About ShapeUp
We offer a very unique form of Physical Therapy treatments here at Shape Up. Michele Beach is the owner of Shape Up and is also a licensed Physical Therapist with seventeen years of experience. She has all of her employees learn her methods for treating her patients because of the amazing results she has had.
A few years ago, Michele discovered Pilates. – more... Pilates is not just a good workout program but can be an important part of physical therapy. Pilates helps to heal back problems, as well as other injuries, and prevent those problems from returning. Pilates was first developed for the sole purpose of rehabilitation.
A man by the name of Joseph Pilates was plagued by ill health throughout his childhood. He developed "The Art of Contrology," or muscle control, in an attempt to strengthen his frail body. His effort was so successful that by the age of fourteen, Pilates was posing as a model for anatomical drawings. During WWI, he used springs attached to beds so hospital patients could begin physical rehabilitation before they could even get up. There is now a piece of equipment called a "Reformer" which is used to utilize Joseph's methods. We are the only Physical Therapy clinic in Tuscaloosa with reformers.
Anyone can participate in an individualized program of Pilates exercises. The exercises do not put direct force on the joints or ligaments but rather on the deeper muscles that offer them support. Each exercise is repeated a small number of times - usually 10 repititions or less. The focus is on more precise movement rather than on repetition. Fitness enthusiast, athletes, teenagers, senior citizens, and people who suffer from chronic pain, joint stress and a variety of conditions will benefit from this efficient method of exercise.
Pregnant women can perform Pilates with the recommendation of their Physician. Pregnancy places a lot of stress on the spine and associated muscles and ligaments. By strengthening the core muscles referred to as the powerhouse, women can expect to regain their pre- pregnancy body quicker and experience potentially less complications such as back pain through and after the pregnancy.
Shape Up is the first studio in Tuscaloosa, dedicated to physical therapy through Pilates. Pilates has had a great impact on the way Michele performs physical therapy in her PT practice and has given her a way to assist her clients to make permanent changes in their core strength and flexibility.
Michele has been extremely successful in healing her patients using her newfound program. Our goal with our patients is not short term healing. We strive to learn what you as an individual need to rehabilitate your body to allow you to live a long healthy, pain free life. – less – More from ZoomInfo »
