Pilates and glaucoma / retinal detachment / high myopia

This is how FlowMat builds pilates classes for a student with glaucoma / retinal detachment / high myopia. 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.

4never suggested
10with a warning and a gentler option
486available as usual

500 exercises in the catalog

Guidance for the class

Avoid positions with the head lower than the heart and do not hold your breath during effort.

Exercises FlowMat does not suggest

These are 4 of the catalog's exercises that FlowMat keeps out of the class when this condition is present.

Not suggestedRoll over
Not suggestedJackknife
Not suggestedThe Boomerang
Not suggestedLong Spine Stretch (The J)

Exercises that come with a warning

Examples of exercises that do appear, with the guidance the teacher gets.

CarefulKneeling hip stretch with relaxed arms

Keep your head supported and breathe smoothly, without holding your breath in the pose.

CarefulDownward Dog

Keep your head relaxed and aligned with your spine, avoid letting it hang, and breathe continuously without holding your breath.

CarefulJackknife plank on roller

Keep your head aligned with your spine during the fold and don't hold your breath during the effort.

CarefulForward Fold with Chair Support

Avoid keeping your head down for long; rise slowly.

CarefulWall Supported Downward Dog

Keep the head aligned with the spine, without letting it drop far below heart level.

CarefulToe and Heel Walk

If your vision is impaired, hold a wall or chair to help keep your balance.

CarefulLion's pose

Make the exhale gentle, without squeezing the eyes or straining the gaze.

CarefulChild's pose with side reach

Don't stay long with your head below your heart; rise slowly.

and 2 more in the app's catalog.

Frequently asked questions

Can you do pilates with glaucoma / retinal detachment / high myopia?

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 glaucoma / retinal detachment / high myopia 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.

Build every student’s class around their conditions

FlowMat is an app for pilates teachers: you note the student’s conditions and the app builds the class.

Meet FlowMat

Other conditions

Important: FlowMat helps plan classes, but it does not replace a health professional’s judgment. If in doubt about a student, ask their treating doctor.