Resources for Our Patients
What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?
If you play sports, are in your 40s or 50s, or have family and friends who are physically active, you’ve probably heard of the word "orthopedics.” But do you know what orthopedic doctors really do? And how do you know if you could benefit from seeing one?
Orthopedic Injury Clinic
At our Orthopedic Injury Clinic, you can get an appointment the day you call. Come to this clinic for fractures, dislocations, or other pains to your bones, joints, or muscles that won't go away.
When to See a Sports Medicine Doctor
Everyone has a body. To take care of it, you’ll need to stay active. But no matter how careful you are, at some point or another, you may injure yourself. Should you see a doctor right away? Or is it better to take it easy and wait for the injury to heal on its own?