Pilates

Hi Petra, I have just joined the site and I have done Pilates for the last couple of years. I am much more supple and now have much better control of my bladder. At my session much emphasis is placed on keeping the spine moving and drawing up the pelvic floor muscles. Best thing I have done in a long time for my health. Would recommend to all.

Nonnie. I have sent you a PM.
Some of you have mentioned muscle weakness. This has been one of the problems for years. Plus, I have abused my back for years and I'm now paying the price ( I've been paying the price for years)
My back has gone into spasm twice. You would think that I would have learnt and done something years ago but there always seemed to be other things to do.LOL.

I am also a Pilates advocate and agree with Nonnie that it may not be a cure but what it will do is to strengthen your core muscles which support the spine. It also focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body to improve balance, muscle-strength, flexibility and posture. It works for me and I definitely feel better mentally and physically since I have started classes. As a bonus I also have regained a lost inch in height.

I am also a Pilates devotee. I used to suffer from a back which without warning would 'go'. Since doing pilates I have had no further instances.
I would also agree that a well qualified instructor is essential and mine is also a physio.

We have been going to Pilates for 4 years and Mr N swears it keeps his back in check. I don't think it is a cure but it does help to build the muscles in the area which will give support. I don't have back pain but I do have scoliosis and it must have stretched out as I am now taller than I have ever been. Can't say better than that. I can't imagine we will ever stop as we do feel it has been very beneficial.

I do think you have to be careful finding a good one though. I have been to a couple at gyms and they were really not very good. Ours is a group of physios who do it and they are brilliant and take account of everyone's issues. Going to a daytime class helps as it means the others are generally older.

Perhaps you could ask a physio or GP if they can recommend one? I would suggest that if they have never heard of Alan Heardman avoid them.

If you PM me with where you live I could ask our teacher if she has any suggestion.

Personally I prefer yoga but if you go make sure the teacher knows you have a problem.