When My Gut Was At its Worst Pilates Was There to Help

I started doing Pilates several years before I began teaching Pilates. But, it was just before my Pilates apprenticeship began that my stomach started to give me issues. And, as I write this I am happy to report that after 10 years of digestive issues I am stronger than ever. Pilates was always there for me. Sometimes it was the only time I felt whole, connected and strong. Pilates was one of the only places I found ‘real’ answers for how I felt and where I was even when my stomach and seemingly my body felt like it was fighting against me.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • September 5, 2019
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When My Gut Was At its Worst Pilates Was There to Help scaled thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes

I started doing Pilates several years before I began teaching Pilates. But, it was just before my Pilates apprenticeship began that my stomach started to give me issues. And, as I write this I am happy to report that after 10 years of digestive issues I am stronger than ever. Pilates was always there for me. Sometimes it was the only time I felt whole, connected and strong. Pilates was one of the only places I found ‘real’ answers for how I felt and where I was even when my stomach and seemingly my body felt like it was fighting against me.

When it comes to the gut there are many things that can be going wrong. And, so even if what I write sounds familiar to you I highly recommend you get seek professional help. And, do not stop until you get help. My doctors sooo got my situation wrong. I know it wasn’t on purpose. But, their help did make things worse for me. Please be your own advocate. I’m happy to send you the info for those who helped me.

Pilates is often thought of as an ab workout. And, even though there is plenty of evidence that it is not. The fact that you want everything to connect to your center as you move can make someone who suffers from stomach issues run for the alps. Or, think Pilates isn’t for them.

For me, I would start the day feeling and looking like a badass. As the day went on the clothes I was wearing in the morning would be swapped out for clothes that were looser to make room for my expanding stomach. Then by the end of the day, I was in sweats and in puppy dog pose to stretch my center and keep things moving. TMI? Sorry, not sorry, this info is something I want to share so if you’re suffering you know you’re not alone.

Doctors wanted to call it IBS…the catchall for “we don’t know but here’s this to help deal with the pain.” I was put on odd diets of all kinds. They would work for a bit and then eventually my system would figure them out and I would be back to square one. To say this was painful would be an understatement. Exhausting doesn’t even cut it. 10 years of wondering if “I could eat” something took a toll. Emotionally at the end, I was done. Physically I was barely functioning.

The pinnacle of these digestive issues came when I was doing more Pilates than ever before. I was doing The Work with Jay Grimes. My muscles were at their strongest. And, thank goodness for the program because had I not been in it I know I would have not been doing the one thing that makes me feel the best-Pilates.

If you are suffering from stomach issues I sooo feel you. I am welling up with tears thinking of you. I know it’s hard to take the time or effort to move your body. I also know that after every session I felt better than when I walked in. And, for at least 55 minutes I wasn’t thinking about my stomach. I wasn’t wondering if I had the right clothes in my bag to cover up my expanding stomach as the day dragged on. Pilates became a happy place for me. And while I couldn’t ‘feel’ my center most of the time. I could feel the footbar, the carriage, the mat, the handles, the straps, and springs.

I placed my focus on the things I could feel. The parts of my body that I could control. And after each session, I would have this post-Pilates bliss. I would feel like I was me. I was connected. I was whole.

If you are suffering from digestive issues, my goodness I feel for you. And I know that Pilates sounds like the last thing you want to do. But, I also know that the relaxation, the meditation that Pilates provided me, the control and connection kept me going. And, now, 6 months mostly pain-free, I can feel my center when I do Pilates.

xx~LL

PS I do not have IBS, never did. I had an overgrowth of stomach bacteria that despite doctors efforts the lack of support and discovery caused stress. That stress caused my body to stop producing stomach acid and go through a digestive cycle. Which then caused me to stop absorbing nutrition from food and the ability to break down food. So, every time I ate the food would sit and ferment aka bloat and the bacteria would feed off the food aka bloat. And there was only so much room so insert pain every day. The world is under massive stress on a daily basis. If you have stomach issues before you think it’s something diagnosable know that stress is the cause of 99% of all health issues.

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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6 comments

  1. Thanks for discussing this, Lesley. Your candor is amazing.
    Wanted to chime in that I have similar digestive issues: Astounding bloat. Innards complaining LOUDY during meetings. Discomfort! Frustration.
    Goes through cycles. Can last months.
    Stress absolutely a major factor!
    Thanks for keeping it real. 🙂

    1. Thank you J! I am hoping to write and share more like this. And ugh, I so so so feel you. There were nights when I went to bed at 5pm because I was in so much pain. And cycling was quite interesting too. I figured out what mine was. I hope you are able to find some more hints as to whats causing yours. Now that I am doing better when I have a set back I have no idea how I handled the pain before. xx~LL

  2. I need to check more into this witih my soon-to-be-new Dr. I have had issues for more than 30 years 🙁

    Thanks for sharing!

    1. Please pleas please be your own advocate. I know many doctors and homeopathic ones that believe IBS is a catch all. There is a way to really hone in on what your exact issue is.

  3. I was diagnosed with gastroparensis where my food just sits in my stomach. I’m
    Glad I got an endoscopy and I now I know why I feel so bad. I’m working on trying to resolve this through smaller meals however I still need to do a swallowing study (radioactive eggs, yummy) to see how king my food sits there. I also found out that probiotics aren’t always your friend. I am being tested for SIBO next. IBS diagnosis 20 years ago. Wrong.

    1. Yeah, Most people don’t realize that you have to get more strains in your probiotics. They are not all created equal. I def had a “sibo” like life but through changing my diet and probiotics and then going off those to do stomach acid because my food just sat there all day life is soo much better. Now, as long as I don’t eat more than my fair share (sometimes you just can’t help yourself) I am back on track. I’m interested to hear how long your food sits there too. Hope you find something that works for you. xx~LL

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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 💋