PILATES CAN HELP YOU!

Do you suffer from Osteoporosis? If so, I think I can help. I have dedicated a large portion of my training to assist those who suffer from Osteoporosis or similar symptoms through the natural medicine of movement. You might be thinking as you read this, "i've tried everything", or "I stretch every day, what makes this any different?" With the proper program and right movement patterns, I feel I can help you achieve the relief you have been looking. for.

What is Pilates?

Pilates focuses on whole-body exercises through proper breathing techniques, targets deep tissue muscles while supporting your bodies joints through mobility, flexibility and balance for overall strength. The practice was designed by Joseph Pilates to align the body by correcting muscular imbalances and enhancing movement patterns.

By the age of 50, 1 out of 2 women and 1 out of 4 men are effected by Osteoporosis or Osteopenia, most common in the spine, hips, wrist, and shoulders. Pilates exercises specializes in targeting muscle while strengthening the bone. With the exercises and movements I will guide you through, we will focus on body alignment weight-bearing exercises while maintain a low impact workout. This technique can be met prior or post surgery.

Is Pilates right for me, and is it safe?

Pilates does not always involve fancy equipment when it comes to beginner courses. Matwork is not only safe, but highly beneficial to anyone who suffers from Osteoporosis. By focusing on a proper flow pattern that is tailored to your bodies needs, the following benefits can be achieved:

• Decrease pain while improving the quality of life

• Balance improvement

• Improve posture and alignment

• Increase mobility

• Foot strength

• Core strength

Pilates can improve your quality of life with Osteoporosis, but it is important to note that a traditional pilates class is not recommended or suitable for anyone who suffers with bone density. This is why I offer one-on-one coaching where we work on your specific needs at a comfortable speed for YOU. Specific modification can be created to focus on each clients individual journey.

What to avoid in Pilates

Pilates exercises with forward flexion such as Chest Lift, Criss Cross, Single Leg Stretch or the Hundred are best avoided due to the pressure it puts on the spine. Loaded flexion exercises are also contraindicated and include exercises such as rolling like a ball, seal, roll over and open leg rocker. Though it may seem there are plenty of exercises in the Pilates repertoire that need to be avoided, there is also a plethora of exercises that are excellent for Osteoporosis along with numerous modifications available.

My Story

It was the beginning of 2020 when I started feeling pain in my lower back and hips. I thought it was all the stress that was happening with the beginning of Covid. I had already been going to pilates for a few years which I really enjoyed. Before that I was going to a regular gym but with all the pounding on my joints and pain afterwards, is when I signed up for Pilates. After seeing a doctor and getting x-rays I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in my hips and spine. I was sent to Physical Therapy, Covid had shut down all the Pilates studios. At physical therapy they gave me the same exercises I was already doing in Pilates. Making sure I stayed consistent with my therapy at home and Pilates classes though U-tube I am amazed how much better I felt. Now my routine is all the Pilates classes. The class I take for sure each week is Center and Balance, making sure I'm relaxing my muscles and joints and getting that full stretch we all need.

_____Maryann Heid

Learn more about how Pilates, food and faith can help you in your wellness journey.

www.foodfitnessandfaith.org