[Vickie]

Pilates can be a great choice if you find a teacher that understands where you are. Unfortunately pilates instructors assume a higher level of fitness. The method was designed by Joseph Pilates for rheumatoid arthritis.Unfortunately doctors believed that any exercise was the kiss of death for this autoimmune disorder; it has since changed it's mind. He made some headway in the mainstream community but since he is practically the grandfather of 'core' training the ballet community was the place his work was most appreeciated and applied. Consequently the teaching methods were established for a uniquely physical population. As the methodology has become more mainstream it has improved. But watch out. Call a couple of studios and ask them what they recommend. Compare the answers and their willingness to discuss their programs with you. I use pilates in all of my work on some level. More often than not I modify it to work in an individuals limitations. An example of a modification would be that I personally use some pilates in my abdominal work but because of some fusion that occurred naturally in my neck (as a result of the accident I mentioned in an earlier post) I can't do three of the basic ten exercises they recommend. I have never found a pilates instructor that would accept this on face value. So I learned what works for me and trust it and make my workout happen. You could also pick up a video version for home. Variety and convience are priceless. Vickie