Late to the pilates party

[Speedy60]

Unfortunately I won't be getting a new PB in the Bristol half marathon next month because I won't be taking part at all. I've had to give my place away after damaging my hip 8 weeks ago while following a Garmin strength workout, to improve my running time. (I'm well aware of the irony of being one of the biggest proponents of long slow running. 🐌😔)

Anyway, I'm not posting for the tea and sympathy, but to promote pilates, specifically the NHS videos on YouTube:

youtu.be/44HquH6QyXc(Not working as expected?)

Edit: ok video not working. Search 'pilates for beginners'. Look for the NHS lesson 1👍

I've exercised regularly all my life and only now been confronted by the fact that I'm 61 not 21. I'm sure the smarter runners here will already be wise to pilates, but I've only just discovered it after a recommendation from my physio. It's nothing short of a miracle! I still have piriformis syndrome; getting out of bed in the morning isn't fun, but once I've done the exercises I can get through the day almost pain free (as long as I don't sit on a hard chair!) I'm also heartened by the fact that when I do start running again (🙏) my core, posture and balance will have been improved without risk of further injury.

I've decided I'm never going back to high energy Hiit workouts, Joe Wicks, squats etc. Pilates, walking, resistance bands, swimming and running are the way forward for me - quite literally!

I can't recommend pilates enough, especially if you have a back/core issue, and not just for women! Everyone can benefit! Take a look at the link.

P.s. I may be getting carried away by the fact that I haven't had any pain since 8.30 this morning. 😊

Happy running you lucky people! X

[CBDB Graduate]

Yes, I also love Pilates. Have you seen the 30 day Pilates challenge we did over at the Strength and Flex forum not too long ago? It’s a great series of free videos: healthunlocked.com/strength...

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Oow, thanks for the link, I will certainly take a look. I'm having to be quite careful at the moment because of sitting and over stretching. The wonderful thing I find with pilates is that it's easy to exercise up to my limit without pushing beyond it, which is exactly how I got injured doing Hiit. X

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

Thanks for this, I was going to try yoga but I think I will give pilates a go now. I have lower back problems so I hope it helps

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty]

I think there's an overlap between yoga and pilates. I tried yoga with Adrienne on YouTube during the first lockdown and I didn't have the patience for it (my fault, not Adrienne's). I'm not an expert and couldn't pinpoint the difference, but pilates suits me better (maybe it's the core strength aspect?). Something I didn't mention is that I think it's also going to do wonders for my pelvic floor. 😊 I hope you get on with it as well as I am. Good luck x

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

I don't get on with Yoga with Adrienne either, despite loving her voice. I found myself left in poses that are challenging (to me) for too long. Wrists couldn't take it. So it may not be the discipline but the particular teacher.

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

The NHS pilates video on YouTube is the opposite of that. I find her voice a bit annoying, but I put up with that for the pain relief 😊

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

Yes I think the reason I have never got on with yoga in the past is that it is a bit slow paced. I was only going to give it another go as a sports massage therapist recommended it but I will try pilates first as I have never tried it before. I need to start doing something on my 'rest' days, even though I am a big fan of the rest part 🤣

[Frenc Graduate]

Oh how brilliant Soeedy! As a piriformis syndrome sufferer as well, I really do feel your pain! I’ve yet to try Pilates, but I foam roll like a mad person and it seems to keep it under control. But your enthusiasm has piqued my interest, I shall give it a whirl! Sorry you had to give your Bristol half place away, but I’m sure you’ll be back in the game before too long 😊😊😊.

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Frenc]

I was doing the exercises this morning and trying to pinpoint exactly what it is that helps. I think it's the focus on the alignment of the spine and pelvis. I hope it helps you too.

How long have you had piriformis? Is it changing or getting better? I stopped medicating a couple of weeks ago because I don't like taking the drugs. The physio has helped, but I don't seem to be getting any better or worse. I was told this is normal, but it's hard not to get really pessimistic sometimes. X

[Frenc Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Gosh I’ve had it for years - it started from a hamstring strain in a kickboxing class years ago, and it comes and goes like an annoying relative! It really improved funnily enough when I started C25K, it was a bit like a magic wand, such a relief, because I was moving I guess. But then I started going further and longer and it started coming back a bit and those funny electric zap sensations got more and more too. I’d say overall it’s better than it used to be, but it still lets me know who’s boss every now and then. For me the foam rolling is a godsend. The physio used to do acupuncture which helped for a bit, but made me a bit squeamish! It’s definitely something you have to manage I find, and it sounds as though Pilates is exactly what you’ve been looking for! 😊😊😊