|
Pilates
and MS
Suitable
for everyone, Pilates is ideal for someone with MS as many of the
exercises are done lying down and they are all non-impact and
non-weight bearing. All the exercises are gentle enough to be done
by someone weakened by MS. Although it does involve resistance
against weights, this is never too high to cause strain or
over-exertion. Muscles are never worked to the point of
exhaustion.
Pilates
exercises can be started at any age and at any level of unfitness.
The
benefits can have a good effect on many MS symptoms particularly
poor co-ordination, poor posture, muscle weakness, spasticity and
fatigue.
Core
Stability
Core stability is
central to good posture and indeed all movement .
It is acheived by
learning how to use your 'powerhouse' - muscles supporting the
pelvic area including the abdominals, pelvic floor, lower back,
hips and buttocks.
Many people with MS
have lost their 'core stability', from lack of use/or poor
posture. Pilates helps restore core stability.
MS Case 1: Li
Weinreich
"When I was
first diagnosed, my Neurologist advised me NOT to exercise as it
would 'only cause fatigue'. Fortunately, I did not follow his
suggestion and started doing Pilates. I discovered that instead of
crashing, I felt more energised and more mobile after a session
than if I had stayed at home and rested. Now my Neurologist thinks
that Pilates is great for me."
MS Case 2: Kate
Strauss
"More than
anything, Pilates has helped build my confidence. As I got
stronger and improved my posture and control, I felt better. In
some way, this-new found well being enabled me to be more
outspoken about my MS to others. I stopped hiding the fact that I
had the illness."
Pilates and Health
Professionals
Pilates is now widely
praised and accepted by doctors, neurologists, physiotherapists,
osteopaths and chiropractors. Physiotherapist Colleen McGrath says
that Pilates is the perfect exercise for MS because of its unique
approach helps the client find symmetry, balance, coordination and
stability and establish awareness of movement through muscular
feedback.
Learning Pilates
To start with, it's
best to go to a class with a trained Pilates teacher, or have
one-to-one training so you can vary individual attention. You need
to concentrate 100% of the time.
As well as classes,
you'll get more out of it if you also do exercises at home. You
can buy various pieces of home equipment to help you, including
balls.
| 
