Avoiding Injuries & Accidents in Pilates Studios
Tips for Injury Prevention and Equipment Safety
Apr 25, 2009
Pilates has a well-deserved reputation for injury prevention, but unfortunately, there’s always the potential for accidents. Pilates equipment can be dangerous if used incorrectly—the studio environment requires a careful, attentive attitude in order to minimize the risk of injury.
Push-Thru Bar
The Push-Thru Bar is part of the Pilates Cadillac; it’s a rectangular wooden or metal device that swings between the bedlike poles of the Cadillac frame. When using the Push-Thru Bar, it’s vital to be aware of the spring that’s attached to it. If the spring is attached from above and the client lets go of the bar, the bar will flick upwards; if the spring is from below, the bar will swing down with great force, potentially hitting the client in the face. When sprung from below, the bar should be secured with a safety chain or strap from above; this will prevent it from going low enough to cause injury, but great care is still required.
The Pilates instructor should keep one hand on the bar, ready to control it, or stay well out of its path—many Push-Thru Bar injuries actually hurt the instructor, rather than the client.
Reformer Footbar
Injuries involving the Reformer footbar typically occur when the client pulls the bar upwards. On most Reformers, this will free the footbar from its secure position and allow it to fall to its low position—and the client can fall with it. To prevent mishaps, the client should never grip the footbar. Instead, it’s important to keep the wrists aligned, thumbs beside fingers, and the weight of the body pressing down over the bar; this will keep it firmly in place.
The instructor should keep one foot against the footbar in any exercise that might cause the bar to slip out of place, especially when the client is a beginner or unsure of the exercise.
Wunda Chair
The Wunda Chair offers much less support than some of the other Pilates equipment, and many Wunda Chair exercises challenge balance. The dangers of this piece of equipment include slipping on the pedal and falling from the top of the chair. Grippy mats and grip socks or bare feet should be used in any exercise with the feet on the pedal; regular socks are often too slippery.
In balancing exercises, the Pilates instructor should stand near the client and hold the client’s hand or hips to help prevent a fall. It’s also important for the instructor to teach these exercises first on the Electric Chair, if available, and to ensure that the client is ready to attempt them.
Other Tips
The average Pilates studio is full of equipment, and it’s vital to keep it organised and stored correctly to limit the risk of tripping over. Reformer accessories such as boxes, poles, nonslip pads, and extra straps should be stored in the well or tidily out of the way. Cadillac accessories like the trapeze (if it is removable), arm and leg springs, and foot plate should be attached or placed under the Cadillac. Small equipment like hand weights and magic circles need their own place.
Most importantly, instructors and clients should be continually mindful of the potential for injury. A few simple precautions can help to ensure that the Pilates studio experience brings wellness, not harm.
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