No space at home for mat Pilates? Think again!

My client was having some building repairs done and the problem was worse than initially thought, hence they’d overrun. This meant she couldn’t get into the room we normally use (as the floor had been taken up!) so would have to do it in the kitchen or find another room that wasn’t stacked full of furniture.

Now I’m used to creating bespoke sessions, based on my client’s circumstances. Clients I work with may have sprained an ankle or wrist, pulled a muscle or been ill since our last session, so I always check for any changes a couple of days beforehand. That way I can design each session around what issues they may have at that particular moment.

However, being asked to accommodate a lack of space isn’t so common! I often have to help clients move the odd table or rug out of the way to allow us to fit side by side. I've even worked with my client in a small sun conservatory and me in the lounge (this was before everything had to be done online!). So I normally find a way around any challenges and am able to fit the session in somehow.

Today's client and I have been working together on and off over three years, so I didn’t want to let her down. She has a condition that makes balance very challenging, so my first thought was to ensure whatever we did meant she didn't fall over. So, pulling on my thinking cap and recalling the numerous adaptations of traditional Pilates exercises I’d learnt and rarely used, I came up with a set that would still support the aims of her Pilates program, without having to clear enough room on the floor.

Her reaction: “thanks ever so much” made it all worthwhile! It wasn't just her appreciation – as I’d worked part of my weekend to re-organise her session – but also the fact that the adaptations I’d made to the exercises meant that she can now use them anytime she finds it hard to get onto the floor. Carrying out the movements in standing, (rather than spending half the time on a mat on the floor) also helped to bring more variety into the routine. I was able to give her some really good stretches in sitting, which she said she hadn’t thought of doing for herself.

So having a challenge such as less room to use can sometimes be instrumental to more creativity and fitting Pilates into your life even when you have the constraint of limited space.