Cebu hospital integrates Pilates into medical rehabilitation programs

The Hospital at Maayo in Cebu has introduced Pilates into its wellness and rehabilitation services. The new initiative follows a collaboration with Evolve Movement Studio. It aims to make movement-based therapy more accessible and medically relevant. The programme launched on 9 May 2026 through a partnership between Evolve Movement Studio and The Hospital at Maayo. Auvrey Valmeo, founder of the studio, describes Pilates as a form of active therapy for recovery and improved daily living.

Dr. Renald Ramiro, a physiotherapy expert, highlights its physical benefits. These include better core strength and greater spine stability. Anika Ramiro, a licensed physical therapist and medical student, sees the move as a psychological shift in how Pilates is perceived.

Traditionally linked to curated wellness spaces in Cebu, Pilates is now being reframed. The focus has moved from a lifestyle trend to movement as a tool for access, recovery, and care. The collaboration expands the hospital’s rehabilitation services by combining movement, education, and community support. The initiative bridges healthcare and Pilates to create a more inclusive approach to wellness. It broadens the hospital’s offerings and provides patients with new pathways to recovery. The programme is set to redefine the role of movement in medical treatment.