Pilates question

[Catrin]

I asked my PT about heading to a mat pilates class during my recovery period, and he isn't sure of the impact of pilates on the hamstring and hamstring/quad tendons. The two tendons in question attach the hammie in the back to my butt (I sit on it), and the quad tendon on the inside of my thigh up at the top. Of course there is also the strain in the same hammie.

How much does mat pilates activate the hamstring? I know it is quite good for the core, and I want to do it this winter, just wondering if I need to wait until the hamstring is healed... My physical therapist is holding me back on this, but he admits that he isn't all that familiar with it. I will discuss this further with him Friday when I've more information.

[OakLeaf]

I'd go to a real Pilates studio with an instructor who is well-versed in anatomy and modification for injury. And I wouldn't hesitate to do that.

I wouldn't mess with a gym-based class if I were injured. JMO.

[Catrin]

I'd go to a real Pilates studio with an instructor who is well-versed in anatomy and modification for injury. And I wouldn't hesitate to do that.

I wouldn't mess with a gym-based class if I were injured. JMO.

That is what I was wondering...probably best to wait. I certainly do not want to make matters worse!

[NbyNW]

Hi Catrin,

Sorry I didn't see your post earlier . . .

Just wanted to add on to what Oakleaf said above --

Yes, avoid the big gym classes.

If you're going to do Pilates at all while recovering from this injury, it would be well worth your time and money to do some one-on-one instruction, at least initially, with a studio-based instructor who is comprehensively trained. There is something of a common-sense approach to working around an injury, either by modifying exercises or leaving them out, until that part of your body is well enough to start working again. If you are working with an injury you can't get the kind of attention you need if you are in a class.

In other words, if you have a good instructor, you don't have to stay away from Pilates altogether while your hamstring is healing. There are many things that you can still do to maintain/build core strength. I had to do a lot of modifications when my lower back/hip were healing, and in my case, exercising with those modifications were better than being sedentary and letting things stiffen up.

[tulip]

What they said.

I have no way of knowing anything about your gym or trainer. That being said, I would spend my money and time on a good classical pilates program over a gym membership any day. Pilates strengthens the whole body in a much more balanced way than weightlifting.

But there's the question of your spin class, which I assume is through your gym membership. Can you pay for individual spin classes on rainy days? Just a thought. As much as I like spinning, I've decided on pilates this winter. I still have a trainer, but I can only stand it about twice a week.

[Catrin]

My spinning classes are part of my membership, and my membership also gets me a lower rate on personal training. There isn't any way of attending the spinning classes. I have/am deriving so much benefit from the training that I don't want to lose that. Perhaps next winter I will make another choice, but in the meantime, once my tendinitis has healed 100%, I will check out one of the mat classes at my gym to see what I think about it.

[Catrin]

I finally went to a mat pilates class this morning and liked it. I spoke with the instructor before class, and when they did more advanced exercises she made a point of suggesting easier alternatives. I tried to be very aware of my remaining tendinitis, and while a couple of unexpected moves did get the attention of a tendon or two, all in all it seemed quite positive.

The instructor spent some time during the class telling us what this or that movement would benefit - I don't know if this was for my benefit or if that is her usual approach. I was quite obviously the only newcomer in the class.

I will continue to be cautious, but I can certainly see the benefit of mat pilates. I especially liked all of the balancing work we did, and it will be interesting to see if any of my core muscles are sore tomorrow. I probably only did about 70-75% of the workout, didn't want to flare those tendons up more than my physical therapist did yesterday...

There won't be another Saturday class until after the holidays and I will check it out again at that time.