4 minute read
PILATES HELPS YOU TO FIND YOUR INNER BALANCE AGAIN
Dr Martina Fenselau is a pulmonary specialist and has been a Pilates teacher since 2019. In our interview, she explains why, in times of high stress, regular training helps not only to strengthen the body, but also the mind.
Why is Pilates helpful during coronavirus?
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 teach Pilates at a sports club once a week. At the beginning of the second lockdown, in October 2020, we migrated from our beautiful room at the club to the internet. Almost all our participants have stayed with us. Some new ones have even been added.
Can everyone deal with the technology?
This isn’t really a problem anymore. 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 can’t replace the community feeling of being in the studio. It is also much harder for the instructor 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 does have its plus side. If, for example, you are restricted by illness or childcare or you live a long way from the studio, you can still join a Pilates group from home.
Do you have any tips on self-motivation when it comes to exercise?
It is easy to motivate yourself if you set a specific date and time each week. Sometimes it helps to
train with a friend. It is also important to set realistic goals – for each exercise and for the entire class. And there’s always the relaxation to look forward to at the end of each class, with soothing music. Ten minutes of relaxation helps to slow everything down and really put you in touch with your body. It’s like a reward for all the hard work and it leaves you refreshed and renewed for what lies ahead.
Why do you recommend Pilates to women with breast cancer? Pilates promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates the production of happiness hormones and helps increase self-awareness. Pilates brerathing techniques – an essential part of any Pilates exercise – help women find their inner balance again. And gentle stretches for the upper body help increase strength, range of movement and promote a feeling of wellbeing.
Are there any special exercises especially for the time after breast surgery?
Exercises that train the chest and torso muscles are ideal for this time. Examples are the ‚chair‘, the ‚cactus‘ and ‚cat cow‘. All these movements also help prevent neck tension and, because they are measured and gentle, they’re particularly recommended for women who have recently had breast surgery.
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Kitty Top (rose nude) Kitty Soft Bra (rose nude) Power Sports Bra
How did you come to Pilates yourself?
For me it was a rheumatic disorder. I had to urgently think about my body and how I could help myself stay well. Thanks to the targeted movements, harmonious muscle strengthening and fascia stretching, I soon felt much better. At the same time, the training gave me stronger muscles. I think my body is in better shape now and therefore I have a better feeling of self-esteem.
And now you are giving courses yourself.
I wouldn’t have thought I’d have gone in that direction. But as a doctor, it became clear to me 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.
BEING ACTIVE YOURSELF
Pilates is suitable for every level of fitness and can be practised anywhere. There are plenty of courses online, including some that are specifically designed for women recovering from breast cancer, like these from Breast Cancer Haven:
www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/gentle-pilates-class-post-op
Thanks!
To all the fitters, breast care nurses and healthcare professionals who have been there offering support and advice over recent months, and have done a great job!
