The Pat Kenny Show Ask The Expert: Pilates is the newest viral fitness trend
Dec 15, 2025
Laurie O'Mahony, a chartered physiotherapist and Pilates instructor, dives into the fascinating world of Pilates, tracing its origins from a German PT during wartime to its current viral status. She explores how Pilates enhances posture, core strength, and fall prevention. Laurie shares insights on the Reformer machine's benefits for both beginners and athletes, the importance of supervised progression, and the role of Pilates in rehab for various conditions. From managing tennis elbow to postpartum recovery, her practical advice is a game changer!
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Origins And Core Purpose Of Pilates
- Pilates combines posture, core activation and breathing to improve balance and alignment.
- Laurie O'Mahony notes reformers evolved from Joseph Pilates' bed-frame springs to modern machines used for rehabilitation and athletic conditioning.
Posture And Core Cueing
- Focus on lengthening the spine and aligning ears, shoulders, hips and ankles while controlling your breathing.
- Activate your pelvic floor and trunk muscles to improve posture, hip strength and rehabilitation outcomes.
Reformer Aids Progression And Feedback
- The reformer gives proprioceptive feedback and supports beginners by starting them lying down.
- As skill increases, the same machine allows progressive challenge via sitting and standing balance variations.