NP. Which Pilates place do you recommend, especially with a weak core/back?

Anonymous wrote:I have been taking reformer pilates for the past couple of months, and am ready to move on because I think I am exacerbating back issues from it. Part of the issue is that I find that the reformer pilates instructors don’t do a good job with corrections, and part is because I find it easier to self-correct my form in a barre or even mat pilates class vs reformer pilates because in the former I am not also mentally juggling the “how-to’s” of the machine, and when vertical (much of a reformer pilates class is lying down) I can observe my form in the wall mirrors in the room.

The best Pilates classes are often mat based, offered at dance studios for $10. Reformers are created to push clients into studios for $34/class.

Also consider trying Barre3 and see if that makes a difference. The movements are very different from those in Pure Barre. In PB, which I took for awhile, I always felt like a hunched over rabbit doing micro moves with a tucked pelvis. Barre3 feels a little more “flowy” in comparison.

Reformer pilates. Book a 1:1 appointment to start so you can make sure you are doing the movements correctly with the machines and learning which muscles to engage.

Pure Barre is not great because I agree, the instructors do not do enough postural corrections (maybe it's a liability to do them but should be in the waiver). Having correct alignment is how you engage the muscles and avoid injury. It's the same with yoga. If the teacher does not actively check and adjust students posture, there will be very little improvement and incorrect forms can cause injury. Of course, incorrect adjustments can cause injury too, which is why it's important to disclose any major issues with an instructor before class.

Pilates/Barre/Yoga and free weights are all about finding the correct form for your particular body in order to avoid injury and get the maximum benefits.

Anonymous wrote:I have been taking reformer pilates for the past couple of months, and am ready to move on because I think I am exacerbating back issues from it. Part of the issue is that I find that the reformer pilates instructors don’t do a good job with corrections, and part is because I find it easier to self-correct my form in a barre or even mat pilates class vs reformer pilates because in the former I am not also mentally juggling the “how-to’s” of the machine, and when vertical (much of a reformer pilates class is lying down) I can observe my form in the wall mirrors in the room.

It sounds like you're going to a studio with poorly trained instructors. I started going to Pilates at the end of my PT sessions for a herniated disc last summer and my PT was all for it and it has been great for me.

I have been taking reformer pilates for the past couple of months, and am ready to move on because I think I am exacerbating back issues from it. Part of the issue is that I find that the reformer pilates instructors don’t do a good job with corrections, and part is because I find it easier to self-correct my form in a barre or even mat pilates class vs reformer pilates because in the former I am not also mentally juggling the “how-to’s” of the machine, and when vertical (much of a reformer pilates class is lying down) I can observe my form in the wall mirrors in the room.

I’m a PB client and I think they do a horrible job of correcting form so it is no surprise clients like OP and PP wind up with strain and injuries.

Try to book a class with the studio owner or one of the longer tenured teachers and tell them what’s bothering you and ask for form tips. Even better if you can find a class time that isn’t too full and tell them you want hands on corrections during class.

Throughout class use the mirrors to check on your form - keep a straight line from your shoulders to your hips. During seat, keep the movements small and concentrated in the muscle instead of arching your lower back to get your leg up higher. If you can’t do the movements as directed or something doesn’t feel right, ask for a modification.

I also have to be really careful at PB not to get back and core injuries.

I never use the tube. Ever. It exacerbates my back problems.

I sometimes avoid the “harder”, more intense instructors, especially if I feel myself starting to have a back problem. I stick with the easier instructors.

I will completely sit out exercises that I think are exacerbating a muscle pull.

Overall I think the benefits of pb vastly outweigh the risks. 10000-1.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reformer Pilates. NOT solid core

Just curious why you specify not solidcore?

NP - Solidcore is based on the Lagree Method. It isn’t Pilates.
https://www.lagreefitness.com/lagree-vs-pilates

Anonymous wrote:Reformer Pilates. NOT solid core

Just curious why you specify not solidcore?

I would definitely stop the Barre classes for a bit and try reformer pilates to strengthen your core (abs and back). After a couple months try incorprating Barre again and see how you feel. It's good to change up workouts.

Reformer Pilates. NOT solid core

Or if you have back pain, go to a PT a few times. It sounds like you're exercising some muscles and not supporting others.

It’s likely you and how you are doing the exercises, not the exercises themselves. I’d work with a trainer to strengthen your core, while monitoring your form to prevent injury and to work with you to correct your form and movement

I was an avid PureBarre participant for a year. I LOVED it and it changed my body for the better! However, I kept getting injured and after having a back injury that took a month to heal...I am decided to quit barre. I think it is too intense for me so I am thinking of switching to pilates as I hear it is gentler and better for your back.

In your experience which is better for back pain?