FlowPilates and spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis
This is how FlowMat builds pilates classes for a student with spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis. 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 9 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.
Lift only your chest without arching your lower back; keep your belly engaged and pelvis neutral.
Keep the pelvis completely still and reduce the turning range to avoid shear at that level.
Limit the range of motion and don't let your low back lift off the mat.
Limit the range and keep the pelvis neutral to avoid arching the low back; if it's painful, skip it.
Keep the spine neutral and avoid sinking or arching the low back as you fold forward.
Limit the range and keep the pelvis neutral; skip it if you feel sharp pain.
Limit the range and keep the pelvis neutral to avoid arching your lower back.
Avoid arching your lower back and lift the leg only a few centimeters, keeping the pelvis stable.
Keep the pelvis completely still and reduce the size of the twist.
Lengthen your spine and limit how high you lift your arms and legs; keep your belly drawn in to protect your lower back.
Keep your chest low and your core firm to avoid arching your lower back while kicking.
Lengthen your spine before lifting your chest and avoid arching your lower back as you open your arms.
and 36 more in the app's catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do pilates with spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis?
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 spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis 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.