PILATES Q. (Re: Phys.Therapy for older people?)

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 1:15pm

Just started at a Pilates Studio (rec. by orthopedic surgeon - for my newly diagnosed osteo-arthritis *left hip joint* L4 L5 degeneration vert. thing). I am not a dancer or in show biz.
Has anyone on this board over age 45 had success (slow, or otherwise with this?). I have been totally inactive (thus, no muscle tone) and barely able to walk 2 blocks and *sitting* hurts, for about 9 months. I am positive about trying to reverse the bad things that have happened, and have lost 19 lbs. in the last 2 months and have lots to go. Pls PM if you have any personal experience. Thanks a lot.
Updated On: 4/4/09 at 01:15 PM

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 3:07pm

Cograts on losing the weight! That alone will help you to tackle such a great physical training program as pilates.

I trained and worked at a gym for about 5 years, (BC- before children.)

As someone, (ahem) over 45, I can tell you that pilates along with a healthy diet and some cardio time is probably the best way to stay in shape for those over 40 or anyone just starting out with an excersize program. Swimming and water aerobic classes are also great low impact workouts and therapy especially for the lower extremities. All least these routines work for me.

I highly suggest you take a few beginner pilates classes with your doctor's recommendations for all of this, of course. You will be surprised how quickly your core muscles will respond to this type of controlled training.

When you are comfortable with the beginners stage, slowly advance. But relax and take it easy and above else be consistant and...have fun!


Pilates Basics

[kelzama]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 4:15pm

I had the privilege of taking a Pilates class from a very talented and knowledgeable instructor, which I don't think I fully appreciated til she moved away and I tried to find another class. Things I noticed:

A proper Pilates instructor will put the accent on the accuracy of placement and breathing, NOT the number of reps you can churn out. Pilates is not about speed. (S)he'll walk around the class, making corrections and adjustments so you don't hurt yourself. The exercises should be slow, gentle, controlled (not to be confused with easy, btw). If the class is run more like an aerobics class, or the instructor never leaves her mat and barks instructions without ever circulating through the room, run far, far away.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 4:41pm

Thanks KEL and PB..I just tried walking today, a half a block and it was very painful, but I realize I'm starting at rock bottom. My instructor is very, very sweet, a 4th year intern, extremely gentle and very knowledgeable, more than an MD I believe. (the Pilates place is at 311 W43rd st, loads of dancers, except for me and a couple of others).
This is not a class, but rather a very specific 1 on 1, 1/2 hr, 2-3 x/wk. program as prescribed by the MD. I'm going to try and give it time, however it really hurts today, like a needle. Push on, I guess....