Discover how analogies in Clinical Pilates and Exercise Rehab boost the mind–body connection, muscle activation, and learning during movement.

If you’ve ever worked with me as your Osteopath, Pilates Teacher, or within an Exercise Rehabilitation session, you’ve probably noticed I ask a lot of questions:

“Where are you feeling that?”
“How does that movement feel today?”
“Can you sense which muscles are working?”

I promise, I’m not being nosy – there’s a good reason.

Classes with OsteoPilates Cornwall are informative, inclusive, light-hearted and aimed to encourage and empower clients. Heather focuses on using multiple techniques to suit a range of learners – demonstration, verbal cues, tactile (hands-on) help, verbal feedback/conversation, and rarely uses “left” and “right” as instructions as it she often gets the two the wrong way around! If you’re totally new to OsteoPilates Cornwall, here’s a run down of what to expect in your classes.

Attending your first Pilates class, joining a new group, or trying out a new form of exercise is a big step! Taking that first step into a new environment can be a nerve-racking experience for some. However, pre-class nervousness is more common than you may think – so you’re not alone!

Rewind back to January 2022, a snap decision was made due to an Instagram post that spurred me to message an old friend about the incredible opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka as an Osteopath for an Ultra-Marathon. It was a firm pressing of the “f*ck it” button - a decision I will not regret.

Pilates can have an impact on your body IF undertaken on a regular basis alongside other forms of exercise and with inclusion of a healthy, nutritious diet, and active lifestyle. Let’s have a look at the idea of “The Pilates Body”.

Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK and increases the risk of fractures occurring; most commonly in the wrist, hip and vertebra (spinal bones).

Maximising bone strength when you’re younger will leave you in a better position to withstand natural bone loss that occurs normally as we age. Exercise, when osteoporosis or osteopenia is diagnosed is essential in the management of the condition.

Have you been told before that you have “osteoarthritis”, “degenerative joints” or “wear and tear”? Did you know that Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis? Estimates suggest that up to 8.5 million people in the UK are affected by joint pain that may be attributed to osteoarthritis (NICE, 2007). Have you had the cycle of “I’ve got pain so I can’t exercise” into “when I exercise, I have pain”? If yes, this blog may be for you.

It is estimated that around 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis, a condition that causes around 500,000 broken bones every year - that’s one every minute (National Osteoporosis Society, undated). Worldwide, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures (International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2017). So what is osteoporosis? How can osteopathy and clinical Pilates help those at risk or with diagnosis of Osteoporosis?

Turns out there’s the right class for you out there… but turns out there are also the wrong classes out there too. My first class was definitely not suited to my abilities at the time.

This blog is a personal story of my own experiences with Pilates.

Pilates is often cited in the media as being the best form of exercise for back pain. But just how true is that?

Loops, bands, all different colours, some with handles, some with knots - all serve a different purpose. Resistance bands are by far my favourite piece of kit and can have many different benefits!

Practitioners say regular Pilates could improve posture (remember there is only one bad posture - a prolonged one!), muscle tone, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension.

Life can be busy and often healthy habits are pushed to one side because we are tired, had a long day, feeling stressed or have gotten out of the habit.