Instructors:

At GRSM, we have three Stott-trained pilates instructors who are also registered physiotherapists. With these qualifications, we are confident that we can provide a detailed clinical assessment and design a comprehensive core stabilizations program that is just for you. Depending upon the client, and the nature of their issues, some may be do well in a group setting while others may benefit or prefer private instruction.

• Increase your postural awareness
• Increase your awareness of deep breathing – better oxygenation for body and more potential for relaxation
• Increase your trength of core stabilizers - trunk muscles that include the upper back, abdominals, low back muscles and gluteal (buttock) muscles
• Improve flexibility of spine and lower extremities
• Improve your balance
• Enhance your performance

You May Benefit from Group/Private Pilates Instruction If You:

1. Are a pre- or post-natal women
2. Have low back pain – either chronic or acute
3. Have postural dysfunction – from work (poor ergonomic work stations) to genetic problems (Dowager’s hump, increased kyphosis (curve in upper back) or lordosis (curve in lower back)etc.
4. Have identified pathology/issues who would benefit from a comprehensive strengthening and flexibility program
5. Are a post-surgical client (joint replacement, mastectomy, abdominal surgeries, c-sections)
6. Are active and wish to enhance their sport performance
7. Wish to try something new, enjoy a social setting or just want to improve their overall health

Mary is a 50 year old woman with a long-term history of low back pain. She is 20 lbs overweight and has not done a lot of exercise in the last several years. Mary wants to get active and her physician has advised her that Pilates would help to strengthen her “weak” back. She is reluctant to join a group class in case she is unable to handle the pace.

Mary’s back pain has never really been diagnosed. Upon examination, she has very weak lower abdominal muscles and signs and symptoms of a lumbar disc protrusion. Mary would benefit from private pilates sessions where she could learn body awareness and the principles of Pilates. She would need to understand which movements might be provoke her low back and which ones would be benefit it. We would apply this knowledge to Pilates and to her daily living. Mary would progress through the core exercises, with some modifications and some omissions, and would be evaluated for her suitability for a group class in the future.

Peter is a 63 year old gentleman who took early retirement and is eager to pursue his passion for golf on a regular basis. After he plays 18 holes, he feels stiff and Peter would like to improve his game (hit the ball longer). Flexibility has always been difficult for Peter and his mid back and hips are stiff.

Peter would benefit from a group class. In a group setting, he would learn the basic warm-up and repertoire exercises. He would benefit from rotational, hamstring and shoulder stretches. By increasing his flexibility in his hips and upper back, and the strength in his trunk, Peter would improve his golf swing and drive the ball for longer distances. He would feel a lot less sore after playing golf.