Lupus and Pilates

[netherthong]

Thinking about trying Pilates to (hopefully) ease the aches, pains, stiffness and mobility issues connected with Lupus, has anyone out there tried it and does it do any good. I am in my early 70’s and overweight so ‘normal’ exercises are quite difficult.

[Barnclown]

Yes, i’m 64 now, and in my early 40s i began pilates and still practice it almost daily - despite hEDS + chronic pain throughout my spine) spondylosis due to child hood injury) & chronic muscle + joint pain from infant onset lupus. I went for a weekly small group session for several years, and then my osteopath and i designed a 30min home routine that incorporated pilates with yoga + tai chi...i try to do this little at least 3 days a week. Probably the most important thing for me was that my pilates instructor was senior and had experience of complex patients with my overlapping conditions, so he was able to give me expert highly individualised advice. Doing these gentle stretching + core stability strengthening routines has definitely helped me lots

If you give pilates a go, i hope you’ll let us know how you get on 🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

[netherthong in reply to Barnclown]

Many thanks for your reply, much appreciated Barnclown

[PMRpro]

Don't underestimate Pilates - it may look easy, but I assure you it can be a very good muscle workout! We had rugby players arriving at our class and you could see them looking down their noses at all us grandmas - but we could leave them standing...

You need a good instructor who will work with you.

[Jacquie3242]

I used to do Yoga, but moved to clinical Pilates after a back op and find it really helpful. The class I go to is taught by a physio, so they understand the issues that I have and are careful about what they give me to do. I'm considering going to a normal Pilates class, as the class I do to is a 3/4 hr drive away, but will need to be very careful about what I do.

[HeKe]

Hi, I'm going for a sample class on Thursday. I've let them know I have Lupus and I'm in the midst of a glare. I'll try to remember to let you know how I go on.

[Mumager]

Hi netherthong, I’ve been doing yoga for about a year now and feel so much better for it mentally and physically maybe try that first if you feel the benefit then move onto Pilates. Whatever you choose enjoy it x

[Sk1s]

Hi. Pilates is very good for strengthening core muscles and surrounding ligaments,tendens and muscles that supports joints to enhance movement of all areas of the body. Also you can target areas which need extra help to build up surrounding area of need. Hope you find a place that you will enjoy going to and make more friend in the class. An all round bonus. All the best to you.

[Hidden]

I found a pilates class that was for older people and the lady understood the needs of people with various health problems. My friend has MS another lady had very bad RA in her knees. I only had a break when my low blood pressure became a problem, when my head was upside down. I have slightly altered my daily routine but it has helped my flexibility and I feel as long as you build up slowly it can only help.

[Treetop33]

I did pilates for a while and it was pretty good. I felt I needed a specialised class though - just couldn't go as fast as other people in terms of getting more advanced, and couldn't get across to the teacher what I needed too. In the end I just felt quite embarrassed and stressed trying to explain myself all the time.

I've not yet found a substitute, but I've decided to use an yoga video and do it that way.