Maria • September 8, 2016

Pilates for Cancer Patients and Survivors 

There’s an understandable fear on the part of many cancer patients that they will not be able to perform exercises properly. That is the beauty of Pilates. s is a subtitle for your new post

Cancer patients can experience pain, tightness and weakness in their muscles. They generally don't feel strong physically, so it's hard for them to be mentally strong to fight the battle. Unfortunately, the vast majority of cancer patients are uncertain as to what exercise is appropriate. Many are afraid to move, not fully aware of the limitations of their bodies, and certainly not wanting to trigger more pain.

This is where an experienced Pilates instructor is invaluable. The instructors here at Body Aligned can tailor each Pilates session to give a full-body workout — emphasizing specific areas that need more attention yet taking great care of other areas that may require more gentle treatment.

There’s an understandable fear on the part of many cancer patients that they will not be able to perform exercises properly. That is the beauty of Pilates. Every single movement can be modified, depending on each person’s stage of cancer and their physical needs. Plus, to accommodate changing physical limitations, Pilates can also be performed in a variety of positions: lying on your back, on your stomach, on your side, standing or seated. Pilates can be tailored to YOUR needs.

Pilates also focuses on deep, multidimensional breathing, which physically encourages lymphatic drainage and emotionally releases tension. It offers a healing benefit to both the body and mind…at a time in life when both body and mind are being overly taxed.

Utilizing Pilates, the muscles are reminded to perform the movement for which they were designed, and that helps the patient or survivor regain physical strength and emotional confidence. So because Pilates is based on safe and natural movements of the body, it helps to improve and reinforce the overall quality of life of cancer patients and cancer survivors even outside of the studio.

Here are just a few of the benefits of Pilates for both those who are currently in cancer treatment and also recovered patients:


  • Improved muscular strength

  • Better posture

  • Increased range of motion

  • Stronger core

  • Stronger back (especially important in breast cancer recovery)

  • Increase of flexibility and coordination

  • Better balance

  • Improvement of sensory awareness

  • Better blood flow

  • Energy boost

  • Stress reduction

  • Good transition into lifelong wellness and fitness programs

In the last ten years, we have noticed a greater reception by the medical community considering Pilates as a rehab option. Pilates is increasingly suggested to be the next step after physical therapy to continue building range of motion and strength. That's one of the reasons why the Stanford Cancer Center offers a Pilates class as part of their Cancer Supportive Care Program.


We're here for you. Take care of your mind and body today, by scheduling an appointment at Body Aligned Pilates and Wellness in South Tampa. To see current specials and for complete pricing information, click here.

We recommend you first consult with your physician prior to attending a Pilates session.


-- Thanks to our Guest Blogger, Maria, a Pilates instructor here at Body Aligned.

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A woman is doing exercises on a pilates machine in a gym.

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By Natalie Mandeville • November 1, 2024
What is the purpose of a cold plunge? Cold plunge helps reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. The list of health benefits is much longer. How long should I stay in the cold plunge? A good target time is three minutes. How often is it safe to cold plunge? It is recommended to cold plunge two to three times per week for a total of 11 minutes per week for metabolism-boosting results. What is infrared heat? Infrared is radiated heat. It penetrates human tissue, producing a host of anti-aging and health benefits. How often should I use an infrared sauna? It is recommended three to four days per week, for a total of 57 minutes per week for metabolic results. How will I feel after using an infrared sauna? Usually, the same as you do post-workout. Within 30 minutes, you should experience a boost in energy and mood. This should also result in a restful night’s sleep. Many other health benefits ensue. Do I burn calories while sweating? By increasing your core temperature and inducing sweating, infrared saunas increase blood flow and heart rate and can burn 400-600 calories in just one 30-minute session. What is Contrast Therapy? Contrast therapy is a method of alternating between hot and cold environments to induce certain physiological responses. It involves two to three rotations between the cold plunge tub and infrared sauna. When new to contrast therapy, it is recommended to start slowly. Ease into it by limiting the time spent in the sauna and the cold plunge. You can gradually increase the duration as your body adapts. What should I wear for the infrared sauna, cold plunge or Contrast Therapy? Bathing suits, loose clothing or athletic wear are recommended. How should I prepare for my session? Hydrate prior to your session. Do I need to bring a towel? Towels are provided in the private room and for showering (although we do not recommend showering after any of our services). Will I be sharing the room with anyone? Only if you bring a friend! Our room is private, whether you book a sauna, cold plunge or Contrast Therapy appointment. What is the HaloRed booth? The HaloRed booth has roots in a NASA study that measured the effects of light waves on salt particles in the Earth's atmosphere. The translucent, multi-sided salt crystals in our HaloRed system work by refracting light, creating billions of micro-bursts of red light, making it the most powerful and effective red light therapy available worldwide. During each session, red light waves energize and heat salt particles, enhancing their dryness and effectiveness beyond traditional halotherapy, offering a dual-benefit therapy unmatched in efficacy. How often can I do Red Light therapy? No more than once every 24 hours. All you really need is 5-15 minutes per day. What are the EMF levels of the HaloRed? Our booth is engineered to have low EMFs. However, anything with electric current running through it is going to generate some electromagnetic field. At the recommended usage distance of 6+ inches, our devices emit no detectable levels of EMF. What is Salt Therapy/Halotherapy? Halotherapy, also known as dry salt therapy, is a fast-growing holistic approach that mimics the microclimate of a salt cave. When you breathe in the micro-sized salt particles, they are immediately transported to every part of the respiratory tract, even the smallest alveoli and bronchioles. Then, the dry salt molecules dissolve and attract small impurities — the reason why it is called “the toothbrush of the lungs.” Salt therapy may eliminate the root of inflammatory respiratory illnesses in the lower and the upper tract, such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies, by destroying bacteria and restoring health and immunity. How often should I do Halotherapy for best results? The best results can be achieved when practiced regularly. The benefits are cumulative, so consistency and frequency are the key. People with chronic issues will benefit greatly from visiting salt rooms at least three to four times a week. What else should I know? Please refrain from using oils, creams, makeup and perfumes prior to your appointment. If needed, we have a shower you can use before your session. If you will be utilizing the cold plunge, bring a wet bag to carry your damp clothing after your session.

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a row of pilates machines are lined up in a Pilates studio

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By Natalie Mandeville • December 5, 2023
It’s almost time! Body Aligned’s Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training in Tampa will begin in January 2024. Are you still on the fence about joining? In my last two blog posts ( Is Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Right for You and Considering Body Aligned Pilates Teacher Training ), I shared the enthusiasm of recent graduates as applied to a career as a Pilates instructor. But you don’t have to plan to teach for this training to be a great fit. Body Aligned’s Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training is equally beneficial to those who simply want to improve their practice — with no intention of teaching others. One of my past graduates recently told me about how Teacher Training has helped her become more aware of her own body and enhanced the classes she takes.
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