Listen to S2E29: Pilates and MS - Building strength for everyone with Rachel Changer
Welcome to the Living Well with MS podcast, where we are joined by Rachel Changer. Rachel is a Pilates instructor and neurological physiotherapist with a master’s diploma in neurological rehabilitation.
01:05 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and your experience working with people with MS?
03:03 What is Pilates? And what are the differences between Pilates and other practices?
08:49 What are the benefits of Pilates for people with MS?
13:11 What are the downsides?
14:17 How do you choose the right Pilates instructor or class? Can you do it on your own?
17:17 How can you modify Pilates for all levels of ability?
20:23 Does Pilates work as an online activity? Can you do it without much equipment?
29:35 Do you have any other thoughts to encourage or inspire people for their fitness and exercise regime for people with MS?
32:04 When following an exercise regime, when do you think that you should also check in with a medical provider, if you’ve got any symptoms that might be exercise related?
34:32 Can you share a final thought with our audience on what motivates or inspires you as a human being?
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Rachel is a highly specialized neurological physiotherapist with a master’s diploma in neurological rehabilitation. She teaches for the Neuro Academy supporting the development of doctors and allied healthcare professionals into MS as their specialization. Rachel is also an Associate Trainer for the NHS England commissioned Bridges Self-Management Programme.
She became a Pilates instructor in 2014 and specialized in teaching the method to people living with MS in 2016. For three years, Rachel managed the Pilates Studio at an MS Centre teaching mat-based and large apparatus Pilates to people living with MS.
“My love of Pilates comes from the fact that I coach and empower individuals to look within, to experience movement with a sense of introspection – learning to think, feel and understand their bodies. This facilitates an understanding of what is normal, what changes, and how to accept, self-monitor and regulate the condition,” she says.