formerly hoxton square pilates
call us on 0207 251 8793
info@hoxtonpilates.com
pilates studio london
Intelligent movement that's tailored to you
Pilates for Rehabilitation Studio
The fully equipped Pilates studio setting is ideal for rehabilitation. The machines’ steel spring resistance effectively aids in strengthening areas of weakness. More importantly however the springs can provide support across gravity to ease any strain on sensitive areas that need to build up slowly.
This is the fundamental difference between pilates matwork and the machine work. Many exercises on the mat are too difficult to execute in a rehab situation. The machines allow us to isolate and support specific areas in order to build up strength and range of motion without exacerbating existing injuries.
Mat work exercise
Roll up exercise on the Pilates Cadillac
Abdominal challenge on the Wunda Chair
pilates classes
We are a fully equipped studio offering one-to-one sessions and semi-private classes. All of our instructors are fully certified and have a wealth of teaching experience.
contact us
Hoxton Pilates is located 2 minutes from Old Street station. Our location make us convenient for Shoreditch, Angel, Hackney, and the City of London.
Acute versus chronic injuries.
When dealing with any injury it is important firstly to seek advice from a medical professional before embarking upon or resuming exercise. Once cleared it is helpful to communicate to your Pilates practitioner as much information as possible about your injury or condition.
An acute injury typically occurs from an accident - this can be broken bones, tendon/ligament injuries, whiplash or concussion. Acute injuries also include slipped/herniated discs or recovery from any surgery. When the systems of the body are disrupted it is important to try to restore strength and full mobility as soon as possible. The body's fascia (sheaths of connective tissue) maintains a memory of any injury or disruption so it is important to restore balance, power and mobility in a thorough methodical manner. Think of fascia as cling film. As it comes fresh out of the box it is flawless and clear. Once you crumple it into a ball you can never really achieve the same flawlessness when you attempt to spread it back out. However the cling film can still be fully functional if you take care to ease it out delicately. All bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and organs have a fascial element so the cling film image is a useful illustration of acute injury. The pilates method allows support of the injured area while strength and mobility can be rebuilt with care. More importantly, the holistic nature of the exercises encourage the nervous system to evolve and to reorganise in relationship to the injured area. In this way Pilates can address any imbalance caused by the injury itself and can also iron out any issues caused by "favouring good side" during recovery. The method addresses the entire body moving as a unified whole with the emphasis on balance, integrity and harmony. No single area should overwork in relation to this system -- any such imbalance typically leads to Chronic Injury.
Chronic Injuries
As the term implies, chronic injuries occur over a long period of time -- sometimes months, sometimes years. For the most part the cause of chronic injury is a flawed movement pattern that puts too much stress on certain areas while other areas underwork. This causes imbalance around a joint or set of joints which leads to some sort of inflammation. The faulty movement pattern can often include non-movement, for instance too much sitting or standing or hanging one's head into an electronic device. Chronic injuries include frozen shoulder, RSI (repetitive strain injury), tennis or golf elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, shin splints, and non-specific lower back pain.
However these conditions arise, all of them are best addressed through movement. Mindful controlled exercise like Pilates is ideal for this. As with acute injuries both the musculoskeletal system and the neurological system must be addressed. That is to say, muscles need stretching and strengthening and faulty movement patterns must be shifted. The controlled exercises performed on the pilates equipment do just this: it is functional movement geared towards stability, power and freedom.
What are Pilates studio classes?
In group reformer classes everyone in the room performs the same exercises at the same time at a fairly energetic pace. There is little opportunity for modification. In contrast, studio classes focus on the individual and are tailored to each person's needs on the day. Emphasis is on form and technique to maximise functional gain and minimise potential injury. Everyone works at their own pace and works towards their specific fitness goals. Furthermore there is the opportunity to use all the Pilates equipment as well as the matwork repertoire.
Should I opt for a private or semi-private session?
We recommend that everyone start with at least 2 private sessions. Our Introductory Package is comprised of an initial assessment and two private sessions at a reduced price. After this it's up to you. The semi-private session will still consist of the same exercises tailored to your needs, but there is less supervision. If you are carrying an injury or concerned about a specific condition you might decide on the increased attention of a 1-1 session. You can opt for private or semi-private instruction at any time.