PILATES HELPS YOU TO FIND YOUR INNER BALANCE AGAIN

Dr Martina Fenselau is a pulmonary specialist and has been a Pilates teacher since 2019. Particularly in times of high stress, regular training helps not only to strengthen the body, but also the mind, she says. An interview.

Why is Pilates helpful in coronavirus times?

Many people complain of a lack of structure in their everyday lives in these times. Pilates helps to structure your day with defined training times. The exercises are very easy to do at home – you don’t need more than a yoga mat and ideally a laptop.

Do you also have online groups yourself?

I actually teach Pilates at a sports club once a week. At the beginning of the second lockdown, i.e. in October 2020, we migrated from our beautiful room to the Net. Almost all our participants have stayed with us. Some new ones have even been added.

Can everyone deal with the technology?

Actually, this is no longer a problem. Perhaps the only positive aspect of Covid is that we have all learned how to use video conference tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Jitsi. Of course, you need a reasonably stable Internet connection.

Are home workouts the future?

I think they will be offered in addition to classroom sessions. Training alone at home cannot simply replace the community feeling of being in the gym. It is also much harder for the trainer to correct postures over a screen. There are also a number of pieces of sports equipment in the gym that are missing at home. But online training also has possibilities. If, for example, you are restricted by illness or childcare or your journey is really far, you can use this method to join Pilates in a group.

“Pilates promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates the production of happiness hormones and increases self-perception.”

For now I have to motivate myself at home. Do you have a tip for this situation?

It is easy to motivate yourself if you set a specific date. A fixed time on a fixed day. Sometimes it helps to meet up with a friend. It is also important to set realistic goals. For the duration of a single exercise or for the entire training. By the way, every Pilates session should be followed by a ten-minute relaxation phase, during which soothing music can be played. Relaxation is used to better perceive your body and to feel yourself again. In fact, many people perceive this time with themselves and their bodies as a reward.

Why do you recommend Pilates to women with breast cancer?

Pilates promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates the production of happiness hormones and increases self-perception. The correct breathing, which is an essential component of any Pilates exercise, can help women to rest after the surgery and to find their inner balance again. Long-held stretching exercises for the upper body also increase well-being.

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Are there any special exercises especially for the time after breast surgery?

In principle, mainly the exercises that train the chest and torso muscles. Examples are the “chair”, “cactus” and “cat cow”. All these movements also help to prevent neck tension. This training is particularly recommended after the operation because it is gentle and careful.

How did you come to Pilates yourself?

For me it was a rheumatic disorder. I had to urgently think about myself and do more for myself. Due to the targeted movements, harmonious muscle strengthening and correct fascia stretching, I soon felt much better. At the same time, the training gave me firmer muscles. I think my body is nicer now and therefore I have a better feeling of self-esteem.

And now you are giving courses yourself.

I wouldn’t have thought that either. However, as a doctor, it became clear to me at some point that Pilates would be a great opportunity to offer my patients alternative support for recovery. Although it always takes me a lot of time to put together a training programme, it is great fun to teach other people something.

And what is the feedback like?

(laughs) Good. My participants encourage me. This motivates me to always come up with new ideas and gives me more self-confidence too.

Thanks!

To all the fitters, breast care nurses and healthcare professionals who were there offering support and advice over recent months, you have done a great job!