The importance of GAIT Analysis and Fitness Pilates

I hope you’re enjoying a lovely Valentine’s weekend and a relaxing half term break if you’re following the school terms.

This week I’m teaching Pilates in Fuerteventura and really looking forward to delivering both Fitness Pilates and Fitness Pilates Reformer classes in the sunshine. It’s always inspiring to teach in a different environment and bring fresh energy back to our community.

Music Update – Pure Energy App

If you’re using the Pure Energy Music app, there’s an incredible new mix just released called ETERNAL.

I’ve been using it for:

• Fitness Pilates Mat
• Fitness Pilates with the Ring
• Fitness Pilates with the Mini Ball

It’s a stunning soundtrack — beautifully layered, atmospheric and perfect for flow, control and deeper mind–body work. Highly recommend adding it to your upcoming classes.

Pilates Magic Circle 

Many of us have been using the Pilaes rings for years but recently they have had a big resurgence so I have created some choreography masterclass using the rings & balls – all the details are below 

The importance of GAIT Analysis

Something I find fascinating is how people walk, you can tell so much it how some ones going to be able to perform exercise when you analyse there gait. When clients walk into the studio do you notice any patterns?

What Is Gait Analysis?

Gait analysis is the assessment of how someone walks.

It looks at:

• Foot strike
• Step length
• Pelvic movement
• Arm swing
• Posture
• Weight transfer
• Symmetry between left and right

It can be informal (visual observation in a studio) or formal (using video software, pressure plates or lab testing).

For Pilates professionals, observational gait analysis is an incredibly powerful screening tool.

What Can We Tell From Gait in Relation to Pilates?

Walking is a moving window into how the body organises itself under load.

Here’s what you can pick up:

1. Foot Mechanics

You may notice:

• Over-pronation (excessive inward roll)
• Supination (rolling out)
• Collapsed arches
• Limited toe push-off

Pilates insight:
Weak intrinsic foot muscles, poor ankle mobility or lack of glute activation may be contributing. Foot-to-hip sequencing becomes a programming priority.

2. Pelvic Stability

Look for:

• Hip drop on one side (Trendelenburg pattern)
• Excessive sway
• Uneven stride

Pilates insight:
Gluteus medius weakness, poor lateral sling support, or inadequate core-pelvic coordination.

Side-lying work, standing stability drills and controlled unilateral work become essential.

3. Core Control & Rotation

Observe:

• Minimal arm swing
• Rigid trunk
• Excessive rotation
• Rib flare

Pilates insight:
Poor thoracic mobility, weak obliques or over-bracing of the abdominal wall.

You may prioritise:

• Thoracic rotation
• Rib-pelvis connection
• Breath-led core sequencing

4. Postural Habits

Walking often reveals:

• Forward head posture
• Rounded shoulders
• Excess lumbar extension
• Posterior pelvic tilt

Pilates insight:
Habitual movement patterns that will also appear in squats, lunges and planks.

Gait shows you what the client does unconsciously.

5. Asymmetry

Very few people are perfectly symmetrical, but clear differences can indicate:

• Old injuries
• Hip restriction
• SI joint dysfunction
• Protective movement patterns

Pilates is uniquely placed to restore balance through controlled bilateral and unilateral training.

Why Gait Matters in Pilates Programming

Pilates is not just mat exercises. It is about restoring efficient movement patterns.

Gait gives clues about:

• Where stability is lacking
• Where mobility is restricted
• Whether someone over-braces or under-supports
• Whether they rely on one side

If walking is dysfunctional, static exercises alone won’t fix the issue. Intelligent, progressive programming will.

Simple Studio Gait Screen You Can Use

Have your client:

1. Walk naturally across the studio
2. Turn and walk back
3. Walk barefoot if appropriate

Observe:

• Foot roll
• Pelvic level
• Shoulder symmetry
• Head position
• Rhythm

You are not diagnosing.
You are gathering movement information.

The Bigger Picture

Gait reflects nervous system organisation, strength balance and habitual posture.

When Pilates improves:

• Foot control
• Hip stability
• Rib–pelvis connection
• Breath mechanics

Walking becomes smoother, lighter and more efficient.

And that is one of the clearest signs your programming is working.Much Love Rachel

Whats app 07976 268672

I have been filming a weekly vlog on Youtube as an experiment check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuLKA91SW6s

Coming up this month…

 Both Level 3 Pilates Mat & Level 3 Reformer courses are full in Feb, but there are limited spaces in March & April

 I’m travelling to Nuffield Gloucester this week to deliver Fitness Pilates reformer which is full so we’ve added another course on 5th March which only has a few spaces left.

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