When “Sam” booked a virtual session, they were heartbroken. Sam had been practicing Pilates for years, but a recent bout of severe sciatica had sidelined them. Every time they tried to go back to class and do a “roll-up,” lightning shot down their leg.
Sam thought their Pilates days were over.
The Strategy: The Mechanical Audit I told Sam what I learned from Pilates specialist Kathleen: Pilates is highly adaptable, but you have to know what your body is biased toward.
We performed a mechanical audit and discovered Sam had a strong Extension Bias. Their spine loved being arched but hated being rounded. Because traditional Pilates involves a lot of spinal flexion (rounding), Sam was constantly triggering their own pain during class.
The Result: The Modified Blueprint We didn’t tell Sam to quit. Instead, we gave them a customized movement manual. We identified exactly which exercises to skip and which to emphasize (like extension-heavy movements). Sam took this blueprint to their instructor, who gladly modified the routine. Today, Sam is back in the studio, pain-free, and stronger than ever.
Don’t let pain rule your life. Book your anti-fragile audit here.
