Tailoring Strength and Conditioning Through Clinical Pilates at Physio on Patterson

At Physio on Patterson, our approach to Clinical Pilates is far more than just guided movement. We integrate the foundational principles of strength and conditioning to create highly tailored, goal-oriented programs for rehabilitation, performance, and long-term wellness. By applying concepts such as time under tension, volume, and intensity, we’re able to design Clinical Pilates sessions that go beyond general fitness — they work with your body’s specific needs and capacity.

Clinical Pilates Meets Strength and Conditioning

While Clinical Pilates is known for its focus on core control, postural alignment, and mindful movement, it also provides an excellent platform for developing strength and resilience. The key is understanding how to adjust the stimulus of the exercises to bring about the right response — just as you would in a gym-based strength and conditioning program.

Here's how we apply those core principles:

1. Time Under Tension (TUT)

Time under tension refers to the length of time a muscle is under strain during a set of movement. In Clinical Pilates, we manipulate TUT by adjusting the speed and control of movements, the duration of holds, and the number of repetitions.

• For rehabilitation: We often begin with low-load, high-control exercises where patients perform movements slowly to build neuromuscular control and endurance.

• For strength-building: We may increase the TUT with longer holds (e.g., a 10-second bridge hold) or slow concentric/eccentric movements to place greater stress on muscles in a safe, controlled environment.

  
  

2. Volume

Volume refers to the total workload — how many reps, sets, and exercises are performed. This is particularly important in Clinical Pilates, as we aim to strike the right balance between adequate challenge and avoiding overload, especially in early rehab stages.

• For beginners or those recovering from injury, volume is often kept low to focus on precision and control.

• As you progress, we can increase volume to focus on strength, endurance or hypertrophy, often by adding extra reps, incorporating circuit-based formats, or adding sets.

We monitor how your body responds and adjust the program weekly or biweekly to maintain progression while supporting recovery.

3. Intensity

Intensity is a measure of how hard your body is working — and in Clinical Pilates, this can be nuanced. We can manipulate intensity by:

• Altering spring resistance on Pilates equipment

• Modifying body positioning to change load (e.g., changing lever length in leg lifts)

• Adding external weights, balance challenges, or instability (e.g., dumbbells, foam rollers, Pilates balls)

• For running and/or jumping athletes, we may aim for higher-intensity, power-based movements to enhance agility, core reactivity, and dynamic strength.

• For individuals experiencing pain or injury, we can use intensity carefully to build strength without provoking symptoms — prioritising functional movement quality over load.

  
  

4. Tempo

Tempo refers to the speed and rhythm at which an exercise is performed — typically broken down into eccentric (lowering), pause, concentric (lifting), and top pause. Clinical Pilates gives us fine control over tempo, allowing us to emphasise different parts of a movement to suit specific goals.

• Slower tempos can increase control and time under tension — helpful for individuals building stability or regaining muscle endurance after injury.

• Faster tempos, often introduced later in rehab or for athletic clients, can train neuromuscular coordination and prepare the body for more dynamic tasks (such as running and jumping).

Using tempo strategically helps us get more out of each movement without increasing load — especially valuable for clients with pain or movement sensitivity.

5. Power

Power is the ability to produce force quickly. Although Pilates is typically associated with slower, controlled movement, we can incorporate elements of power training where appropriate — particularly for those returning to sport or aiming to improve physical performance.

• Examples include dynamic bridging, resisted jumping drills on the Reformer, or explosive pushing movements using springs or small equipment.

• For older adults, safe and scaled power work can help restore balance and reduce fall risk.

• Power-based movement is always introduced with a strong foundation in control and technique.

By building toward power systematically, we help clients develop not just strength, but also agility, responsiveness, and confidence in dynamic movement.

Personalised Programming: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

At Physio on Patterson, Clinical Pilates is not a generic group class — it’s clinically guided, one-on-one or small group programming tailored by qualified physiotherapists. Each program is designed around:

• Your current level of mobility, strength, and pain

• Functional goals (e.g., returning to sport, managing chronic back pain, improving strength)

• Lifestyle and time commitments

• Injury history and comorbidities

  
  

We reassess and adapt regularly to make sure each session builds on the last. Whether you're working toward getting back to running, improving core control, or simply moving with more confidence, your program evolves with you.

Building Stronger Bodies, One Repetition at a Time

By integrating the science of strength and conditioning into Clinical Pilates, we help you develop not just mobility and flexibility, but the strength, resilience, and control that underpins long-term movement health.

If you're curious about how Clinical Pilates could support your recovery or enhance your performance, book a consultation with our team today. At Physio on Patterson, every movement has purpose — and we’ll guide you through every step.

Ready to get started? Contact us to book your personalised Clinical Pilates assessment.