Gut Issues: The Healing Journey

Last year I told you about my stomach issues and my attempts to figure it all out. And then I even received some amazing help and if you read any of those blog posts then you know it’s been one bumpy ride. What I haven’t done in a year is share how it’s all been going. And, more importantly, answered some of your questions! Many of you have wondered exactly how I have been able to do Pilates given my stomach pains. Others, how I traveled with digestive issues. This week let’s discuss how I was able to do Pilates given the constant roller coaster of pain, bloating and discomfort.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • May 27, 2018
Home  »  Blog   »   Gut Issues: The Healing Journey
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gut issues the healing journey thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes

Last year I told you about my stomach issues and my attempts to figure it all out. And then I even received some amazing help and if you read any of those blog posts then you know it’s been one bumpy ride. What I haven’t done in a year is share how it’s all been going. And, more importantly, answered some of your questions! Many of you have wondered exactly how I have been able to do Pilates given my stomach pains. Others, how I traveled with digestive issues. This week let’s discuss how I was able to do Pilates given the constant roller coaster of pain, bloating and discomfort.

My stomach issues didn’t reach a breaking point until about four years, maybe five years ago. Before then, starting in 2007 I was able to try different tactics to help me get a break from my digestive issues. Everything I tried would work for a little bit and then it wouldn’t.

Have you ever experienced that? I first tossed out dairy, gluten, and soy. WOW! The feelings of energy, better sleep, and fewer stomach problems were quick to appear. I thought I had it all figured out and would just have to avoid those few things. This new found strength and energy made doing Pilates easy and fun! Plus, I had way less inflammation so my stomach problems didn’t cause me troubles during Pilates. In fact, I often felt better after having done Pilates!

Over time the effects of being dairy, soy and gluten free started to wain. My stomach issues became more frequent and causing problems in my life, including Pilates. I had such a hard time “feeling” my center because my center would often be working its way towards distention. I became really good at trusting the method and the movement. And, I know that doesn’t make a lot of sense, especially if you are a potential Pilates student or a regular Pilates practitioner. But, Pilates was my distraction from the pain.

Pilates isn’t something you can do mindlessly and its also not something you should do too slowly, too micromanaged. It’s a movement that requires you to be present on what is moving where and what your body is connecting to or flowing through. And, while I would walk in thanking the universe for baggy pants and loose fitting clothes on some of my worst days I would leave and realize that for about 50 min I didn’t even think about my stomach. I couldn’t even feel the pain.

Pilates became my retreat! And, I made sure that I almost never missed a day. As time went on and my digestive issues grew to be more than I could bear and more than doctors could figure out I started to lose strength.

The thing about digestive issues is that they rarely just mean embarrassing moments of bloat. When you have gut issues it’s not just your appearance that takes a beating. It can affect you hormonally, nutritionally and mentally!

Last year, after feeling like I was losing all the strength and stamina that I had gained in the previous 9 years I found out I kind of was. The levels of metal in my system from our water and living in a city of smoke was causing my brains messages to my body to be blocked. I was no longer digesting proteins properly, vitamin d and b12 were almost non-existent.

I could go on and on! But, after years of the doctors not figuring out the issue my body was starting to fail me. And, not only did that mean it was affecting my day to day life it was affecting my Pilates practice too.

What used to be my solace from my digestive turmoil became the place where I could clearly see I was getting sicker.

A year after I finally got results that made sense and started the journey of healing my body I still am in repair mode. But, wow! Let me tell you that as I sit here sharing this with you I am a hundred times better. I am not in daily pain. I also have the energy and will to workout and that means my Pilates practice is back on and at a level that challenges me.

I have no idea the cause, I wish I did. I wish I could tell you this is what caused it so that others wouldn’t have to go through what I did. But, what I can say is this, do not stop searching for answers. It took me leaving my doctors to get answers but that might not be the same for you.

What I do know is that movement helped me more than anything. Doing Pilates is what helped me realize I wasn’t feeling well. I went from having the strength to do anything to lethargy. Then, Pilates became a space where I didn’t have to be the girl with stomach issues. And, in time revealed to me that I was actually getting worse. I have no idea how long it would have taken me to realize that had I not be doing Pilates. Now, Pilates is showing me just how far along I have come.

