Neurological Disorders
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available for every exercise as well , and each workout is tailored to the individual ’ s needs .
It is important to note that Pilates cannot cure neurological disorders . However , it can DEFINITELY help those living with Neurological Disorders by creating ease of movement , improved balance and coordination ( including walking ), reduction of joint and muscle pain and weakness as well as reducing fatigue .
Don ’ t just take my word for it , let ’ s hear from Fitness Incentive member Angela :
I will be turning 42 this June and was diagnosed with MS the year I turned 30 , so I have been living and learning the last 12 years of my life exactly what this means . I had just taken a significant job promotion in NYC after working in Port Jeff Station for seven years . I am a licensed Certified Public Accountant and have now been a stay at home mom for the last five years . I live in Babylon and have a very active 4-year-old boy and just celebrated my 8th year anniversary with my husband . Before my diagnosis , I was a very active athlete . I ' d played soccer since I was five years old right up to the day that I fell on the field and could no longer keep up with the high level of activity required of me . I did track and field most of my life and used to run through Babylon at 4 am before my daily trips to the city ! I played softball through college and beyond until I got whacked in the face with a ball due to poor eyesight ! Going to work with a black eye ended that sport !
My problems all began when I began to have blurry vision and blind spots in 2003 . It turned out that I had optic neuritis , which was my first physical symptom of MS . I then started having problems with my legs and now suffer from significant fatigue , movement and coordination problems , visual problems , tremors , spasticity and emotional changes . MS is a disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves in the brain and on the spinal cord . I have been on numerous medications throughout the years and have been on some very successful drugs for the last few years . The problem with MS is even though I am on medication my body can continue to decline physically due to the already damaged cells . Currently there is no scientific way to repair these damaged cells .
While living and working in NYC , I started to realize that I could no longer maintain the level of exercise that I had grown to love , so I started taking yoga and Pilates classes . I stopped working and went on medical disability when I became pregnant with my son . I soon realized that yoga and Pilates started to become my main form of exercise . Even though I was fatiguing in yoga and Pilates classes , I was able to work my muscles in ways that I could no longer do in other exercise classes . I am no longer able to use a step or do any jumping in any workout classes . I soon learned from a physical therapist
Foundation for Parkinson ’ s Research website quotes :
“ When Pilates is added to the regimen , patients report improved flexibility , balance , and energy ”
that I have significant weakness in my hip flexors . There are so many exercises that require strength from these muscles ; you would not believe it ! About a year ago I also started doing Beachbody exercise programs at home and supplementing with Shakeology daily . The videos have modifications , include yoga and pilates and are 30 minutes or less , so I am usually physically able to complete them . I try to focus on an overall healthy diet , but we all know how life can get in the way of that !
I started to use the Pilates Reformer machine which can assist my muscles in movements that they cannot do on their own . I have been taking Dina ' s Pilates floor classes twice a week since July 2015 , and we have seen such an improvement in my overall muscle movement since I began . I have been able to feel and use my core muscles so much more than I did when I was a very active athlete . Dina and I have begun to do reformer sessions together once a week , and they have significantly helped me to modify and improve my overall floor classes and movements . When I now do floor sculpting classes , I can modify my moves and exercises using what I have learned in Pilates , something that I was unable to do before . I can now modify and work
Summer 2016 FIT to Print
using another approach that I have learned in Pilates . I am grateful every day that I have a lifelong background in physical strength and activity . I am eager to stay active and keep my muscles strong . I continue to spin even though this is my biggest challenge . Once I discovered the clip in pedals , I was able to resume biking , and I love to include this in my weekly exercise plan . In addition , I do as much weight training as I can work into my exhausting and fatiguing week . I try to approach every day with an " I can do it " attitude , since every day my physical and emotional achievements are driven on how my MS feels . I have good and bad days , and you may have even seen me stumbling out of the gym !
I try to remember with everything that I do , try to do and even can ' t do : I have MS , I am NOT MS !
As you can see , Angela is a true inspiration . As she stated , since implementing mat classes regularly into her schedule and adding an individualized session on the equipment once a week , she has improved greatly in her muscle coordination and control . It has been humbling and so rewarding to be able to be part of Angela ’ s journey of maintaining health and quality of movement in her life . Angela is full of knowledge and so quick to share her experience to help others diagnosed and living with MS .
Hopefully , you have already experienced the benefits of Pilates in your life . Beyond fitness , if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder , encourage them to explore Pilates to improve their quality of life .
Please email me : dina @ fitnessincentive . com with any questions you may have .
Dina Voigt is a certified Pilates , yoga & spin instructor , as well as a certified Personal Trainer . She manages the Mind , Body & Spirit program at FI . Questions ? Contact her at : Dina @ Fitnessincentive . com