Adapted Exercise Classes For EDS/HSD
Mobilates proudly started working with EDS UK on a project funded by Sport England in January 2025.
We now offer exercise classes especially for EDS UK members that are carefully adapted and made accessible for this group.
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These course are run by teachers from Mobilates with lived experience of long term health conditions including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).
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There are limited places on each course so we will be operating a waiting list. Please only book a space if you are committed to attend all of the sessions in the course (we understand you may miss a session due to illness).
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Terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Please wear something comfortable that you can move easily in, that doesn't restrict you. If you usually wear support, compression gear and orthotics, please feel free to wear them if you find it easier to move supported. Layers are helpful so you can remove them if you get hot.
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What do I need to bring?
Specific equipment needs for each class are listed below. However, for all classes you will need to bring:
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Something to drink
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Any medication that will assist you (on the advice of your doctor)
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Braces or compression gear that you would usually use
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How do I book or find out more?
Contact EDS UK nikki@ehlers-danlos.org
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How do I keep myself safe?
Please think about how you set yourself up. If you have your head towards a door, watch that no one can open it out on you, move toys, pets, children, any other distractions out of the way.
We will support you in classes with reminders to listen to your body and not push it to extremes both in the range of movement and how much you do.
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We have put some tips together below for useful reminders:
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Neck - use your hand or ball to remind optimal position
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Arms - Elbows soft, try not to let shoulders hang out at the socket, keep hands in vision
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Knees - Keep soft but not too bent, sit when needed
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Back - try to keep pelvis in neutral
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Hips - When standing on one leg, not allowing supporting hip to drop or lift. The leg lifted may need support especially in rotation
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Keep moves slow, small and mindful, less likely to hyper-extend
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Consider braces or compression gear for activities that are faster or less mindful
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Try not to be scared to move. Being tense can cause injury. Allow for relaxed but controlled movement and
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Enjoy it!
Specific equipment or set up needed for each class
Virtual Bed Pilates
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A supportive surface to lie on so either your bed without the duvet under or over you or a thick Pilates mat on the floor.
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A pillow or cushion for under your head. Wedges can be useful if lying flat is uncomfortable, or cushions piled progressively so your back isn't hunched up.
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Something stretchy like a resistance band. If you don't have a resistance band we have found that tights are a great alternative, they just need to be stretchy and ones you don't mind ruining! It needs to be around 2 metres long ideally.
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Virtual Seated Chair Pilates
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A sturdy, flat bottomed chair where your feet can reach the floor. Ideally without arms so you are not restricted. Dining chairs are usually a good option for this. Please no office wheely chairs that spin. Wheelchairs are fine with the breaks on.
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Something stretchy like a resistance band. If you don't have a resistance band we have found that tights are a great alternative, they just need to be stretchy and ones you don't mind ruining! It needs to be around 2 metres long ideally.
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A Pilates ball that is squishy. Round, plump cushions are a great alternative as long as they are not too heavy. As are cuddly toys!
Virtual Seated Yoga
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Socks with grip or preferably bare feet
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A sturdy, flat bottomed chair where your feet can reach the floor. Ideally without arms so you are not restricted. Dining chairs are usually a good option for this. Please no office wheely chairs that spin. Wheelchairs are fine with the breaks on.
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Cushion, a nice big one
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Blanket
Virtual Yoga
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A non slippy mat
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Socks with grip or preferably bare feet
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2 yoga bricks or thick sturdy books
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Belt, band or tights
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Chair/stool with no arms
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Wall space or door that opens inwards
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Cushion
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Bolster or pillows
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Blanket
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Virtual Qigong
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This class is standing or seated so if you would like to bring a supportive chair please do.​
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An imagination and curiosity
Face to Face Qigong
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Just yourselves, an imagination and some curiosity
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Face to Face Seated Chair Pilates or Yoga
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Just yourselves. We will be providing you with any equipment needed
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Face to Face Pilates
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We will be standing and lying on the floor so please bring a mat with you. We recommend thick cushioned mats or bringing 2 for extra cushioning.
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Grippy socks or bare feet
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Cushion
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We will provide all other equipment
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Face to Face Yoga
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We will be standing and lying on the floor so please bring a mat with you. We recommend thick cushioned mats or bringing 2 for extra cushioning.
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Grippy socks or bare feet
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Cushion
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We will provide all other equipment
Meet the Teachers
