Hi Pilates Anytime,

I would love to hear about techniques both as a lecture or actual class on any equipment for working with obese clients. I have been working with several clients both in privates and group classes with success, but I feel like I could benefit from learning what others are doing to help their obese clients.

Best,

Laura

Thank you Laura ~ I'll keep that in mind. In the meantime you may want to pose the question in our Instructor's Corner forum.

Thats a good topic to cover here if possible. I get a few clients on occassion that are heavy esp around the middle. Its sometimes interesting not to mention challanging to come up with modifications to get them comfortable during different exercises and on and off the equiptment. I would love to see a class or workshop here on that subject!! Thank Laura for bringing this up. Jamie

yes! please. I have several obese clients & I'm always looking for ways to help them & understand their bodies better. thank you.

I also have been searching on the internet to find a good program to work with obese clients. Their bodies are unable to articulate properly and it would be a big help to get instruction on this topic.

It turns out it is a tough topic to get a presenter to teach on camera. I'll keep trying!

One last thought, if no presenter presents herself, maybe instructing on anyone would do. The key will be showing which exercises work best with a larger body size and/or modifications one can do.

Yes, yes. I'm in the same boat! I have several very committed and very obese clients that are finding Pilates is WHAT they need. It's gentle enough for them and not as intimidating as the typical "gym" setting. My problem is...variety of exercises as lying supine is even difficult for most of these clients and the Cadillac is the only piece high enough for them to even get on and off of. Please help, there are so little resources for this market available!

Important subject. I am always looking for ways to keep my larger clients comfortable. I don't want them to feel they can't do something. Especially in a group. I also don't want them to get injured trying to do something that is not appropriate nor effective. If you work in a studio by yourself it is a fabulous treat to see another instructor teach. The only thing I've noticed that we usually get to see them teaching other instructors. We all know that it is so different then teaching the average-Joe off the street. And these are the people we need to get into the studio. I've been lucky to learn from some amazing clients that happen to be larger. They can be very body-aware and very connected to the intrinsic mucles. I do worry about too much flexion on thier back because it seems to cause neck tension. The equipment can be so great to get them in better positions to target the correct muscles. Any information to help teach this population effectively would be great.

I have found that working with these folks esp on floor and mat work, its very helpful to pull out your props. A wedge helps to lie comfortably. The spine corrector and even a soft ball placed under the spine can help certain body types. I love the box to sit on for arm work, and rotations. I always try to make them as comfortable as possible and make transitions up and down from the floor easier without making them feel they cant do certain exercises. Just modify the best you can with props.
I do wish there was more material out there for heavier clients . Pilates is for every BODY