After experiencing back pain for approx. 20 years culminating in serious disc problems in 2006, which left me virtually immobilized for about 8 months, my consultant recommended that I take up Pilates rather than the ‘more rigorous’ Yoga session that I was attending.
After research I found a local class, in the UK, and started attending once a week on a Thursday. Initially the day after each session I hurt all over as each week it was like starting afresh each time. So I found another class on a Monday evening and the combination of two sessions per week improved matters considerably. Nine months after taking up Pilates I found that I didn’t hurt so much the next day.
Attending the Pilates sessions gave me an understanding of how the human body worked and the importance of alignment – making sure that you don’t stick your chin out and keeping your shoulders and shoulder blades down. The instructor used to say ‘Put your shoulder blades in the back pockets of your trousers’. Pilates helps to strengthen your core and gives improved flexibility and balance. All of this helps with your posture and eases the pain levels particularly if you manage your breathing in the correct way. I can’t say that the pain has totally gone away but Pilates certainly helps to control it.
When I left the UK to work in the UAE I didn’t attend a Pilates class for some time. However, it became apparent that that my body was missing my regular sessions so I needed to find another class to attend. I found the Fit Pilates class but the time of the classes did not fit in with my working day. I contacted Thuy who was prepared to change the times of the sessions to accommodate me and so in April 2013 I found myself back to attending 2 Pilates sessions a week and life was just perfect once again.
The advantages of attending a session with Thuy is that the group is never more than 12 people but the class size is usually about 8 or 9 people. This allows for a very personal service where Thuy will keep her eye on you to make sure that everything is properly aligned. She will also adjust your arms, legs, ribs or head, if necessary, to make sure that you are in the correct position to get the maximum benefit. Every now and again I may pull a muscle or put something out and Thuy is always there to help and give advice and show you things to help alleviate the situation. Pilates isn’t something that you can just dip in and out of; it becomes a lifestyle choice and practiced regularly it enhances your quality of life. Not only that but the class is great fun and I have met a good group of people and we sometimes socialise at times other than in the class.
Ann Bailey
June 2016
Click here to learn Pilates exercises for the back.