Pilates

[Annodomini]

I've just had my first Pilates class for at least twelve years and feel a bit wiped out - OK, a lot wiped out! But I'm rehydrating now and feeling quite pleased with myself. The teacher is a neighbour and her mum comes too. I predict that I am going to feel a bit stiff in the morning since I've been exercising muscles I'd forgotten existed.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I started Pilates last September, and yes I felt wiped out the day after for the first few - but now feel really good!

Find it very good for my legs as I find it difficult to walk far with my arthritis!

Keep at it - it's doing you good👍

[suzieh]

Well done! I started going to Pilates when PMR was in full force. I had to push myself to go to at times as it would have been much easier to stay at home. Once I realised it definately made me feel more positive and more supple it was easier to keep I up. Even though I seem to have got rid of the PMR ( off steroids for 9 mths) I still don't put any weight on my hands, arms or shoulders - so some positions like the plank are out for me. I know what I can do though and do my best!

Aqua aerobics is also good if body is feeling tender, as the water "cushions" everything. Most people feel invigorated after each session. Only annoyance is getting hair wet! Keep your exercise up if you can

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member]

Great stuff Anno! Pilates is great for building core strength, and confidence and balance seems to build at the same time.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pilates plus Bowen therapy kept me upright for much of the first 5 years I had PMR - it was increasing difficulty doing various things that made me aware of the PMR but it was beyond my doctor to work out what it was! I had to change the gym I went to though so I could do non-machine stuff like aqua aerobics - also invaluable in PMR. Adapted yoga and Pilates did make a big difference.

I miss them all - and notice I miss them but there isn't the option here without it costing an arm and several legs...

[Sheribrim in reply to PMRpro]

My husband (over 65) had a dr referral for gym work at local gym to help him with coordination and balance. I wonder if perhaps your dr could do same for the Pilates class. It was not means tested but a very much subsidised fee as dr believed it to be beneficial for him.

Just a thought.

[Annodomini in reply to Sheribrim]

I'm happy to pay the small price each week. Last night, my neighbour waived the charge, but I'd feel bad if she continued to do this.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sheribrim]

I don't live in the UK - hence the cost! If I lived in the UK I would still be a member of a gym and the monthly fee is peanuts compared with here - there are no gyms with pools, just small ones with machines (yuk) and a few classes. The pool only functions with classes during the winter - it's a summer tourist region too and there is an outdoor pool or everyone goes walking/hiking/biking.

[Annodomini in reply to PMRpro]

There are various videos available but it's more fun doing it in a class and with a teacher to tell you when you could improve your position.

[Parijm]

I started Pilates before PMR arrived. I hoped it would help a really stiff neck I suffered with. Maybe a precursor to PMR? I have only missed a couple classes where I was ailing

[Annodomini in reply to Parijm]

I never returned to Pilates after having hip and shoulder operations and with hindsight this was a big mistake!

[Parijm]

It makes sense doesn't it? Use it or lose it comes to mind.

[Lyn_seaside]

Pilates is wonderful. I've kept it up all the way through PMR. Keeps everything moving and makes you aware of how you use your body. My answer is to keep everything you use regularly just out of reach, whether it's on the lowest shelf or the highest. Forces you to stretch!