Pilates Q&A: What Everyone’s Asking This Week (Clients & Newbies!)

I thought it would be interesting to share some of the questions I've been asked by both my clients and potential new clients this past week as some of you may have similar questions but be too shy to ask! These are all genuine questions and if you are a Pilates veteran the answers may seem obvious but if you are a newbie or sitting on the fence about Pilates this may answer some of your own questions.

Why Are My Glutes So Flat? Do I Need to Put On Weight?

My lovely client in her mid-60s was concerned that her glutes were too flat and asked me if putting on a couple of kilos would be beneficial.  Flat glutes can be postural as it depends on the position of your pelvis. It also depends on your body type. If your pelvis is posteriorly tilted or "tucked under" your glutes will appear flatter than someone with an anteriorly tilted pelvis where their bottom seems to "stick out" and have an arch in their lower back. You can have weak or strong glutes with either postural position. My client has strong glutes from Pilates but there is always room for improvement! Instead of putting on extra kilos in the form of fat, which may or may not go to her glutes anyway, I advised her to do more glute exercises and walking which will increase her muscle mass which will in turn support her spine and pelvis keeping her back pain under control and reducing the appearance of "flat glutes"

Why Would You Need To Do Pilates for 15 Plus Years? Is It For Slow Learners?

I must admit I was a little taken aback by this question but at the same time, it made me realise that this person has no concept of Pilates as a way of overcoming pain, staying pain-free, preventing further pain and future-proofing yourself against ageing.  She had no previous knowledge of Pilates so I explained to her that due to its versatility and individualised nature, PIlates it's appropriate for all stages of life. My clients usually come to Pilates to overcome pain but many stay because they can see the benefits are life-changing and they want to keep progressing and become stronger and fitter as they age. One of my clients of 16 years who is in her late 60s told me that she won't be stopping Pilates anytime soon. Seeing how her friends of a similar age who don't do Pilates are deteriorating is scaring her. They can't join her for a walk because they are not used to walking any distance as they fear falling. They can't sit on a picnic rug as they can't get down on the ground or get back up again. Pilates keeps you fit for life and enjoying all the things that make life worthwhile.  It becomes a way of life and the longer you practice Pilates the greater the physical and mental benefits you experience. Why would you want to give it up?

What Are Natural Alternatives to Taking Anti-Inflammatory Medication?

When you are dealing with chronic pain such as back pain for example your GP may prescribe a short course of anti-inflammatory medication. The aim is to reduce your pain levels while you strengthen with Pilates and then you can stop the medication when you have overcome your pain. This works well for most people but anti-inflammatory medication.is very harsh on the lining of the stomach if taken for too long and some people react badly to it, so it's not even an option. I'm not a medical practitioner but my clients who either can't take anti-inflammatory medication or prefer a natural alternative have shared with me what works well for them so I can tell other clients.  Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric that can be taken as a supplement and is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant and many clients have found relief from joint inflammation by taking this. Kunzea oil is an essential oil extracted from a shrub native to Tasmania that is anti-inflammatory This is ideal for many conditions including bursitis as it is applied topically and my clients have experienced great results. Always check with your doctor before trying anything new to ensure it's suitable for you and won't interact with any existing medications you're taking.

Please Suggest 1 New Piece Of Equipment I Could Purchase For Virtual Sessions

If you don't already have a Pilates Magic Circle, I highly recommend you purchase one to enhance your Pilates practice.  This is a small but powerful piece of equipment that was invented by Joseph Pilates. himself. Legend has it that he crafted the first version using the metal ring from a beer keg to create a flexible yet resistant tool for strengthening the body. He wanted a simple, portable device that could provide resistance and help his clients engage their glutes, inner thighs, arms, and core muscles. It's lightweight and portable and the modern version has evolved from a beer keg ring to a flexible metal or composite material circle with padded handles on either side. Today, different brands offer variations in size, resistance level, and materials to accommodate various levels of strength and flexibility. Joseph Pilates believed in using minimal equipment for maximum efficiency, and the Magic Circle is a testament to that philosophy. In Australia, K-Mart has a basic model at a very reasonable price that many of my clients are using successfully. 

If you have Pilates related questions you would like answered just hit reply to this email. It would be my pleasure to answer them!  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 - a library of on-demand videos, and start straight away.  I would love to assist you on your Pilates journey to pain-free living!