Pilates?

[bananabas]

Are there any studies on the effects of pilates on mild ME/CFS? I never tried it, but it looks quite anaerobic and from what I understand it is the aerobic metabolism that malfunctions in PWME.

 

[justy]

Why don't you just give it a go and see if it suits you. Some people here do Pilates, others like me still can't manage ANY increase in any type of exercise otherwise it compromises our ability to do tasks of daily living.

 

[Sushi]

Are there any studies on the effects of pilates on mild ME/CFS? I never tried it, but it looks quite anaerobic and from what I understand it is the aerobic metabolism that malfunctions in PWME.

I haven't seen any studies but I do pilates once a week with machines and it is mostly anaerobic. I don't think it helps my ME symptoms at all but it does keep up my core strength which is important in daily living--particularly if you have EDS as I do. Without pilates, I'd be in a lot of pain.

 

[dancer]

Mat Pilates tends to increase my pain levels and cause some PEM, but Reformer Pilates has been a lifeline for me. I'm able to do gentle movements, and the pulleys and carriage support my body in all directions. It's like doing a super slow, beginner ballet class while lying on my back.

I tried taking classes, but couldn't handle doing 45 minutes of work all at once. It works best for me to do only ten or fifteen minutes on my own. Sadly, even after months of work, I haven't been able to improve my stamina, but I do feel it helps my core, my breathing, and keeping some muscle tone.

 

[Sushi]

Reformer Pilates has been a lifeline for me. I'm able to do gentle movements, and the pulleys and carriage support my body in all directions. It's like doing a super slow, beginner ballet class while lying on my back

This is what I meant by machines--the Reformer, the Cadillac and the Chair. They are designed very intelligently.

Sadly, even after months of work, I haven't been able to improve my stamina, but I do feel it helps my core, my breathing, and keeping some muscle tone.

My increase in stamina has been extremely slow too--like a wee bit every couple years. I think gaining stamina is a big problem for ME/CFS patients.

 

[dancer]

This is what I meant by machines--the Reformer, the Cadillac and the Chair. They are designed very intelligently.
My increase in stamina has been extremely slow too--like a wee bit every couple years. I think gaining stamina is a big problem for ME/CFS patients.

Yep... I think it's part of the basic pathology of this illness. :-(

 

[PennyIA]

When I'm in remission I can tolerate a LITTLE (VERY, VERY little) mat pilates. I do find it easier to do than any aerobic or weight lifting exercises... but I find it and a little yoga (again, very little) is something I can usually tolerate when I'm at my best.

By 'lttle' I mean maybe 5-10 minutes a day of gentle stretching in Yoga for a few weeks... then 10-15 minutes of Yoga for a few weeks, then maybe 15 minutes of yoga and 5 minutes of Pilates.... then maybe 15 minutes of each... but that's the highest I've ever managed before hitting a wall (usually due to something else I think) and crash.

 

[Little Bluestem]

I haven't been able to improve my stamina

I am assuming that you have not lost stamina, which you might have otherwise. Avoiding loss can be a positive outcome.

 

[dancer]

I am assuming that you have not lost stamina, which you might have otherwise. Avoiding loss can be a positive outcome.

That's my hope...that I'm slowing the deterioration, even if I'm not able to increase how much I can do.