hi cait! slightly off topic so no worries if you can't get to this q, but i'm curious if you have any thoughts about reformer pilates? i've been trying it out and really enjoy it... (especially as someone who feels super limited by long-standing chronic pain as you know) but i think you've mentioned that ab exercises can be counterintuitive for those with pelvic floor challenges, esp. vaginismus.
Hey Rachel! I generally like reformer pilates! You just want to look out for your own body’s feedback (ie have things been more challenging) and also I’d avoid any classic “core” work like the hundred etc. But reformer pilates has a lot of really fun eccentric core work (eg lengthen as you strengthen) that I really love for folks with tension in their pelvic floor.
That's good to know. Thank you for this! (It also helps a lot that the pilates studio is a 4 min walk from my apartment. It feels really exciting that it's an accessible exercise form for me, which fits in with a lot of what you've shared about finding movement that works for you!) :)
I am super intrigued by the vagus nerve and the involvement it probably has in a couple of things that bug me about my body--my chronic cough and my urge incontinence. I'm excited for this deep dive!!
The infographics are incredibly helpful here! Thank you for your insight. I have a deeper understanding of the nervous system after reading.
I’m so glad it was helpful! Thanks for being here. ❤️
hi cait! slightly off topic so no worries if you can't get to this q, but i'm curious if you have any thoughts about reformer pilates? i've been trying it out and really enjoy it... (especially as someone who feels super limited by long-standing chronic pain as you know) but i think you've mentioned that ab exercises can be counterintuitive for those with pelvic floor challenges, esp. vaginismus.
Hey Rachel! I generally like reformer pilates! You just want to look out for your own body’s feedback (ie have things been more challenging) and also I’d avoid any classic “core” work like the hundred etc. But reformer pilates has a lot of really fun eccentric core work (eg lengthen as you strengthen) that I really love for folks with tension in their pelvic floor.
That's good to know. Thank you for this! (It also helps a lot that the pilates studio is a 4 min walk from my apartment. It feels really exciting that it's an accessible exercise form for me, which fits in with a lot of what you've shared about finding movement that works for you!) :)
so cool! I‘m a pelvic floor physio myself and focus on the nervous system so much!! :) it has the biggest impact.
I totally agree! It changes everything.
I am super intrigued by the vagus nerve and the involvement it probably has in a couple of things that bug me about my body--my chronic cough and my urge incontinence. I'm excited for this deep dive!!