Why Choose Clinical Pilates?
Clinical Pilates is more than just a way to move—it’s about reclaiming control over the body and mind, especially when pain, stiffness, or injury have made life feel out of reach. It’s for those moments when the body no longer feels trustworthy and every movement becomes a battle.
But Clinical Pilates offers a way to take back control. It’s about rediscovering strength, finding stability, and moving with confidence—without the fear of pain or limitation. This method helps build strength from the inside out, focusing on the deep muscles that support the spine and teach the body to move safely and efficiently.
Whether recovering from injury, working to prevent discomfort, or simply striving to feel better in everyday life, Clinical Pilates gives the tools to build a body that is stronger and more capable. Every movement, from sitting at a desk to taking a walk, becomes easier and more comfortable when the body is supported and aligned properly.
At Balanced Bodies, the goal is real change—not temporary fixes. Every class is designed to teach how to move in ways that protect and strengthen, so life doesn’t have to be lived with the constant fear of pain. Instead, it’s about transforming movement into power and confidence.
What is Clinical Pilates?
Clinical Pilates is more than just a workout. It’s a way to rebuild strength from the inside out, focusing on the muscles that support the spine. This method ensures that every movement is safe, controlled, and effective. Developed by the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI), Clinical Pilates combines clinical research to help the body move with less pain and more purpose.
This method isn’t only for injury recovery. It’s for anyone who wants to move better, prevent discomfort, and feel more in control. Whether pain has built up over time or the body feels stiff and unbalanced, Clinical Pilates targets deep, postural muscles to restore strength and alignment.
The APPI method teaches how to activate these muscles correctly, making movement smoother and safer. It helps build confidence, reduce the fear of injury, and ensures every step protects the body from strain.
Clinical Pilates benefits everyone—whether recovering from injury or working to prevent it. It breaks old habits, improves movement patterns, and helps get back to living fully, without being held back by discomfort.
At Balanced Bodies, the journey begins with an introduction to Clinical Pilates—no matter whether it’s the first step into Pilates or a long-standing practice. Each session is designed to meet you where you are and offer the support needed to move forward.
The first step is simple—book a 1:2:1 session or join a Small Group introduction to explore how Clinical Pilates can help bring balance back to the body.
If there are still questions or doubts about whether Clinical Pilates is the right path, don’t hesitate to reach out. The free discovery call offers a chance for a free, no-pressure conversation. Sometimes, understanding the possibilities is the first step to feeling more in control again.
What people thought of the class
Highly Supportive!
I have never had the courage to join anything virtual in my life, but Joanna took the time before the session to calm me down and I can honestly say I am so glad I did it. Joanna has a way of putting you at ease whilst calmly explaining in simple terms what you need to do, why you need to do it and how it should feel. Anyone that wants to try but is a bit nervous please give it a go. You won’t regret it
Natalie, Jan 2021
Clinical Pilates
I’ve just finished my first course of Clinical Pilates with Joanna and I have to say I’ve really enjoyed it. I can feel the benefits already. Joanna made me feel very at ease, explained in detail and takes everyone’s little niggles into account and helps you manage each movement to suit you. Now into my second course and not thinking about stopping any time soon. Wasn’t sure about doing Zoom classes, but they do work and if we don’t get back into the hall any time soon, I am keen to continue as it’s great for the body and even better for the mind… Thanks Joanna
Laurena, Nov 2020
Pilates Class
Had a great pilates session with Jo, I had a few twinges due months without the lovely fluid moves of pilates (lockdown etc.) so it is a real relief to be back to it. I can feel the creaking easing already and felt very well looked after during our session. The extra complications of Covid and social distancing were well navigated by Jo too who is very careful and conscientious about client well being.
Jo, Oct 2020
FAQs
How much do Clinical Pilates classes cost?
Before we answer this, we will respond with a question:
How much do you value your health and being pain free?
That being said this is understandably a very popular question!
We price our classes so that our clients can benefit from near 1:2:1 attention. There will always be a limit of 10 clients in a class, but mostly you won’t find more than 6 people. That means our clients receive individual attention for each and every exercise with bespoke feedback.
There’s not many group pilates classes where you’ll get this level of attention! We know from experience!
If you head over to our pricing page, you can find out more about the pricing for 1:2:1 and group classes.
I have a bad back - can I do Clinical Pilates?
Yes! Clinical Pilates is perfect for bad backs. In fact, most body parts will benefit from Clinical Pilates classes whether it’s your hips, knees, back, neck, shoulders or beyond!
To keep you safe, we always undertake a 1:2:1 assessment for more complex clients, but everyone else just needs to complete a health questionnaire, participate in an introductory session (whether 1:2:1 or small group) and then they can sign up for as many classes as they like.
How do I sign up for a class?
There are plenty of ways to sign up. Either give us a call, send us an email, or click on the “Book Now” button to take you through to our booking system.
I have never done Pilates before - is this right for me?
We understand that making a commitment to a new exercise class can be a scary thing, so we offer taster sessions for new clients to try out Pilates Classes before they commit.
In addition, our Introduction to Pilates sessions mean that even if you don’t feel that Pilates is right for you, the knowledge you will have gained around posture, the inner core and movement dissociation will be useful for you in everything you do!
To make it easier for our new clients to learn, we have even created some beginner’s classes throughout the week so you to learn alongside other beginners.
We know that you will absolutely love the experience and will soon be signing up for a term of sessions!
I am an experienced Pilates goer - do I need to do the Introductory session?
Well there are always exceptions to the rules so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Joanna had been practicing Pilates as a paying client for 15 years before she became qualified as a Pilates Instructor and not once had the concepts of neutral spine, inner core and movement dissociation been properly explained to her. She can only wonder what a difference this might have made to her back pain journey if these concepts had been explained from the start!
Isn't Pilates only for older women?
Most definitely not!
Firstly, check out our Young People and Pre- & Post Natal Pilates classes for more details there.
Pilates is a challenging, highly technical exercise for everyone, young, old, man or woman.
It most definitely isn’t a relaxing time lying on a mat twiddling your thumbs! Both your body and brain will be sweating with the effort by the end of the session.
What are the benefits of Pilates
Pilates is wonderful for our health for the following reasons:
- Aids the development of strong bones,
- Improves flexibility,
- Promotes positive mental health
- Incorporates Mindfulness,
- Promotes circulation,
- Improves digestion,
- Increase muscle strength.
These are just a few of the benefits that spring to mind! Please let us know if you want to hear about more….
Do you offer Pay as You Go?
Yes, but it is more expensive as there is more admin involved.
But most importantly, we prefer our clients to take up terms of sessions to ensure that they get the maximum benefit from some sustained weekly exercise over a period of time.
And there’s nothing like pre-paying to ensure you remain committed to keep coming back from your classes.