What is Long-Covid?
Long-Covid is the term used to describe the long term post-viral symptoms of Covid19. Symptoms can include:
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fatigue
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breathlessness or shortness of breath
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difficulty sleeping
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heart palpitations
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chest tightness or pain
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joint or muscle pain
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not being able to think straight or focus (‘brain fog’)
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change to your sense of smell or taste
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persistent cough
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Little research has been done in understanding Long-Covid and its effects, and populations experiencing it have varying severity and combination of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. Stress, physical exercise, lack of sleep and dietary patterns can cause 'flair ups' (periods of more severe symptoms), adding frustration and unpredictability to the already life-changing condition. For more information, click here.
How can Pilates help?
Pilates helps increase mobility, coordination and blood flow - all of which are impacted by symptoms of Long-Covid.
Long-Covid sufferers have described feeling like their 'lungs are smaller and work less efficiently'. The Pilates breathing technique is designed to help lung capacity and respiratory efficiency, focusing on using the 'underused' areas of the lungs where gas-exchange is most efficient. This technique also helps ease the flow of movement and release any unnecessary tension.
What is different about this class?
This Pilates class is specifically targeted at Long-Covid sufferers. This means:​
1. No expectations
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Take the class at your own pace. If you need extra rest time, you are encouraged to take it
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There is no 'goal setting' for physical strength or flexibility
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Use the class to benefit your needs
2. Different focus
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There is no focus on building strength, but instead working towards a full range of movement without the intensity
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Use of Pilates breathing techniques to aid lung capacity and respiratory efficiency
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Strong focus on managing your energy through low number of repetitions and allowing extra rest time, working towards minimising fatigue
3. You get a say
This is a class designed for you. That means you are invited to help shape the sessions, communicating what you felt was beneficial, or what was particularly challenging for you and your body.