What is Pilates?


Pilates is an exercise technique which focuses on coordinating the mind, body and spirit, to ultimately improve physical health and consequently overall quality of life. It is a full body workout with a special emphasis on strengthening the core, or the “powerhouse” of the body. In fact, the exercise philosophy utilized in Pilates has very similar concepts to the exercise philosophy used in the practice of Physical Therapy. The six principles of Pilates include:


  • Centering: bringing focus and the initiation of energy to a center point
  • Concentration: Focusing the mind on the precision of physical movement
  • Control: Having the mind control the body and all its movements, especially against gravity
  • Precision: Precise movement, placement and structure when executing each exercise, as the intent of each exercise can be lost without attention to precision
  • Breath: Using inhalation and exhalation to fully execute movements and facilitate deeper connections
  • Flow: A succession of exercises executed in a rhythmic flow


What are the Benefits of Pilates?


There are many benefits of Pilates, these include, but are not limited to the following:


  • Improved breathing mechanics
  • Improved engagement and strength of the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles 
  • Improved static and dynamic balance by improving awareness of proprioception 
  • Improved muscle control and stamina 
  • Improved postural alignment
  • Reduction in pain and functional disability
  • Improved quality of life
  • In elderly individuals, Pilates is a fantastic exercise selection as it is low impact. There are many studies that have found Pilates is helpful to improve independence with functional mobility and functional capacity, improve independence with activities of daily living, and reduce risk of falls.


Can Pilates be Beneficial for Addressing my Injury?


Pilates can be a fantastic addition to your exercise routine when trying to avoid activities such as running and jumping while you heal from an injury. Pilates also has a strong emphasis on strengthening muscles that are commonly weak, resulting in improper movement biomechanics and muscle compensation as a result. For example, Pilates exercises often target strengthening deep core muscles, glute muscles, and shoulder blade stabilization muscles. In fact, you might find your physiotherapist has prescribed exercises targeted towards strengthening these muscles in your rehabilitation program already!


If you are interested in adding Pilates to your weekly workout routine, sign up for our 6-week Pilates strengthening class, beginning January 13th 2024. This course will be run by Eden Graham, a

physiotherapist who has always been passionate about the impact of an active and balanced lifestyle,

most recently taking the Equinox Pilates Mat Certificate Course to incorporate Pilates into her

physiotherapy practice. This 6-week course of Pialtes strengthening classes may be eligible for coverage

under your extended health benefits, pending an initial assessment is completed prior to January 13 th

2024 and the Pilates classes can be incorporated into your rehabilitation treatment plan.

Eden Graham 

Registered Orthopaedic & Vestibular Physiotherapist, Pilates Certified


​​Eden completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto and Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at McMaster University. While at McMaster, she was able to gain extensive experience in exercise prescription through working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Men’s and Women’s Varsity Basketball Teams and a Personal Trainer at McMaster’s gym “The Pulse.”


Eden has practiced in a variety of environments including outpatient orthopaedics, complex continuing care, post-acute care rehabilitation, and general internal medicine. She has completed post-graduate courses in Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Assessment and Treatment of the Lymphatic System, and Vestibular Rehabilitation. She is truly passionate about helping people, with a treatment style that includes soft tissue release, joint mobilizations, acupuncture, and a strong emphasis on exercise programming.


Eden has always been passionate about the impact of an active and balanced lifestyle on someone’s psychological and physical well-being! In her spare time, she loves to stay active by going to F45 or Barry’s Bootcamp classes, lifting weights, running, spinning, and dancing! She also loves to cook and bake, and always strives to find “healthier versions” of more indulgent recipes.