FlowPilates and migraine
This is how FlowMat builds pilates classes for a student with migraine. 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
These are 3 of the catalog's exercises that FlowMat keeps out of the class when this condition is present.
Exercises that come with a warning
Examples of exercises that do appear, with the guidance the teacher gets.
Limit the extension and watch neck position to avoid adding tension in the cervical area.
Avoid squeezing the shoulder blades hard; open the chest gently and breathe into the mid-back.
Avoid tipping your head too far back; limit the extension and breathe wide into your back instead.
Use a thin towel to avoid overextending the neck and stop if your headache increases.
Avoid forcefully extending your head back; breathe into your back to release neck tension.
Avoid tilting your neck back; keep your gaze down and breathe into your back.
Avoid tilting the head too far back; keep the range small and gentle.
Control the neck's range of motion and avoid forcing it into extension.
Avoid forcing your neck into extension; let your gaze follow your spine gently.
Move slowly between positions and keep your eyes on a fixed point; do not lower your head below your chest if you feel heaviness.
If the pose causes head pressure, shorten it or skip it.
Avoid extending your neck back; breathe into your back to release tension.
and 16 more in the app's catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do pilates with migraine?
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 migraine 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.