Pilates and PMR

[Casia]

Since I got diagnosed with PMR 1.5 years ago, I’ve managed to keep up Pilates around 2/3 Times a week though have cut out other gym activities. I also find cycling helps much more than walking which can be difficult. I wondered what others’ views were on exercise? As Pilates is about strengthening muscles, is it likely to make things worse?

[Gaijin]

I think it's great that you kept up the pilates. I think exercise when you have PMR depends on what you did before gettingit, but Pilates and yoga are both recommended during PMR.

I started Pilates and weights when I was 15, had more or less kept it up till PMR struck. I had done nothing for two years.. no stretching, hardly any walking, etc.. till now that I have started yoga. I can't believe how stiff I am!! I can hardly do any of the simplest postures!

So, you're very lucky you've kept up the pilates all these years

Cycling is easier for me too.. I personally like the rowing machine. For many months, my main symptom was wobbly legs and buckling knees so walking wasn't an option, but I still think walking is the best exercise when it is an option.

[Casia in reply to Gaijin]

Thanks for replying. It’s great to hear similar problems and solutions from PMR friends

[stellafmdm]

Hi Casia, I do Tai Chi and find it quite hard sometimes, but if I persevere it improves matters no end!!

[Casia in reply to stellafmdm]

Hi stellafmdm. There’s a class at my gym where there are elements of Tai Chi and yoga but I found some of the yoga positions very difficult so stopped doing it but hadn’t thought of doing Tai Chi. Great idea and maybe I could find a video guide somewhere. Many thanks

[stellafmdm in reply to Casia]

Amazon can help you there or else there are some on Utube

[ConventCassie in reply to Casia]

Excellent choice. When I did Tai Chi it was so so simple compared to the poses in yoga. It’s a lot of balance. And I suppose some stretching. (Really very mild in every aspect.) It’s a lot memory. I’m not doing it now because it’s expensive & an effort to travel so far before work once a week. Even the warm-up has to be good! Not at my gym.

[CT-5012]

Gentle walking and riding a bike on my son’s turbo trainer is as much as I can manage the moment. The bike is my favourite as in bad weather I stay warm and dry and can regulate the resistance it’s also very difficult to fall off. My rheumy says any exercise is good especially if you enjoy it. Keep up the good work and enjoy.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I did Pilates all the way through the 5 years I had PMR without pred - it was one of the few things that kept me mobile: aquafit in the morning so I could move at all and then was able to manage adapted Pilates and yoga. I also skied - but had to build up slowly at the beginning of each season and limit the amount I did to. I always felt better after any of it and miss it - aqua and Pilates/yoga aren't available at an affordable price where I live now and injury put paid to skiing. Just walking now - and not enough of it for various reasons.

[PMRCanada]

I am fortunate to have a recreation centre behind our house that offers both shallow and deep water exercises and bicycles that submerge into the water (like a spin class in the water), and I've tried all three. The cost is very reasonable. Now that our pool is open I try and do the same (minus the under water bike) 3 times per week, along with the slow, steady walks on flat ground.

Unfortunately with my chronic knee issues the walking is becoming more difficult, so I really try listen to how my body is responding to the various activities I partake in, whether that be recreational or chores.

I did try golf twice this season, however my shoulders were sore during and afterwards so I've held off on that for now. In the future I'd like to try "restorative yoga" which uses aids to increase range of motion, and is very slow and gentle....I think the stretching and strength building (not to mention the breathing), would be great.

It's wonderful that you have found some activities that work for you! I think many of us have faced the fact that we can't always participate and be active like we were formerly, and our new lives with PMR requires adjustments accordingly.

Good luck moving forward.

[TooSore]

I exercise in a warm water pool. The only issue is that sometimes I've gone too far and wind up stiff and sore the next day. I think the warm water supports in such a way that you don't realize how hard you're working. I can also walk (fairly flat terrain). I want to try yoga - for the stress release and balance work but am leary because I still have difficulty getting up from the floor without a chair to help me. It can be difficult even then, it's embarrassing. Anyone who has suggestions for helping whatever muscles at fault, I'd appreciate it.🏋️‍♀️

[9lives]

Yes I’ve always done yoga, but had to stop for about 6 months when PMR was really bad, but now back to yoga and have recently started Pilates class, as well,which I love.

I do plenty of walking now too.

I think you’re right about it helping to strengthen muscle x

We have to be careful not to rush and build our selves up slowly

It’s great that you can do all of this good luck x

Carole

[Casia in reply to 9lives]

Thanks Carole. I feel very lucky that I am able to be as active as I am compared with many PMR friends, even if I’m not walking the milles I used to. I also think having a positive outlook helps though I know that’s really challenging when you’re in pain. And diet too is so important. I’ve tried to stop eating refined sugar and lower dairy products, substituting with almond milk and yogurt.

Good luck with your recovery

Casia

[ConventCassie]

Your description of Pilates being “strengthing” got my attention. That’s very important because that will ward away any osteoporosis. Keep it up. I found those positions even more challenging than yoga.