FlowPilates and heart disease
This is how FlowMat builds pilates classes for a student with heart disease. 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.
Avoid prolonged isometric effort and breath-holding; shorten the hold.
Shorten the time or reps and monitor your heart rate during the exercise.
Breathe smoothly and continuously; pause or switch to the no-jump version if you feel fatigue or palpitations.
Prioritize the hundred prep and avoid holding the breath.
Avoid prolonged isometric effort and breath-holding; try the knee variation instead.
Keep a gentle pace and do not hold your breath during the effort.
Keep the pose brief and breathe smoothly, without straining.
Prefer the preparatory version and keep your breathing continuous and easy.
Keep a gentle pace and never hold your breath during the movement.
Avoid prolonged isometric effort and breath holding; try the knees-down variation.
Keep your breathing continuous and smooth; avoid holding your breath while reclining.
Breathe smoothly and avoid holding your breath during the effort.
and 37 more in the app's catalog.
How the class is adjusted
- Reps and times at 70% of normal.
- 30 seconds of rest between exercises.
- It asks for medical clearance before starting.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do pilates with heart disease?
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 heart disease 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.