Can You Become Pain-Free Through Pilates Without Using Machines?

I get asked regularly if it is possible to become pain-free through Pilates without using machines such as a reformer, trapeze table, etc.  It's definitely possible and I've helped many people overcome their pain both with and without these machines so let's take a look at how this is possible.

Before March 2020, I had helped hundreds of people to become pain-free through Pilates in my fully equipped Pilates studio with all the machines. The pandemic hit, and suddenly we were in. lockdown and we switched to 1 on 1 virtual Pilates sessions.  It was a complete unknown.  Would my clients get the same results virtually as they did in the studio using the machines?  After a few weeks, it became clear they would not only get the same results as they did in the studio but in most cases far better results than they could have ever imagined. How could this be?

How Do Pilates Machines Work?

Modern Pilates equipment is based on the original equipment designed by Joseph Pilates and most use springs to create resistance and assistance. The reformer is the most commonly known which operates by spring resistance using cables attached to pulleys that help move the carriage. The trapeze table or Cadillac was the first piece of equipment Joesph Pilates designed, resembling a four-poster bed. There are upright poles with many metal loops for springs to be attached. There is a crossbar at one and a push-through bar at the other. Hundreds of different exercises can be performed on each piece of equipment, and the springs' weight can be adjusted to make the exercise more challenging or less challenging. There are also other pieces of equipment but these are the most common.  With an experienced Pilates teacher, these machines are just as beneficial for rehabilitation as for a challenging workout.

How Do You Replicate This Virtually?

When the pandemic hit, I was forced to do my best to keep Pilates sessions going for my clients.  Many of them had resistance bands, balls, like the one pictured above, small balls, hand weights, ankle weights and magic circles (a resistance prop created by Joseph Pilates).  Many clients had purchased these over the years for home practice, not knowing that they would be incredibly useful one day during lockdown.  Some of my clients had no equipment at all and that was fine too.  Joseph Pilates invented his Mat repertoire which was designed to build strength using your own body weight as resistance and this became the foundation of his Method.  He then invented the machines next to help his clients be even more competent when practicing the Mat exercises.  By adding weights and resistance as required to the Mat exercises, my clients can experience the benefits of their own body weight plus additional resistance without using the machines to overcome pain, stay pain-free, and become stronger and fitter with each passing year.

It's All In The Teaching!

When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter how many machines you have and how many pieces of small apparatus you have at home, if you don't know how to use them effectively to benefit you, they are useless at best and dangerous at worst. They are all just tools that need to be used correctly and that's where an experienced Pilates teacher comes in.  When a new client starts Pilates with me who is in pain and wants to overcome their pain one of the things we do is look at their goals for Pilates. For example, if a client has debilitating back pain that is stopping them from enjoying life their goal is to overcome their pain and get their life back. After a 1 hour Initial Assessment, I carefully consider which exercises are best for that client to achieve their goal. Not all exercises and not all pieces of equipment are suitable for all people and if you want to fast-track your progress to overcoming pain it's essential to find a teacher who can work with you to achieve this. When I had my studio not all clients used all the machines. Some didn't need the Reformer for example as it wasn't the most effective way for them to become pain-free. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach and you need a teacher who can ensure the exercises you practice are the most effective for you.

My book MOVE FREE FROM PAIN  contains more information about becoming pain-free with virtual Pilates and is available on Amazon worldwide. I  offer 1 on 1 Pilates sessions virtually via Skype and the personalised nature of these sessions ensures you are following a Pilates program of exercises that are ideal for you.

If you are ready to start Pilates email me at [email protected] .  Alternatively, you can book an Initial Assessment with me here or  take the free 10 day trial of JS Mind Body Pilates, my online studio which is a library of on-demand videos, and start straight away.  It would be my pleasure to assist you on your Pilates journey to pain-free living!