FlowPilates and fibromyalgia
This is how FlowMat builds pilates classes for a student with fibromyalgia. They are the app's real rules, reviewed by a medical committee: what isn't recommended is never suggested, and what needs care comes with a warning for the teacher.
500 exercises in the catalog
Guidance for the class
Exercises FlowMat does not suggest
No exercise is ruled out for this condition: the care is in how each one is done. FlowMat suggests them with a warning and, when one exists, a gentler variation.
Exercises that come with a warning
Examples of exercises that do appear, with the guidance the teacher gets.
Reduce pressure and time if trigger points are very tender; breathe slowly.
Work in short holds with rest pauses and stop if pain appears.
Do the low-impact variation (Step Jack): tap one foot out to the side without jumping, return to the center and alternate sides.
Progress slowly with the preparatory version and stop if pain appears.
Do fewer reps with rest pauses and stop if pain appears.
Prioritize the knees-down variation and stop if pain appears.
Work with a smaller range and pauses; stop if pain or fatigue appears.
Hold the plank for just a few seconds and stop if pain or excessive fatigue appears.
Do fewer reps with pauses and stop if pain appears.
Do fewer reps with pauses and stop if pain or fatigue appears.
Do only a few reps and rest between sets; skip it on days with pain.
Start with few repetitions and pause if you feel pain or excessive fatigue.
and 9 more in the app's catalog.
How the class is adjusted
- Reps and times at 60% of normal.
- 45 seconds of rest between exercises.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do pilates with fibromyalgia?
It depends on each person and on what their treating doctor says. FlowMat does not replace that judgment: it helps the teacher plan the class, avoiding what isn't recommended with fibromyalgia and flagging what needs care.
What does FlowMat do with exercises that are not recommended?
It never suggests them when building the class, and they don’t show up as a replacement when you swap an exercise either.
Can I change the class FlowMat builds?
Yes. You can swap, remove, add or reorder exercises and adjust the reps. The catalog only offers exercises that are safe for the student.