Spinal mobility

Why come

Over 80% of all adults suffer from some sort of lower back pain, with one of the major causes being lack of flexibility in the spine. As some areas become stiff or immobile, the more mobile areas of the spine carry more of the load and become overworked and painful.

At TenPilates, we combine an in-depth understanding of both how the spine functions and how the reformer beds can be best utilised to restore optimal movement.

With that in mind, we have developed our Spinal Mobility class specifically for anyone who regularly suffers from back pain. It will help restore a more natural range of movement to your spine, and unload some of the strain that today's sedentary lifestyles place on it.

What to expect

A slower-paced and more chilled-out class (and playlist) than usual. You'll focus on stretching the muscles that often shorten and contribute to poor posture, and on breathing in order to increase movement.

You'll work through a series of controlled movements of the spine, incorporating some new exercises that you won't have tried at TenPilates - or in all probability, anywhere else - before. The range and intensity of these movements will become increasingly challenging as your mobility and control improves.

This class is deceptive. Because of the pace and the emphasis on breathing and precise, controlled movement, it might not feel too demanding at the time. But in a day or two, you'll realise just how hard you've actually worked.

Results and benefits

You'll leave the class with a more chilled-out feeling, compared to our traditional end of class buzz. You'll also leave with an improved posture, standing taller and looking leaner.

You'll find that you spine is more mobile, spreading the load through it more evenly, just as nature intended.

The increased flexibility will enable you to move with a greater range of motion and then challenge your muscles more in a your usual dynamic Pilates class. (For example, a more flexible lower back will enable you to achieve a deeper squat position, allowing you to challenge your muscles further, and doing more to improve both strength and balance.)

It will also benefit your sports performance, for example, increasing the power of your rotational movements in tennis and golf.