What Are the Best Pilates Exercises for Scoliosis? An Evidence-Based Perspective

One of the questions Pilates instructors ask constantly is:

“What are the best exercises for scoliosis?”

And honestly, I don’t think there’s one single “best” exercise.

That answer can feel unsatisfying at first, especially because the Pilates industry often promotes highly specific “corrective” exercise approaches for scoliosis. But when we look at the modern evidence around movement, pain, adaptation, and exercise, the reality is much more individualized.

As a Clinical Pilates teacher, my favourite exercises for scoliosis are simply the exercises that best support that individual client’s:

• goals,

• symptoms,

• confidence,

• strength,

• movement capacity,

• and overall quality of life.

That’s it.

human ribcage model

Scoliosis Does Not Automatically Mean Fragility

This is one of the most important mindset shifts I wish more Pilates teachers understood.

A scoliosis diagnosis does not automatically mean:

• the spine is fragile,

• movement is dangerous,

• or the client needs lifelong corrective exercise.

Many people with scoliosis:

• exercise normally,

• lift weights,

• run,

• play sports,

• do Pilates,

• and live completely active lives.

In fact, a lot of clients with scoliosis do extremely well with general exercise and progressive strengthening.

That’s why I’m careful not to over-pathologize the spinal curve itself.

Best Pilates Exercises for Scoliosis: What Does the Research Say?

Research on exercise for scoliosis is still evolving, but overall the evidence suggests that movement and exercise can absolutely be beneficial.

Exercise may help with:

• strength,

• movement confidence,

• pain management,

• body awareness,

• function,

• and overall quality of life.

But importantly, there is no universally agreed-upon “perfect” scoliosis exercise program that every client must follow.

This is where evidence-based Clinical Pilates becomes so valuable.

Instead of trying to “fix” every curve, we can focus on:

• building resilience,

• improving capacity,

• increasing confidence,

• and helping clients move well in ways that support their individual goals.

My Approach as a Clinical Pilates Teacher

Rather than asking:“What is the best exercise for scoliosis?”

I prefer asking:“What does this person need right now?”

For one client, that might mean:

• strength-based Pilates,

• progressive loading,

• improving endurance,

• or reducing fear around movement.

For another, it may mean:

• improving tolerance to rotation,

• increasing spinal movement variability,

• improving balance,

• or simply helping them enjoy movement again.

This is why individualized programming matters so much in Pilates for injuries and special populations.

Strength-Based Pilates and Scoliosis

One thing I personally find very helpful with many scoliosis clients is strength-based Pilates.

Not because strength “fixes” scoliosis — but because getting stronger often improves:

• confidence,

• capacity,

• function,

• and overall resilience.

Many clients with scoliosis have spent years being told:

• to be careful,

• not to twist,

• not to load their spine,

• or that their body is fragile.

That messaging can create fear and avoidance over time.

Progressive strength training can help clients reconnect with the idea that their body is adaptable and capable.

Exercises I Often Include

Again, there’s no universal “best” exercise.

But that being said, unilateral work is often really useful and challenging for scoliosis clients.

I also tend to include some type of mermaid variation fairly often because many clients seem to feel great with it.

Not because it magically “corrects” scoliosis.

But because:

• clients often enjoy it,

• it can improve movement options,

• it may feel relieving,

• and it exposes the body to different movement experiences.

And ultimately, that’s often what good Pilates programming is:thoughtful exposure to movement variability and progressive challenge.

Should Pilates Teachers Be Trying to Correct the Curve?

This is where I think nuance matters.

There are scoliosis-specific exercise approaches that exist, and some clients may choose to explore them with qualified practitioners.

But for many Pilates instructors working in general population settings, I don’t think the goal should necessarily be obsessively “correcting” posture or chasing perfect spinal symmetry.

Human bodies are naturally asymmetrical.

Instead, I think our role is often to:

• help clients build strength,

• improve confidence,

• increase function,

• reduce fear,

• and support meaningful movement goals.

That’s a much more empowering framework.

Pilates Continuing Education Matters

Scoliosis is one of those topics where many Pilates teachers realize their initial training barely scratched the surface.

This is why Pilates continuing education is so important.

A modern Clinical Pilates course or Pilates instructor mentorship should help teachers learn:

• how to interpret current evidence,

• how to think critically,

• how to work with pain and injuries,

• and how to individualize exercise rather than relying on rigid rules.

Because real clients rarely fit perfectly into textbook categories.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, the body is adaptable.

Scoliosis does not automatically mean someone is broken, fragile, or limited.

And there is no single magical exercise that every scoliosis client needs.

What matters most is finding movement approaches that help that individual:

• feel stronger,

• move more confidently,

• build capacity,

• and participate in life more fully.

That’s the lens I try to bring into my Clinical Pilates teaching.

Want to Learn More About Scoliosis and Exercise?

Inside The Pilates Teachers Community, I have an entire workshop dedicated to what the science actually says about scoliosis and exercise.

We cover:

• current evidence,

• myths and misconceptions,

• exercise selection,

• strength-based Pilates,

• programming ideas,

• and how to think critically when working with scoliosis clients.

You can access the workshop free with the 2-week trial membership.

If you’re looking for:

• Pilates instructor mentorship,

• evidence-based Pilates continuing education,

• a Clinical Pilates course approach,

• or support learning how to work with injuries and special populations,

come join us inside the community! Start here