Pilates When You're Tired
Friday September 19, 2008
Did you know that Pilates is recommended by the National Fibromyalgia Association as well as by chronic fatigue syndrome experts? I didn't. I got that information from About.com's guide to chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, Adrienne Dellwo's article, Pilates for People with Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Even if you are working with a challenge like CFS or just tired for a day, or at the moment, you can still do Pilates. The reason is that Pilates is so adaptable to different needs. It is about movement principles, and under that, about breath and presence. You can practice those things, and feel better, even if you can barely move.
So, you might be thinking: "OK Marguerite, show me". "What can I do when I'm not up to a workout - for whatever reason?". Here are some ideas for tired days:
Even if you are working with a challenge like CFS or just tired for a day, or at the moment, you can still do Pilates. The reason is that Pilates is so adaptable to different needs. It is about movement principles, and under that, about breath and presence. You can practice those things, and feel better, even if you can barely move.
So, you might be thinking: "OK Marguerite, show me". "What can I do when I'm not up to a workout - for whatever reason?". Here are some ideas for tired days:
- Breathe. Try Pilates sequential breathing and lateral breathing. Even the simple act of breathing consciously and fully works your core and is refreshing.
- Work on the Pilates Fundamental Moves. All of the fundamentals are gentle moves that translate well into moving more efficiently in daily life.
- Try the 5 Minute Pick-up Workout. If you think you've got 5 minutes in you, do this one.
- Feeling a little better? Try some Beginner Exercises.
- In doubt? Do Imprinting.
Hi,
I was just reading your blog post about Pilates and the different ideas you offered for when you are tired. I really liked them and will give them a try. I just started Pilates with 2 classes under my belt and I highly recoomend it to anyone and everyone. By class 2 I still have a long way to come, but I felt my body able to stretch further the second time…Showing that there is progress being made.
I try to focus on getting my navel to my spine while driving or sitting at my desk in the office. This helps more than most people imagine. I would say my biggest challege is the breathing. I am a shallow breather and I find myself not being able to hold my breath as long or get a good deep breath. Will this change over time? Or maybe you have some ideas for me…
Check out my blogs – I recenlty blogged on Pilates and my first experiences.
http://www.rasmussen.edu/blogs/Micheles-Blog.aspx
Michele
Ive been going to 2 pilates classes a week for just over a year,am also a shallow breather, but learnt through pilates to breath differently, it does come with practice and regular attendance to classes, you find it just changes without even thinking about it, and the stomach muscles and obliques just get more toned as you go!love it!