is for finding one’s way back!
Several years ago… and I mean several several’s… I was a paying member of Robin Long’s online Pilates workouts. And then I stopped being a paying member and I remember thinking, I know all the “moves” and I can just keep going on my own.
I think you all know the answer is I did not.
And then “things” started happening… I had issues with a hip flexor muscle and did a good number of weeks of PT to work on that issue. (you would think this would be my wake up call and I would at least try to remember and do the “Pilates Moves” on my own, but nope, I did not!)
This latest “thing” is not fun at all, I must confess. This bladder/pelvic floor muscle issue I am having is the biggest pain in my backside…literally. So now I am back at weekly PT working on a different muscle group… in roughly the same area where those hip flexors intersect… the “thing”?? It’s the little thought but incredibly important pelvic floor muscles and how they can impact one’s quality of life. I have the opposite issue many women my age have – being too relaxed. Sigh. Mine are in a constant state of tension…which they might not be if their neighboring muscle groups were doing any work at all.
And so, I have been spending the past 3 weeks working on waking up those neighboring muscles… doing yoga that very much feels like Robin Long’s Pilates exercises. Each week, my therapist adds a couple more things to add to my routine… which is now taking me just over an hour to complete each day… way more time than the 15-ish minutes that Robin’s routines typically lasted. Sigh.
Pro-tip… don’t abandon something that is working with thoughts that you can “do it yourself”… I can’t help but wonder if I would have needed any PT ever had I just stayed the course with Robin.
I might be slow on the learning curve but I am paying attention now… and yes, I renewed my Pilates membership over the weekend. And now I need to get that first “round” of PT exercises in and then poke around and figure out the new Pilates App!
Happy Monday, everyone! See you all back here on Wednesday!
I hope all the work you’re doing now will pay off in the long run! I’m betting that eventually it will become a much shorter process, too. Thanks for the reminder that if we want to keep moving, we need to keep doing the work!
I knew you were going to say you didn’t do the Pilates on your own because that’s what I would have done (not done), too. It sounds like a good lesson to learn now before you age more. I have hip issues also and it”s amazing to me how many muscles interact in our hip and pelvis area to keep things working without pain and problems. Thanks for the important reminder and keep moving.
I am so frequently reminded about the power of a yoga routine when I hear from friends who are suffering from pain in joints and muscles. I give due respect to other therapies, including medication. But the body has a massive capacity to heal itself if given nourishment, movement and sleep.
Yes, a good reminder. When my yoga studio closed, I figured I would just do it on my own. Of course not! I’m betting that what you are doing now will reap big rewards for you. I need to try to find another yoga studio (I don’t like the on line stuff).
praying daily for you!! I’m so glad you have PT and the exercises. One day you will be relaxed and it will all be worth it!!!
Thank you for the good advice and I’m happy to hear that you’re finding something to help with your own challenges. It’s helpful to remember that it’s never too late to start (or re-start) routines that will help us in the long run!!
I hope that’s all adding up to relief for you!!
As my dear FIL always said, people are like cars, if you rest . . . you rust. Sounds like you’re learning that lesson, albeit in a less than ideal way. I hope you start seeing the rewards of all your hard work very soon.
I’m so sorry you’re having to suffer through more PT . . . but it sounds like you’re on the best path forward! (It’s so true what they say about use-it-or-lose-it when it comes to strength training and core work of all types.) I hope you can feel a difference in those neglected muscles soon! (And I’m so proud of you for taking the steps to get back on the Pilates train.) XO
So-so true.