If you are suffering from stomach or digestive issues and you’re cleared for exercise I do recommend trying Pilates. I know it seems like the last kind of workout you would want to do but Pilates really allows you to have your own growth and journey. You use your whole body in every session, not just your abs.

Next time we talk gut issues I’ll share my travel tips! Because, even if you have never suffered issues from the gut my travel advice will help you get anywhere you want to go and feeling so good!

xx~LL

PS if you have a story you want to share with me I would love to hear it! It’s so important to not keep it to yourself. One of the hardest parts of not feeling well was the loneliness it brought along with it. Share your story below or connect with me on Instagram.

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL

THE CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

What Storms you ask? Well, Thanksgiving (USA) just happened and we’re kicking off the big Holiday Season right away. Let’s use this week’s Mat & Reformer classes to connect to our breath, center from the powerhouse, and find a little calm.

On the Reformer, we’ll be working to make Running more than that exercise you do to stretch your calves. And on the Mat well alter some of our traditional breathing patterns for a calming challenge!

You won’t need any special props, just your fabulous, Deep-Breathing selves!

See you in class,

Tami

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

THE BOSS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In the states its the week of Thanksgiving which means a lot of things to do and little time for you. And whether you live in the states or not I wanted to give everyone an excuse to leave any room so they can "meet with the boss" aka take class!

And you are the boss! The meeting is with you, your practice and OPC! Tell people The Boss called. They'll let you go and they'll totally understand that 30 min is a legit time to talk to The Boss.

The prop needed on the Mat: Pillows or a bolster or ball. I'm thinking about things you might have in any bedroom to take a call.

Reformer: if you happen to have access to a Reformer this week YAY! The Reformer is going to be the boss. The sounds it makes, the way it feels, its got feedback for ya!

See ya in class,

xx~LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, pillows or a bolster or ball and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

TINSEL AND TEASERS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’ll focus on Teaser because we can! It’s hard! And when in need a pretty great party trick.

The end of the year brings lots of parties you want to go to, some you have to go to and some you wish you could get out of.

Let this workout be and excuse for not going to a party or as a prep for the party trick you might just need!

Props: On the Mat and Reformer a theraband for your Tinsel!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SLEIGH THE DAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Sleigh or Slay? This time of year we say both!

Reflecting on the year and recognizing all of the work we put into our practice hopefully feels like we slayed the year!! Now we are getting ready for the holidays and heading into a new year so we can sleigh and get it done!

This week I want you to feel like you can do your very best with each exercise! Meet your body where it is, have fun and dont judge how it goes! There are always those exercises you aren’t sure about, but today you just have to go into it saying, I WILL SLEIGH this one! Lets do this!!

No props needed for these classes!

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

There are some Rocking Moves in Pilates! This whole month we’ll be getting our Jingle On as we use each piece of equipment to prepare for and expand on those rolling & rocking postures. Bring that holiday spirit, let's rock!

Mat - no props needed
Reformer - Reformer Box and Pole
Cadillac - no props needed
Chair - no props needed

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

Super STAR

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Did you know that a Superstar has definitions surrounding it that call out words like “prime attraction”, “prominent”, and “public appeal”?

I’m laughing as I write this description because this month’s theme is about the exercise STAR and I think these words are usually disassociated with that exercise! LOL!!!

If you hate doing Star, never wanted to try Star, or have no idea what Star is - these workouts are for YOU!!
If you love Star - I’d love to know why, but also - these workouts are for YOU!!

Throughout the Pilates method there aren’t many exercises where the side body is the main attraction, which is interesting because we need to use our side body to do some of the first exercises we learn. Rolling exercises, Roll Up, and Push Up/Planking - all need to call on your side body muscles to help you do the exercises.

Our focus this month is side body work to help you not only be a SuperSTAR and try STAR, but to help you connect to these muscles to do all the other exercises.

Let’s have FUN this month and forget about the stigma STAR may or may not have :)

Equipment needed:

Reformer = the box

Cadillac = no props needed!

Chair = no props needed, but you might want a yoga block to prop up your pedal

Mat = no props needed!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