Autoimmune Conditions and Pilates: What You Need to Know

Autoimmune diseases can be confusing, unpredictable, and exhausting. They affect how your body functions day to day, and they often bring symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition – or think you might have one – you’re not alone.

Over 4 million people in the UK live with an autoimmune disease, and most of them are women. Common conditions include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Coeliac disease

• Lupus

• Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

These conditions are chronic, which means they’re lifelong. You might have flare-ups where symptoms get worse for a while, followed by remission when things feel more manageable.

Can You Do Pilates With an Autoimmune Condition?

Yes – and in fact, Pilates can be a great way to manage symptoms, improve strength and mobility, and support your mental wellbeing. The key is to listen to your body, pace yourself, and modify movements as needed.

How Pilates Can Help

✅ Gentle Movement for Stiff Joints

Start with mobility work to ease stiffness – shoulder rolls, cat/cow, gentle twists, and pelvic tilts are great.

✅ Low-Impact Strength

Focus on your core, glutes, and posture. Try bridges, clamshells, standing leg lifts and supported balance work.

✅ Adaptable for Fatigue

You don’t need to power through. Pilates allows for seated or lying-down options when energy is low.

✅ Supports Mental Health

Deep breathing, slow movement, and relaxation are built into every class. It’s a safe space to move and reconnect with your body.

✅ Reduces Flare-Up Risk

Regular, gentle exercise can help manage inflammation and keep muscles strong without overloading your system.

Movements to Avoid During Flare-Ups

❌ High-intensity, fast-paced workouts

❌ Jumping, running or anything that jars the joints

❌ Pushing through pain or exhaustion

❌ Overstretching hypermobile joints

❌ Too many repetitions without breaks

What to Expect in Our Classes

We welcome women with a range of health conditions – and we always offer options. You’ll never be asked to do anything that doesn’t feel right for your body. We focus on control, alignment, strength and breathing – not intensity or speed.

Some women with autoimmune conditions find that Pilates is the one form of exercise they can stick to consistently. Others use it alongside walking, swimming or other gentle movement. Whatever your level or ability, you’re welcome here.

Contact us for details of the Pilates, Gentle Pilates face-to-face classes in Oxfordshire or online classes to do live or on demand.