FlowPilates and high blood pressure
This is how FlowMat builds pilates classes for a student with high blood pressure. 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.
Don't hold your breath; use light weights to avoid blood pressure spikes.
Don't hold your breath; exhale as you bend the elbow and use light weights.
Don't hold your breath; keep a smooth, steady pace.
Don't hold your breath; use light weights to avoid blood pressure spikes.
Breathe continuously and avoid holding your breath as you lift your chest.
Avoid holding your breath; exhale as you curl up and keep a gentle pace.
Roll up slower than you roll down and avoid staying long with the head low.
Breathe continuously; don't hold your breath while holding the position.
Avoid holding your breath; exhale as you curl up and keep a gentle pace.
Avoid holding your breath; breathe smoothly throughout the hold.
Breathe fluidly and continuously, without holding your breath when tapping.
Avoid holding your breath; exhale as you curl up and keep a smooth pace.
and 77 more in the app's catalog.
How the class is adjusted
- Reps and times at 80% of normal.
- 20 seconds of rest between exercises.
- It asks for medical clearance if it is not controlled.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do pilates with high blood pressure?
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 high blood pressure 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.