I have been fortunate to have met Allison Swan.
Allison is a gifted pilates matwork instructor who both runs teacher training in pilates matwork
and classes. She has a special interest in musculoskeletal pain and works with the physiotherapy team at the Royal Free Hospital
in Hampstead and she runs classes both in North London and at Danceworks in Central London.
I have been attending Allison's classes for the last three years due to the low back pain I experience.
I was introduced to her by a physiotherapist at the Royal Free. Whilst pilates is very different to aerobic exercise -ie getting
hot and sweaty, it still is very challenging.
The reason pilates matwork is recommended for low back /chronic pain is because it strengthens the
core abdominal muscles which help support the lumbar spine through a carefully designed series of of strengthening exercises
that are far from boring and increase mobility. Although at intermediate level, I spent a considerable length of time at beginners
level before I felt confident to progress.
It is very important if you are interested in pilates that you find an instructor who has trained
for at least one year. There are many "quick" courses where personal trainers, yoga teachers and fitness instructors can learn
pilates. These are not proper courses and can be dangerous as they do not teach pilates properly and this can cause injury
at worst.
There are other organisations out there like Stott which are reputable however my personal experience
is that Foundation teachers are best for those with special needs by far.
I have found that pilates helps me mentally as well as physically.
