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Pilates is a whole body type of exercise that focuses on strengthening (particularly deep abdominal, back and shoulder blade muscles), flexibility, co-ordination and breathing. This total body workout promotes muscle balance and postural awareness. It is therefore favoured by athletes who want to avoid injury, those rehabilitating following an injury, people who want to become more active and improve posture and those who want to maintain lean, toned muscles without building bulk. The Pilates system of exercise was originally developed by “Joseph Pilates”, a German, in the 1920’s. Since then, with advancement in scientific and biomechanical knowledge, many of the exercises have been modified but still reflect the basic principle that a “strong core” allows for easy, efficient movement throughout daily life.

What is Clinical Pilates?

Clinical Pilates is an adaptation of the original type of pilates exercises that have been developed and modified by physiotherapists to reflect current scientific evidence with regard to injury prevention and rehabilitation. Clinical Pilates is taught by a qualified physiotherapist who has also trained as a pilates instructor. Crucially, the class sizes are small. This allows the physiotherapist to give each participant individual attention ensuring that each exercise is mastered with precision and control. Each pilates exercise can also be modified by the physiotherapist for each individual participant, depending on their level of ability and the nature of their injury. Please let us know if you currently have an injury so that we can tailor your pilates programme specifically for you.

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What our clients have to say:

“As someone with a long history of back trouble, I was so relieved to be able to continue Pilates with Iona Physiotherapy during COVID restrictions, knowing well the physical impact of missing out on these essential core exercises. The online zoom class is well run, easy to join, just as challenging, and I feel- with the small class numbers- I get the same attention I always have. It’s also a great stress buster these days, and everyone needs that! “
Jane Cryan

“My class did not miss out on our mat Pilates classes with Ciara during Covid, because from the outset Ciara conducted the classes via Zoom. It’s worked out great.  I’m still in my group of 7, still expertly instructed through the moves by Ciara, still benefitting from Ciara’s attention to detail and individual attention, while being in the comfort of my own home.
I highly recommend Zoom Pilates with Iona Physiotherapy.“ 
Pauline Donnelly

“I am currently taking Pilates classes via Zoom. It is really good … was anxious at first as I thought it wouldn’t work – I was so used to doing the class in the studio at Iona Physio in Cian Park – but the online classes are nearly better if I can say that.”
Trish Close

“I’ve been attending Pilates classes in Iona physio for some time now with great success. When covid hit I was worried how I would manage without my class, thankfully they rose to the challenge. My class of 5 have been together doing zoom classes, it’s been great. The technology is amazing and the studio has a HD camera that is fully moveable so you can still get great guidance from your instructor. Plus class sizes are still small.”
Orla O’Connor

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I have an injury, can I do Pilates?

In most cases- yes! Please speak with Ciara Shields before signing up for a course of classes so that we can discuss if you are ready to start and so that we are aware of the types of modifications that will need to be made throughout the class. Pilates is not a substitute for having your injury treated, but is often a great addition to your rehabilitation programme to aid your recovery.

Should the exercises hurt?

No. The exercises should feel like an effort and you should feel your muscles are being exerted but the exercises should not cause pain. Please stop an exercise if it is causing you pain and let your instructor know. Often a simple modification or correction by the instructor will allow you to continue the exercise. It is your responsibility to let the instructor know if an exercise is hurting or does not feel right for you.

Postnatal Pilates- when can I start?

You can start after your six week check up (normal delivery) or after 10 weeks post C-Section. However, this is not a deadline! You may feel for a variety of reasons that you would prefer to wait a little longer and this is perfectly okay. In the meantime, you will benefit from doing some gentle pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscle exercises – and may prefer to have a one on one session for an individual assessment and exercises prior to signing up to a course of classes. We have not started a specific post natal class yet, but you are welcome to join a beginners class (even if you have done pilates before. ) It is important that you do the right type of abdominal exercises in the early days, to allow any separation of your tummy muscles to close, otherwise all your effort will be counterproductive. If you, or a group of your friends would like to form a group for post natal pilates, please let us know and we will try to facilitate!

Where are the classes located?

The Clinical Pilates classes will run in our newly built pilates studio within IONA Physiotherapy, Cian House, 1 Cian Pk, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

What should I bring and wear?

A towel, a bottle of water and comfortable clothing. Clothing needs to be loose enough so that you can move easily but not excessively baggy or bulky- this way, the instructor can easily see your movements. If you are an asthmatic, please bring your reliever inhaler.

What time should I arrive?

For your first pilates class with us, please arrive 15 minutes before the class is due to commence. Please use this time to fill out a questionnaire that will be left in the reception area for you. You can bring this into the class with you and give it to the instructor. There may be a class in progress while you arrive or the physiotherapist may be currently with a patient. Please wait in the reception area and your class will be called from this area.
Can I bring my personal belongings into the class?
Please use the designated area outside the pilates studio to store your shoes and coat. For the comfort of all participants, the pilates studio is a “no shoe zone.” Please bring any valuables you may have (phone, money, laptop etc) into the class with you.

Fees/What if I can’t attend a class?

An 8 week course is 180 euro, and our 12 week course costs €270. Fees are payable in advance and your place is secured on receipt of payment. Fees are non refundable. Please let us know if you cannot attend a specific class. We will do our best to facilitate your attendance of another class within a week of your missed class, however this may not always be possible. Your co-operation is appreciated in this regard.

Reasons to contact Ciara Shields MISCP before booking a course of classes

• Have you ever been diagnosed with low bone density or osteoporosis? If so please forward me a copy of your dexa scan and contact me prior to booking a course of classes.
• If you are pregnant, have had a baby in the last 6 months, or know that you have a separation of your tummy muscles (diastases) please contact me prior to booking a course of classes.
• If you have any concerns as to whether a pilates class is suitable for you, please do not hesitate to contact me!
• Email [email protected]