Pilates

[GothBird]

My pain management has told me to try goin to Pilates classes to help me find my balance. Has any1 tried it an if so does it help? Thing is I dnt live bein around people I dnt no or places I'm unsure of which is most places.

[TheAuthor]

It is not something that I have tried but I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck if you decide to give ti a go.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Redhots7]

Being with people lifts your spirits and takes your mind off the pain !

[ailsamary]

Oh I used to adore pilates. Problem now is I can't get up and down off the floor or raise my arms above my head. I found it did help my back a lot, and as it aims to strengthen your core muscles then yes. I would've thought it would be useful. It maybe you have a pilates teacher who may do one to one teaching, though they aren't normally big classes. You may be able to either talk or email the tutor beforehand and explain your concerns. The exercises are normally gentle but stretching - if you remember the craze for callanetics years ago it is similar. Tai chi is another idea. If you are struggling too much to get out then there are always dvds though not sure which ones are better.

[fenbadger]

Try a tai chi DVD first. There's plenty of both available. Pilates may be a bit strenuous but you can adapt the moves to suit yourself. You do not have to go to classes. A physio once told me the best gym equipment is your own body. Unless you want to compete at Rio, you don't need loads of expensive kit. I'm inclined to agree.

[Rachelle400]

Hi. I did try Pilates classes at my local sports centre. The problem I had was I have no balance and couldn't do half of the exercises. Plus the class had been going for some time so not many beginners. The tutor wasn't helpful either and wasn't interested in any problems I had. I would suggest joining a new class or one just for beginners and speak to the tutor beforehand if possible. I do think it will help strengthen your core muscles and it's quite good to stretch and then relax the muscles. I might give it another go in the new year. Hopefully I can find a new class that is just starting. Wishing you the best of luck and let us know if you try it. X

[Sassysquish]

Hi. I have sero+ RA and fibro and I do Hatha yoga and Pilates three times a week and although I do struggle with some bits I have fabulous teachers that really take on board when things are a bit off for me and help me compensate with different exercises. My belief is that once I stop moving it's game over so I just keep moving. It's helped me keep working as a gardener! Talk to the instructors before you start and make sure they are people who you can work with. Good luck xx

[Hidden]

Hi, I signed up and paid for a block of 10 classes on advice of Rheumatologist! I did first week and loved it and was a good sore the day after. The day after that unfortunately, I couldn't lift my head of my pillow pillow for four days. That was the start of recognition for me that it was more than fibro for me. 3 months later I had my first CFS/ME crash. I would advise anyone to be very careful when doing exercise - start even by doing a small proportion of the class ie 3 or 4 reps rather than 15 or twenty.

I was quite fit at one time and find it very difficult to hold back as I love exercise which is why I find pacing a nightmare. My class was overseen by a physio too who didn't prompt me to stop or restrict my efforts. Please take it so very easy if you decide to start. Be very careful. I now realise I am exercise intolerant to body conserving what little energy I have to just function. Maybe one day .. Hopefully, I will enjoy it once again!

Take care Jax xx

[GothBird in reply to Hidden]

Thank u for that advice I will defo take that into consideration about the reps. Hope u get to where u want to b in life soon xx

[Stephrm44]

Hi Gothbird, don't know if you have access to a Wii games console and a Wii fit balance board. One of the Paediatricians where I work is conducting research into how using the Wii Fit can help to improve balance in children with Cerebral Palsy and other health conditions which affect balance and coordination. I believe they are receiving positive feedback on the benefits gained so if you don't like to go to a class it could be worth considering as something you could try at home. It is mostly based on games and they do some yoga exercises on there. I have one and use it twice a week and it does help to keep me mobile and of course it can be fun too.

Hope you find what works for you, gentle hugs. Steph

[Redbob]

I have just found a private physio who also does Pilates and I have booked my first session, did Pilates in the past before I had fibro and I like that it is gentle and I have seen the benefits first hand. She also has knowledge and experience of fibro, that was why I felt confident to go after 5 months with NHS physio not making any difference. (North East of England area).Good luck