Clinical Pilates Vs Regular Pilates – What’s the difference?

With the huge explosion in popularity for Pilates worldwide, there seems to be new studios regularly popping up on every corner. The same can be said for our local Lane Cove area, with locals spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of Pilates classes on offer.

Whether classes are offered as part of a gym membership, in a local community space, or in a  purpose built studio, there is a class for everyone – but what is the difference between these classes, and which is best for you?

Essentially it depends on what you’re trying to get out of Pilates. If you’re fit and healthy, and are happy to work in larger groups with minimal individual instruction, then a gym solution may be fine. If however you are new to Pilates, or have any specific imbalances or past / current injuries, then a more tailored program with a small teacher to student ratio is recommended.

You may also hear people use the term “clinical Pilates”, which is often run by Physiotherapists, and other highly qualified trainers. This is the sort of Pilates that we offer here at Pilates Connection, where we also hold the highest level of Pilates training certification as a member of the professional body, The Pilates Alliance of Australasia. Whilst we don’t diagnose injuries or conditions, we do work alongside many healthcare professionals to develop injury management and rehabilitation programs for the individual.

Ongoing staff training and development is key to our success here at Pilates Connection.  One of our core instructors, Larissa is a trained Physiotherapist, whilst Owner and Instructor Liane is a fully qualified Pilates Instructor and a certified Structural Integration Practitioner. This may give you a better understanding as to why we’re continually analysing movement patterns and restrictions before prescribing exercises to address any recognised imbalances or specific conditions or pathologies.

Here’s a quick look at the core differences between Clinical Pilates and Regular Pilates (larger group classes on the mat or reformer):