5 Everyday Aches Pilates Can Help With (And How!)

Let’s face it — modern life isn’t exactly kind to our bodies. Whether you’re sat at a desk all day, wrangling kids, or just feeling the effects of life catching up with you, those little aches and niggles can start to add up.

The good news? Pilates is a gentle but powerful way to ease them – and even stop them in their tracks.

Here are 5 common everyday aches that Pilates can help with – and how it works its magic:

1. Back Ache (Especially Lower Back!)

The ache: That dull, nagging lower back pain that creeps in after sitting too long or doing “nothing much at all.”

How Pilates helps:

• Strengthens your deep core muscles (which support your spine)

• Improves posture and pelvic alignment

• Teaches better movement habits to avoid strain

✅ Bonus: Many physios recommend Pilates as part of back pain rehab – it's that effective.

2. Neck & Shoulder Tension

The ache: Stiff neck, rounded shoulders, and a constant urge to crack your upper back? Yep, it’s likely from tech time or poor posture.

How Pilates helps:

• Opens up the chest and shoulders

• Strengthens your upper back muscles (to stop that hunching)

• Encourages alignment and awareness of your neck position

✅ You'll walk out of class feeling taller, more open, and with less tension holding you hostage.

3. Hip Tightness & Discomfort

The ache: Sore, tight hips after sitting, walking, or simply getting out of bed. Sometimes it's a dull ache; other times it feels like stiffness or pulling.

How Pilates helps:

• Gently stretches and mobilises the hip joints

• Strengthens the glutes and surrounding muscles

• Promotes balanced movement, reducing overload on the hips

✅ You'll start to move with more freedom – and less ouch.

4. Knee Niggles

The ache: That clicking, dull ache or random twinge when walking up stairs or squatting down.

How Pilates helps:

• Strengthens the muscles that support your knees (especially quads, glutes, and hamstrings)

• Improves alignment of the legs and feet

• Reduces pressure by teaching joint-friendly movement patterns

✅ Gentle, low-impact movement that still builds strength = happy knees.

5. Wrist & Hand Discomfort

The ache: Aching wrists or tight hands from typing, scrolling, carrying bags (or toddlers!), or even planking.

How Pilates helps:

• Builds shoulder and upper body strength, taking the pressure off the wrists

• Includes wrist-friendly modifications in many exercises

• Promotes grip and forearm strength in a gentle way

✅ It’s not all wrist-heavy! A good instructor will give you options that support rather than strain.

Final Thought: Listen to the Niggles!

Pilates isn’t a quick fix — but it is a sustainable, smart and feel-good way to move your body, manage pain, and prevent future issues.

It helps you move better, feel stronger, and become more aware of your posture and habits — all of which add up to a big difference in your day-to-day life.

Curious to See What Pilates Can Do For You?

Come and try a class designed for real people with real bodies – no flexibility or fitness needed. If you are nervous we have some Beginners Courses running in September.

📧 Email me at info@thankupilates.co.uk to ask questions or book a beginner-friendly class. Let’s work through those niggles – gently, together.