Pilates

As the saying goes “you only miss the things you no longer have” and this has been true with me when it has come to exercise.

Losing the ability to run, cycle and doing very active aerobics has meant that my choices of exercise options have become limited.

After reading about the positive effects Pilates can have on people with Multiple Sclerosis, I decided to try it out.

Once finding a local class I went along. The group was a lovely, friendly one of various ages and abilities.

I explained to the instructor about my MS and this was taken onboard but not regarded as a limiting issue.

Once I began the classes I found that Pilates involves exercises which help to increase strength, balance, flexibility, posture and breathing technique.

I loved the combination of both mood boosting and physical exercise. After a class I feel both relaxed, centred and exhausted-in-a-good-way!

I have not felt unable to do the exercises and when a bit of extra balance is required I have been able to lean on the back of a chair or a wall.

Stretching is so important if you have MS. The flexibility associated with regularly stretching helps to decrease muscle tightness and prevent loss of motion which sometimes occurs when the body experiences decreased activity. This has been the case with me during lockdown. Less activity has definitely caused new symptoms.

My current MS symptom of spasticity can be helped by simple stretching, so Pilates is an excellent method of encouraging flexibility.

Pilates can also help such symptoms of foot-drop, posture, balance bladder, fatigue and memory.

During the current lockdowns my Pilates class moved to an online class. By following the instructor via the Zoom app, we are able to carry out the class in our living rooms!

Of cause in a live class the instructor is able make sure that the exercises are correctly done but this way the classes don’t have to be completely cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

My current class is hoping to be back in a live setting soon but its been great that modern technology has helped keep the classes going.

This link shows some Pilates exercises which are particularly good for people with MS.

https://www.pilatescollectivedenver.com/blog/5-pilates-exercises-for-multiple-sclerosis