I fell down my porch steps while carrying groceries and herniated a disk in 1999. After 2 years of HMO neglect, I got a new job with better insurance and had a diskectomy — but not before I’d put on 20 lbs.
Since I’m a writer, my job has me laptoppin’ constantly — increasingly the norm for all of us — and my back is the first thing to go when I get stressed out. Yoga is great for stretching, but hands down my fave form of bad-back rehab and prevention is Pilates. I’ve only done mat exercises, but after 2 sessions I can feel a difference. I feel…taller. Stronger. Kickassier. (At any rate, I lose that simian, knuckle-dragging walk and stand up straight like my momma likes.)
My 2 favorite basic DVDs are Karen Voight’s Pilates Core Power and Pilates Method: Perfect Mix by Jennifer Kries. Both DVDs have clear instructions and (important!) UN-ANNOYING MUSIC.
Calling all Pilates fans: what are your faves for beginners, and do you have any favorite non-basic DVDs?
Hi, Melissa! Congrats on getting your blog live. And congrats on starting a workout program. I’m BIG into fitness & have been working out for 27 years straight, so I know all about it. I do spin class, step, and workout with free weights. I really need to get into Pilates & have done a few classes, but really need to do it consistently. I have a bad back too & really have to be careful, but the more you exercise (cautiously) the better it is, I have found.
Looks like a fun blog! I’m sure lots of other mamas can relate too.
Pilates works so well for me — I find that I need a minimum of twice a week to get benefits, but 4 or 5 days a week really get me strong fast!
Two and a half years after my first child, at that moment where you begin to stand up straight again–baby now walking–I took up Pilates. I kept with it until baby #2 entered and never felt better. I know the commitment, which is why maybe I haven’t started back. But I’m gonna. Maybe I’ll resolve to resolve! Digging your new blog. Amy