Necks
Offer them a pillow** (they can buy these from yourselves or bring one of their own). They will find them a real support when lying on their back and side. Enforce that they should not lift their head off the ground when taking part in exercises that require that. They should avoid any extensive twists, for example: ‘Necks after Thread the Needle, when looking over the shoulder’.
Backs
Double Leg Stretch may be unsuitable altogether and an alternative exercises such as Table Top Taps or One Leg Stretch may have to be given instead. And to keep one leg down if they are feeling anything in the lower back.
Knees
A pillow to put under their knee if they are doing kneeling positions is recommended. If this is not possible then offer them an alternative to being on their knees (ie. offer them a sitting exercise or a supine one)
Shoulders
Pressure on their shoulder should be avoided. Offer them an alternative exercise if painful. Encourage slow and controlled movement of the arm to loosen the shoulder up.
Wrists
There are a few exercises such as superman and plank where we are putting pressure on our wrists. If this is unbearable for them, offer them an alternative exercise (same as above) or demonstrate the modification using their elbows instead.
Mobility and flexibility
Sometimes you will get some very inflexible and immobile participants in your classes. Until they become more flexible from attending regular classes, **props such as bands, balls, blocks and pillows can greatly assist them and make them feel a little more comfortable.
Using resistance band to stretch the hamstring
**Equipment such as Pilates Pillows, Resistance Bands, Bender Balls and Blocks can be purchased from our Fitness Flow Pilates Shop online.