Why Pilates is Beneficial for Multiple Sclerosis
Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) presents unique physical challenges, from muscle weakness and spasticity to balance difficulties and fatigue. Among the various exercise approaches recommended for MS management, Pilates has emerged as particularly beneficial. This gentle yet effective exercise method offers numerous advantages specifically tailored to the needs of people with MS.
As a qualified Pilates teacher with specialized training in Pilates for MS and someone who has navigated life with MS for over a decade, I bring both professional expertise and deeply personal understanding to every session.
My MS Story
I was diagnosed with relapse-remitting MS in 2013 while living in France. Since this life-changing diagnosis I've experienced firsthand the physical and emotional challenges that come with this condition—the unpredictable symptoms, the good days and difficult ones, the process of adapting and finding new ways to stay active and strong.
Throughout my 12-year journey with MS, I've discovered that Pilates isn't just beneficial for managing symptoms—it has been transformative for my own wellbeing. With my recent move from France to the UK, I have taken the decision to share my personal experience and knowledge about Pilates for MS with others, so that they too can benefit from this unique method of exercise to help navigate the challenges of MS.
My diagnosis doesn't just inform my teaching—it drives my mission to create accessible, effective Pilates programmes specifically designed for people with MS. When I guide you through movements or suggest adaptations, it comes from a place of genuine understanding and lived experience.
Core Stability and Posture
Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles—the deep abdominal, back, and pelvic floor muscles that support your spine and pelvis. For people with MS who may experience balance issues or muscle weakness:
Gentle, Controlled Movements
Pilates known for its precise movements performed with attention to proper form:
Flexibility and Range of Motion
MS can cause muscle stiffness and spasticity, limiting mobility. Pilates incorporates stretching into its routines:
Improved Balance and Coordination
Many Pilates exercises challenge and improve balance and coordination—often affected in MS:
Fatigue Management
Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of MS. Pilates can help by:
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Pilates incorporates mindful breathing and concentration:
Personalized Approach for Your MS Journey
With my specialized training in Pilates for MS and personal experience with the condition, I can:
Flexible Training Options to Suit Your Needs
Private Sessions
Experience personalized one-on-one training in my fully equipped home Pilates studio in Portishead, near Bristol, UK. Private sessions allow for:
Online Live Classes
Join from the comfort of your own home with live, interactive online classes:
Pre-recorded Videos
Access Pilates workouts designed specifically for people with MS, available in different levels:
All options—whether in-person, live online, or pre-recorded—are specifically designed with MS in mind and offer modifications for different ability levels and symptom patterns.
Getting Started
If you're interested in trying Pilates with an instructor who truly understands the MS journey:
Contact me at ........
With its emphasis on core strength, controlled movement, and adaptability—and with guidance from someone who understands MS from both professional and personal perspectives—Pilates offers a safe, effective, and empowering approach to exercise for people with multiple sclerosis at all stages of the condition.
Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) presents unique physical challenges, from muscle weakness and spasticity to balance difficulties and fatigue. Among the various exercise approaches recommended for MS management, Pilates has emerged as particularly beneficial. This gentle yet effective exercise method offers numerous advantages specifically tailored to the needs of people with MS.
As a qualified Pilates teacher with specialized training in Pilates for MS and someone who has navigated life with MS for over a decade, I bring both professional expertise and deeply personal understanding to every session.
My MS Story
I was diagnosed with relapse-remitting MS in 2013 while living in France. Since this life-changing diagnosis I've experienced firsthand the physical and emotional challenges that come with this condition—the unpredictable symptoms, the good days and difficult ones, the process of adapting and finding new ways to stay active and strong.
Throughout my 12-year journey with MS, I've discovered that Pilates isn't just beneficial for managing symptoms—it has been transformative for my own wellbeing. With my recent move from France to the UK, I have taken the decision to share my personal experience and knowledge about Pilates for MS with others, so that they too can benefit from this unique method of exercise to help navigate the challenges of MS.
My diagnosis doesn't just inform my teaching—it drives my mission to create accessible, effective Pilates programmes specifically designed for people with MS. When I guide you through movements or suggest adaptations, it comes from a place of genuine understanding and lived experience.
Core Stability and Posture
Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles—the deep abdominal, back, and pelvic floor muscles that support your spine and pelvis. For people with MS who may experience balance issues or muscle weakness:
- Strong core muscles provide better stability during daily activities
- Improved posture reduces unnecessary strain on the body
- Enhanced body awareness helps prevent falls and injuries
Gentle, Controlled Movements
Pilates known for its precise movements performed with attention to proper form:
- Low-impact exercises minimize stress on joints
- Controlled movements reduce the risk of injury
- Exercises can be modified to accommodate varying levels of ability and energy
Flexibility and Range of Motion
MS can cause muscle stiffness and spasticity, limiting mobility. Pilates incorporates stretching into its routines:
- Regular practice improves flexibility in tight muscles
- Stretching helps reduce muscle spasms and pain
- Increased range of motion makes daily activities easier
Improved Balance and Coordination
Many Pilates exercises challenge and improve balance and coordination—often affected in MS:
- Balance work on the mat or equipment builds confidence in movement
- Coordination exercises strengthen neural pathways
- Bilateral movements help maintain symmetry in the body
Fatigue Management
Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of MS. Pilates can help by:
- Building endurance without overexertion
- Teaching efficient movement patterns that conserve energy
- Providing gentle exercise options for low-energy days
- Improving overall conditioning that makes daily tasks less exhausting
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Pilates incorporates mindful breathing and concentration:
- The mind-body connection helps reduce stress and anxiety
- Focused breathing improves oxygen circulation
- Mental engagement provides distraction from pain and symptoms
Personalized Approach for Your MS Journey
With my specialized training in Pilates for MS and personal experience with the condition, I can:
- Adapt exercises to accommodate your specific symptoms and energy levels
- Understand the day-to-day fluctuations that come with MS
- Provide modifications during symptom flare-ups
- Create a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can work at your own pace
- Offer practical tips that have helped me manage my own MS symptoms through movement
Flexible Training Options to Suit Your Needs
Private Sessions
Experience personalized one-on-one training in my fully equipped home Pilates studio in Portishead, near Bristol, UK. Private sessions allow for:
- Completely customized workouts tailored to your specific MS symptoms
- Hands-on guidance and immediate feedback
- Focused attention on your particular challenges and goals
- A comfortable, private environment to build confidence
Online Live Classes
Join from the comfort of your own home with live, interactive online classes:
- Participate in real-time from anywhere in the world
- Receive feedback and modifications during the session
- Connect with a community of others managing MS through movement
- Save time and energy by eliminating travel
Pre-recorded Videos
Access Pilates workouts designed specifically for people with MS, available in different levels:
- Practice at your own convenience, any time of day
- Choose the level that matches your energy and ability on any given day
- Repeat favorite routines as often as you like
- Progress at your own pace through increasingly challenging workouts
All options—whether in-person, live online, or pre-recorded—are specifically designed with MS in mind and offer modifications for different ability levels and symptom patterns.
Getting Started
If you're interested in trying Pilates with an instructor who truly understands the MS journey:
Contact me at ........
With its emphasis on core strength, controlled movement, and adaptability—and with guidance from someone who understands MS from both professional and personal perspectives—Pilates offers a safe, effective, and empowering approach to exercise for people with multiple sclerosis at all stages of the condition.
