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

  • 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.

LOVE POTION NO. 9

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Some days, just thinking about getting your full workout in can seem overwhelming! Let’s do this 2-week focus on the Mat and the Reformer in 9 exercise clips. We’ll flow through 9 exercises, then focus on a deep stretch…then jump to the next 9 exercises, and so on. 

What a great way to reward our efforts and work on our flexibility! And if you’re short on time, your workout is already in bite-sized chunks. 

Jump in where you’d like!

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 and a reformer!

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


COME AS YOU ARE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Come as you are. As a friend. As I want you to be.

It’s the first month of the year, which tends to put a lot of pressure on people to be a certain way or to start working on new goals, but not this week.

The teachers at OPC want you to come to our classes as you are, because we will meet you where you are. Show up for yourself this week, without an agenda or any goals in mind, and let us celebrate you for showing up and taking class. Simply come as you are.

Props needed:
Mat: barrel, blanket, or bolster
Reformer: small ball

See you in class,
Rachel

PLANK YOU VERY MUCH!

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

After the holidays we can be left feeling like it's been a while since we've moved our bodies. If it's cold where you are then your shoulders are even more forward. And, if the end of the year is at all stressful for you, then hello shoulders in your ears.

This month we are going to explore our "Achy Breaky Hearts." Focusing on extension, tall back, amazing posture and also if we can get our hearts open without over arching.

Mat - Bolster and light weights
Reformer - Theraband/Pole
Tower/Cadillac - no props
Wunda Chair - no props

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

HIP HIP HOORAY

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

We will turn on the heat in your Hips and Thass® this month! When your hip flexors and/or lower back are feeling tight from stress, overwork or sitting too much, these classes can help! Yes, tension in the hip area needs stretch, but tight often means weak - so we will build strength and awareness in your entire lower body.

Enjoy freed and happy hips on Reformer, Wunda Chair, Mat and Tower/Cadillac!

Props needed:
Mat - Magic Circle
Reformer - ball, box & pole
Tower/Cadillac: no props (if you don´t have a bottom hook for Standing Leg Springs you can use a Theraband)
Wunda Chair - Yoga block (not required)

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

PILATES IS MAGIC!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Its my bday week! I'm turning 42 and in my research to find a song or something epic around 42 I found quite a few things. In the intro's of class I explain some of them. But one I found was that Rainbows start at 42 degrees of the reflection. And something I love about Rainbows is they show us how possible it is to find the longest arc always. Rainbows don't sag anywhere.

Props needed:
Magic Circle: If you don’t own a Magic Circle, grab a ball or pillow. Or a resistance band that you can tie to make a circle!

See you in class,
Megan

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

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

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

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


IT'S ALL ABOUT THE EXHALE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In Joseph Pilates book "Return to Life" he talks about the importance of our breath and how most of us do not exhale enough. In this week's class, we will focus on the exhale. Of course, you should still inhale!

You don't need anything extra. Just you and those lungs.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE EXHALE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In Joseph Pilates book "Return to Life" he talks about the importance of our breath and how most of us do not exhale enough. In this week's class, we will focus on the exhale. Of course, you should still inhale!

You don't need anything extra. Just you and those lungs.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

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.


LOVE POTION NO. 9

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Some days, just thinking about getting your full workout in can seem overwhelming! Let’s do this 2-week focus on the Mat and the Reformer in 9 exercise clips. We’ll flow through 9 exercises, then focus on a deep stretch…then jump to the next 9 exercises, and so on. 

What a great way to reward our efforts and work on our flexibility! And if you’re short on time, your workout is already in bite-sized chunks. 

Jump in where you’d like!

See you in class,
Tami

DEFYING GRAVITY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Defying Gravity - kinda of how we do Pilates always! Our practice improves the more we understand that our entire body is working in every exercise. Nothing is over working or under working. In fact, the idea of using tensegrity in our workout can help us identify where we need to explore more strength and length.

This workout, inspired by Wicked and Cynthia Erivo is designed to help you see the power you have within you!

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, barrel, blanket, a broom stick/pole/yard stick and a mat!

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

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

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


PILATES IS MAGIC!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Have you felt the magic of Pilates? Pilates feels so different when we are not only moving joints but finding connections, and it’s magic ✨. In this class we will use the Magic Circle to find those magical connections and then practice finding the connections without our prop.

Magic Circle: If you don’t own a Magic Circle, grab a ball or pillow. Or a resistance band that you can tie to make a circle!

See you in class,
Megan

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