Fitness Pilates Vertigo

 hope you’re well! I’ve had some amazing feedback on the Health Series I’ve been sharing in the weekly newsletters. It’s actually become the most popular series I’ve written, with so many of you messaging to say how helpful the topics have been.

If there’s anything specific you’d like me to cover, just hit reply and let me know—I’d love to include topics that will support you and your clients. And please feel free to use these articles in your own communications to your members.

This week, I’ve been speaking with three FP teachers who are opening their own Pilates and Reformer studios, and the demand for training is increasing every week—how incredible is that? If you’re keen to get qualified, make sure you book onto this month’s courses before they sell out.

We’re also launching the Fitness Pilates Menofit™ Training this Thursday. If you’re looking to create a specialist programme for peri to post-menopause clients using Pilates, this is the perfect training for you—don’t miss it!

Finally, I’m excited to be presenting at the FITPRO Elevate Conference in June at the Excel London. If you’re attending on the Wednesday, let me know—it would be brilliant to catch up in person!

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, where you feel as if you or your surroundings are moving or tilting, even when you’re perfectly still. It’s not a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying issue, typically related to problems in the inner ear or the brain’s balance centres.

Common Causes of Vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, affecting balance.
• Inner Ear Infections (Labyrinthitis or Vestibular Neuritis): Inflammation can disrupt balance signals.
• Meniere’s Disease: A condition involving fluid buildup in the inner ear.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Vertigo can occur with or without a headache.
• Head Injury or Trauma: Can disturb the inner ear structures.
• Circulation Issues: Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause sudden dizziness.
• Stress and Anxiety: May exacerbate sensations of dizziness or imbalance.

Why Does Vertigo Come On Suddenly?

• Rapid head movements or changing position (e.g., lying down, rolling over, looking up).
• Viral infections affecting the inner ear.
• Changes in blood pressure or circulation.
• Physical trauma or injury.
• Hormonal changes, especially around menopause.

Fitness Pilates Considerations for Vertigo:

Exercises to Avoid:

• Fast changes in head position (e.g., rolling quickly from side to side).
• Inversions or moves where the head goes below the heart (e.g., shoulder stands).
• Sudden rotational movements of the head and neck.
• Lying supine and turning the head side to side rapidly.
• Eyes-closed balance exercises, especially standing.

Exercises to Include:

• Slow, controlled movements focusing on breath and stability.
• Seated or side-lying exercises that keep the head stable.
• Gentle neck mobility exercises within a comfortable range.
• Standing balance work with visual focus (keeping eyes fixed on a point).
• Breathwork and relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger symptoms.

Common Side Effects of Vertigo Medications (e.g., Betahistine, Prochlorperazine, Diazepam):

• Drowsiness and fatigue.
• Blurred vision.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea or stomach upset.
• Reduced alertness (important to consider before driving or exercising).
• In some cases, dependence or withdrawal symptoms (particularly with sedatives like Diazepam).

Key Takeaway:
With vertigo, the goal is to move gently and avoid triggering head movements that disturb the balance system. Prioritise calming the nervous system through breathwork and stability-focused Pilates, and always consult with a healthcare provider before resuming exercise if symptoms are severe.

Is this helpful….email me and let me know.

Ill post this in the Fitness Pilates Facebook group so we can continue the discussion there.

Have a lovely Sunday 

Rachel x

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