Are you moving poorly because you are in pain? Or are you in pain because you are moving poorly?

I have now been teaching my program, “Gentle Pilates” and practicing Pilates for the past seven years. And for me, the greatest benefit of Pilates has nothing to do with what my body looks like (though it is a byproduct I’m okay with). So far the greatest benefit would be that Pilates has offered a sense of power when I was feeling powerless, and that is really important in managing or moving beyond any of the very serious challenges I have faced, in the last few years.

I feel whole and now even more empowered to move forward in my life, and help those who live in pain. Pilates continues to remind me of my own deeper resources and vitality. I have authored three books, produced a documentary, am Executive Director of a non-profit organization, and an international speaker with a leading physician & researcher on Fibromyalgia. (Dr. Martin Tamler)

Pilates is a form of exercise. But it is also an art form, a movement science.  It is a technique so precise that its results remain with you forever, even if you live with Fibromyalgia.

And not only do I see and feel changes within my body, but the bodies of the fibro patients in my class. One gal walked into the first class, in pain, and only came because of her friend. She announced she would not continue because it was difficult for her to move. But she did-slowly and I monitored and watch every step of the way, and we added gentle modifications. I am proud to say at the end of the 4th class session she was inquiring when the registration was, for the next session!

Pilates has not cured her (or me) of all our pain. But more than any other practice (or medication), it has cured me of the helplessness associated with pain. Pilates keeps me in the present moment, but with fluidity from this moment to the next. It’s a good place to be.

I don’t want to perfectly control my body. I just want to know that I have choices and many creative ways to act. I’ve finally have make friends with my body and got to know it better.  My class/myself have been growing in appreciation of how their body is their greatest personal resource, not simply a source of pain.

I received this comment in a note from the gal I mentioned above:

No matter what, I have to take very good care of myself. Pilates helps me feel strong, agile, calm, and a little less compressed. Looking forward to my next class.

If you struggle with the daily pain, of fibromyalgia I encourage you to find a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor (who understand the condition,) and try a Gentle Matt Class. The results after just a few sessions can truly be life changing — I know, for they have been for me.

Want to learn more? Here are ways to connect with me:
https://twitter.com/DrSharonO
https://www.facebook.com/sharon.ostalecki.PhD
http://gentlepilates.com