Pilates?

Thank you Constance, I have done Pilates before and it is one of the gentlest exercises its kinna like yoga but we shall see.

May be one of the gentlest exercises but it really uses your muscles so don't go doing too many repeats to start with! I usually did fewer than the rest at first but was able to build up most of the exercises.

The classes I went to were predominantly women, some of us heading for retirement or even older. Every so often a man would join the class, a pilot (he stuck it out), rugby players (they usually left after a few sessions). You saw them come in looking down their noses: this will be easy-peasy, we can do this no bother if old women can manage. Hehe - we had the last laugh ;-)

I know Eileen, easy does it whereas before I would have went at it hammer and tongs but not now.  I am very sedentary and need flexability but at a very gentle pace and try and do some every other day/3 times a week.  I have a friend who goes to a Pilates class (no machines) and there isn't flesh on her and she found it difficult at first.  The machine I have, I can control it using 1,2,3 or 4 cords, I think the more cords you use the more difficult it is.  I know it looks easy but so does yoga and generally speaking some men think sure that's a doddle.  Aye, just do it (we can show them up) lol but thanks again Eileen.

Having looked at them online - I wish I had room for one! You can only join classes here in the autumn and they cost a bomb. Anything in a gym does :-( - that is something I miss, my gym near Durham was very good at the time - I suspect MrB has messed it up since them!

They do take up a bit of room, even though you can fold them easy.  I have a wardrobe room (sliderobes, not a walk in closet, if only lol) and that's where I am gonna put it.  Although have to clear the room out first, where to I don't know.  I want to use it when I cannot get out, even for a gentle walk which I haven't done this long many a day.  Yes classes can be expensive.

We have a 3-room flat with a balcony, cellar and garage - too cold out there though! No, will have to keep walking - since that is free!

I long to walk because I have been indoors for a very long time.  Here in Belfast its blowing a gale.  But sure aren't the best things in life free.  We are  Blessed and we don't realise it at times.  

My first hospital appt is Thursday at Endocrinology, now that will be interesting.  First question will be "Why am I here"?

My brother on the east coast of Scotland said his weather today was "Wet and horrible"! We, on the other hand, have had an absolutely perfect winter day - -7C this morning, sneaked up to +3C this afternoon and is back way below freezing again. But there was brilliant sunshine and hardly any wind or clouds. With a blanket I could have sat on the balcony! 

The walking will come - two years ago I could just struggle into the village using crutches. Then I graduated to walking in carrying them - gave everyone a laugh but I was terrified of getting stuck and unable to get home ;-)

I think it was 13 degrees yesterday in Belfast.  I am all mixed up in my days due the holidays.  I honestly have a great appreciation of life now.  More so because my ex-husband of 23 years died just 61 and it affected my two sons really badly.  So what hurts them, it hurts me.

It's good to get reassurance from yourself about the walking.  I just want to get out and do a gentle walk.  There is some lovely scenery round here.  Botanic Gardens.  I live near the river Lagan and there are lovely walkways and embankments full of greenery.  I am sure you looked the part, carrying the crutches lol.  I drive a wee mini convertable, when I drive I may add.  But when I went to the local garden centre and bought trees, August 2013 I had to put them in the back seat with the roof down.  My sister in law was in the passenger seat and she was saying that people were pointing at us lolol.  I didn't see them because I was reading the road ahead, but my son was following in his car and he said the same.  Who cares lol

I'd have done that! The trees I mean!

I got laughed at at the hospital for carrying them - but I had to get used to walking a bit further without them somehow. They were my insurance policy!

Did I tell you, my best friend is originally from Lisburn but has lived in Germany since just after she left Uni. Have had one brief trip to Ireland, went to a meeting in Dublin, boat from Scotland to Larne (?) and then drove in a big circle. Fantastic! If the weather were better I'd come again but we have a camper van, not that much fun in rain!

Oh I know Eileen, we seem to have a lot in common, as I said I belong to the crazy gang, always have and always will.  But I do understand the crutches part, I am a just in case person lol  Better to have the crutches lookiing at me  than looking for them.  

I think you did mention about your friend.  Lisburn isn't too far away, but I have no sense of direction, I get lost down a one way street lol.  I don't think I would fancy camper van in rain either.  Having said that I am a real home bird and more so now since ME/PMR  I am still crawling, am not ready to walk yet (metaphorically speaking) so easy does it.  

Hi Eileen, thanks for getting back to me.  Yes it's a pilates machine with 4 cords on it so you can adjust how gentle you want it to be.  As I said it is the most gentlest form of exercise there is.  Also you do it at your own pace.  It balances out the whole body and realigns everything.  I would be using it 3 times a week and doing it at my own pace.  I would swim every day if I didn't get wet lol.  Too boring and I am too self-conscious as well but I can use this in the comfort of my own home.

Hi Yvonne, your comments are very welcome and even though you may not think you have anything to contribute you definately have.  It's great that you are able to inform me as I have just purchased a pilates machine and stand therefore I can go easy on it.  The muscle tone is not good in my right arm and right thigh so maybe a wee bit of strengh work may help.    Thanks again and very much appreciated.

Hallo Yvonne. You have  certainly created an interest in Pilates machines.

It seems they would be safe, used sensibly.

Tell me, you say you have been reading for months (on this forum I mean!).  Do you suffer from PMR?  If so, do tell us your story.