Pilates Edinburgh
ProMOTION Physiotherapy provides a unique service of physio-led Pilates classes in Edinburgh, which you can conveniently book below. Additionally, we also offer one-to-one Pilates sessions for a more personalised experience where our service can be modified to address a patient’s particular concern.
What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that was first developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates. It focuses on improving flexibility, building strength in core muscle groups and improving awareness of body positioning. It is both relaxing on the mind and yet physically challenging on the body. The beauty of Pilates is that you can work at a pace that you are comfortable with even though you are part of a class.
How Can Pilates Help Me?
Pilates is very beneficial to your physical and mental health. It can help with managing chronic aches and pains and also has a role in helping prevent injuries. If you have ever suffered from low back pain then Pilates is a great form of exercise to improve the flexibility in your spine and increase your strength thus helping to prevent future flareups of pain.
It is also a great way to build strength and improve balance as we get older. Current physical activity guidelines recommend regular strengthening exercises and balancing exercises to help prevent injury and falls. Our Pilates classes incorporate balance and strength exercises into each class.
There is an increasing number of people with osteoporosis (a condition where bone density reduces, more common following the menopause in women). In this patient population, it is really important to improve balance and strength to prevent falls and improve muscle strength. Pilates is a great way to do this.
We see a lot of women post-natal who wish to build strength. Our Physiotherapists have taken on additional training in this patient group and can advise on a suitable class and individual exercise program.
Pilates is also a great way to build strength if you are a runner. By building strength in your core muscles and lower limb muscles you can help prevent some of the common running injuries that we see at ProMOTION Physiotherapy.
You may be interested in: The Benefits of Pilates

Are Physio Led Pilates Classes Different To Regular Pilates Classes?
Yes, Physio led Pilates classes, sometimes known as clinical pilates, are different from regular Pilates classes. All our classes are taught by experienced musculoskeletal Chartered Physiotherapists who have extensive knowledge of muscle and joint problems. We, therefore, take into account any injuries or health conditions that you may have. We will ask you to fill out a comprehensive health screening questionnaire prior to your first attendance at a Pilates class. If you have a health condition that requires specific exercise modification then we will recommend that we see you for a one-to-one session prior to your first class. This will allow us to assess you and advise on any specific exercise modifications for you.
Another difference between our Physio Led Pilates classes is that we teach a modified version of the classic Pilates exercises first taught by Joseph Pilates. Many of these exercises may be unsuitable for people with previous injuries or certain health conditions. All our Pilates instructors have been trained by the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institutes (APPI). They have taken the classic Pilates exercises and modified them to make them safe for the majority of the population. This results in a safe but varied group of exercises that allows you to work at a level that suits you and is fun too!
Should I have A 1:1 Pilates Session With A Physiotherapist
A 1:1 Pilates session with one of our Chartered Physiotherapists is recommended if you have never done Pilates before and wish to join a class, you have a specific health condition or injury and you are not sure whether Pilates is right for you or if you want to work on a Pilates program specific to you. You can book an appointment online here.
How Do I Sign Up To One Of Your Pilates Classes?
Our Pilates classes are sold in blocks ranging from 5 weeks to 10 weeks depending on the time of year and generally run to the school term. Information on our class times and start dates for blocks can be found below. Classes are mixed abilities and exercises can be modified to suit your level. We run our Pilates Classes out of Waterfront Dance Studio which is located right next to our Physiotherapy clinic.
If you are interested in a class or would like to join our waiting list then please email us.
Pilates Class Timetable
The following Pilates timetable will run from Monday 8th January 2024. This will be an 11 week block running until 28th March 2024. There will be no classes the week of the 12th February. If you are interested please do email us and we can put you on our waiting list or book you into your preferred class.