Joined my 1st ballet class yesterday

[Animalover65]

Hi, I joined a group of 8 ladies in a ballet class yesterday.

In my past life before PMR I did a bit of yoga and Zumba; however this was a new experience for me and I loved it. My muscles were a little stiff and fine movements were not so easy but it didnt matter. I decided to do it having taken advice from wise people on this site regarding exercise they had taken up to strengthen their bones.

I think its important to find something we enjoy and go for it when ready and I was thinking back to how over a year ago it had taken me 15mins to travel from one side of the bed to the other!! I realise not everyone is will be ready for an exercise class but I could not imagine being where I am a short while ago. However I will not being sending out any tickets for Swan Lake just yet!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Well done you..... not even tickets for the dying swan 🦢😊

[Animalover65 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you! It would have to be the "hanging in there swan"

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Animalover65]

🤣😂

[SheffieldJane]

Hurrah for you! The sugar plum fairy maybe?🧚🏻

[Animalover65 in reply to SheffieldJane]

As long as its not " fairy elephant" LOL

[Kendrew]

What a lovely post....and how nice to have found something you're so enjoying.

Perhaps you should change your name to 'Giselle'?? 🙂

[Animalover65 in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you Kendrew. x You have noticed my romantic side!

( I just googled Giselle! )

[keeptalking]

Thanks for the uplifting post and carry on enjoying balletic movements.

I went back to my Jazzercise class (all low impact and stopping when necessary). My movement was limited and I found it difficult to remember the sequences. But I was able to laugh at myself.

The psychological and physical impact on me was immense. I felt as if I’d come back to my old self after 4.5 years PMR. Even though I couldn’t do much for the rest of the day.

For those who aren’t there yet don’t give up hope. X

[Animalover65 in reply to keeptalking]

Hi, thank you and the Jazzercize sounds great!. Finding that again after 4.5 yrs sounds amazing!

It is all about the psychological and physical impact isn't it. And laughter is very healing. I have found that if I don't try too hard and don't worry about making mistakes and just go with the music it makes things easier; and resting and pacing as you say is very important too. x

[Francesbarbara]

I didn't give up regular ballet classes until I was 38 (too busy bringing up three children without a husband). In spite of the problems with PMR, the one thing that has not changed is the strength in my legs. I am so grateful for this and the flexibility that became part of me. At 82 I still do simple barre exs at home. I like to think that all these years of tough exercises has helped me. Go for it Animalover65 - wish I could join you !

[Animalover65 in reply to Francesbarbara]

H i Francesbarbara, its so good to note how previous exercise has a positive impact.

I am 65 and the rest of the group I joined were mostly 5 or 10 years older than me so thats encouraging! Thank you for the good wishes.

Are there any others who might join you at your bar at home? x

[Francesbarbara]

Sadly we are the youngest of all our friends and I can't imagine their response if I was to suggest it, but it is always worth a try. Nothing to lose.

[Highlandtiger]

That sounds fabulous. Well done you! I went to see Scottish Ballet doing Streetcar Named Desire last night at the theatre and it was fabulous (if a tad dark). It made me realise how much I’d missed the theatre and dance in particular in Covid times.

[Animalover65 in reply to Highlandtiger]

Thank you Highlandtiger. The Scottish Ballet sounds fantastic! Music and dance is so uplifting isn't it. Looks like you live near some beautiful countryside too! x

[HeronNS]

Good for you! I have to say ballet would be beyond me. However I know it's a fantastic strengthening activity. Don't know if they still do but certainly years ago football players (American football, not soccer) were doing ballet to improve their strength and coordination!

[Animalover65 in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks HeronNS. The group I have joined take things gently and I don't worry too much if i get the steps wrong- just go with the music.x

[HeronNS in reply to Animalover65]

Sounds like fun!