Pilates after recon

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pbebow
pbebow Member Posts: 575
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

Hi Ladies,

I had BMX w/ TE's and SNB January of 2010, exchange April of 2010, revision October of 2010 and fat grafting Dec of 2010.  I was in fairly decent shape pre-surgeries, nothing special, I have finally decided to get off my lazy butt and get back in shape.  I started today and went back to my old aero/toning class, I did ok through most of it, although is was red faced, sweat dripping off me, muscles screaming, I was careful with the weight portions to focus on my arms and back and not my chest.  Then we hit the floor for some ab workout, and there I hit the wall.  I couldn't do the crunches, my chest just seemed in the way, if I crossed my arms over my chest and really focused on my abs I could do a little bit, but I couldn't do the what everyone else was doing.  It was very upsetting for me, I was not expecting that.  Anyway, tomorrow's class is Pilates, and I don't have a lot of experience with it, went to a couple classes a few years ago so I don't really remember much about it.  Wondering if there is a lot of chest work in it.  I read online something about doing a "downward facing dog" type move and moving that into a bunch of different moves.  I just don't want to get there and start in and not be able to do most of the moves.  It would be more beneficial for me to do a work out tape at home or go for a walk, if I'm just going to sit there through most of the moves.  On the other hand, if it's just a couple moves that I have to modify then I want to go, I really want to get back in shape...  I do realize that each Pilates class is going to be different, but I do know that there are basic moves that all do in one way or another.  I appreciate any input that I can get.  Thank you!

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  • LisaAlissa
    LisaAlissa Member Posts: 1,092
    edited September 2011

    Are you having a class? or a private session?  Is the instructor certified with more than a "weekend" certification? (have they passed their PMA exams?  have they done more than a hundred hours of supervised student teaching?).  

    I'd call ahead and explain that you will need modifications to accomodate your post-breast cancer surgery limitations.  Yes you're completely healed (if you are), but you have significant residual weaknesses that you need to have addressed.  There are some piliates instructors who have had special training in dealing with post-BC surgery issues.  Ask about the teacher for the class you're scheduled to be in.  

    If you're going to be in a pilates studio setting, you might want to take a private session or two before you go into a class setting.  You want to know what sort of modifications you need so that you can make them in the class setting.  Ideally, your teacher will help you make the modifications, but you need to know for yourself incase s/he isn't able to make them for you "on the fly."  If that's not possible, ask if you will be able to speak with the teacher in advance, so that s/he will know that you will need special attention in at least your first few classes as you work out what you can (and can't) do.  

    Most piliates classes will try to do a balanced workout, so that you'll get a little of everything, but it will tend to work everything from your "core." 

    For me, pilates was the best rehab I could have done.  I wish you the best!

    LisaAlissa 

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited September 2011

    thank you so much.  It is a class, in a community center, I know that she has taught the class for a few years, but I have know idea on her credentials.  I guess maybe I'll just show up early and see if she is available to talk about it.  It isn't anything that I have paid for and I don't know if she would have time for private sessions, but I know they are all super nice, and are willing to help with whatever they can.  After the aero/tone class today, one of instructors that I hadn't seen since pre-bc came up and asked how it went and I burst into tears, she took me into another room and talked and went through some of the exercises that we did today that I might want to modify or hold back on.  Really made me feel better.

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited September 2011

    Well, just thought that I'd report in in case anyone else is curious about this.  I decided to give it a try and stop making excuses.  I went early and spoke to the instructor and told her my issues.  She said that she doesn't follow a set plan for any one session, she kinda wings it, and yes there are of course some moves that involve the pecs.  So during the session she always showed modifications of each move depending on what level you are at, when it came to a move that involved the pecs she simply said "If anyone has issues with your pecs you can modify to this" and demonstrated a modification.  It worked out great, I was able to keep going and didn't just have to sit there and watch because I always had a modification to do, and others were doing different forms of the modifications too so I didn't feel like a stand out.  I left there feeling pretty good that I had went and got through the whole thing.  I'm glad that I went, even though I am soooo sore from yesterday and today's work outs, but it's a good sore, it means I'm working and getting stronger! 

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited September 2011

    Paula - there is such a thing as "Pink Ribbon Certified" Pilates instructors.  They go through a training course all about the special needs of b/c survivors, from surgery issues to lymphedema prevention. Since you had nodes out, you are at an increased risk for LE, so it's important to know what precautions you should take.  

    As annoying as "Pinktober" can be, there are some good deals that can be found - last October a local Pilates studio had a special just for b/c survivors.  All the instructors were Pink Ribbon certified instructors.  They were really great and I still do some of the exercises they taught me.

    Here's the website about the program - you can do a search for instructors in your area.  Good luck! http://pinkribbonprogram.com/ 

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited September 2011

    thanks NatsFan, good info, unfortunately, I live in a very small town in Michigan and I did check but there aren't any even remotely close to me.  Hopefully though it will help someone else!  thanks for putting it out there!

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited September 2011

    PB - I'm a Michigan girl, too - at least by birth - I was born, sort of accidentally (long story!) in Battle Creek.  I grew up hearing cereal jokes . . .

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  • chalex
    chalex Member Posts: 131
    edited October 2011

    Hi Ladies,

    For ladies that would like to try a pilates tape. I like Kathy's Smith pilates DVD. The one I have has 2  workouts on the tape. 1 that focuses on abs the other on the lower body. She has some instruction on the moves b/f you begin the work out if you are new to pilates. It is mostly the basic "pilates" moves. I like her because is good at cueing the moves and explaining what you should be with your core throughout the work out.

    Take Care,

    Chalex

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