Pilates to Help With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
February 3, 2008 by laura
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
About a week ago, I hurt my back due to a negative energy attack. But made the problem even worse by falling on some ice while carrying 2 guitars the following day, and then falling down some stairs, a few days later.
This was pain that I have never experienced before. I am surprised, that I was able to get up and walk. I honestly thought that I was in for a life of pain and reduced mobility.
I jump to conclusions way too often. The day after fall #3, I took a beginner pilates class. It was amazing! Not at all easy – in fact, I fell over twice (I have really bad balance), but all of that stretching and breathing helped tremendously. I very new to the pilates phenomenon, but here is a breakdown of what it consists of:
Mind Over Matter – the goal here is to produce an attention free union of mind and body. You must always pay attention to your body’s movements while performing these exercises.
Breathing – pilates is based on the principle of circulating the blood so that it can awaken the blood and carry away the wastes related to fatigue. Convinced now, that this is a great exercise for CFS?
Centering – pilates focuses on the large group of muscles found in the centre of the body – called the “powerhouse”. All of the energy used, comes from the powerhouse and moves to the outer extremeties of the body.
Concentration -its very important to have focused concentration (I swear that’s a real thing and not a made up phrase). It is imperative to pay attention to the movement of the body.
Control - these exercises must be performed with total control, in order to avoid injury. Perhaps you can understand why this first class was just a teeny bit difficult for me.
Precision - the focus is on doing one precise and perfect movement. Eventually this precision becomes easier, and carries over into everyday life.
**pilates facts by wikipedia
***picture source – flickr
A friend of mine with CFS is also a huge fan of pilates. I’m glad it helped you!! I find yoga better for me, but I think that’s shades of grey – same thing, slightly different emphasis.
There isn’t a whole ton of difference. For me though, my balance is so bad, that I am not ready to do yoga quite yet.
When I can go to a pilates class, and not fall over, then maybe I will try yoga.
Either way, both are really great for persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Glad to know yoga is working for you, although I am not surprised, since you are really into meditation.
I adore Pilates.
I don’t have CFS, but my back flairs up every once in a while. I remember at one point thinking that I’d never be able to run again… a few weeks of Pilates changed the way I felt.
I haven’t continued with Pilates, unfortunately, but I do feel it’s one of the best exercises a person can undertake.
Angelique,
that one pilates class got me to walk without any pain. I am now a convert. Will be singing the praises of pilates til the end of time.
I can’t wait for the next class. Unfortunately, doctors orders say only one class per week. Oh well there is always trail walking, and a couple trips to the gym a week to keep me busy.