Pilates classes with a stoma
Hi Respond readers, Phillipa here!
I wanted to let you know all about my Pilates classes with having a stoma bag.
So I started Reformer Pilates classes with Girlcode Reformer at Girlcode Gym on the Wirral at the start of February this year and have fell in love with every class! Don’t get me wrong a lot of them are killer classes and fully get them muscles working but it’s the most amazing feeling!
What I’m here to tell you about is how I’ve been getting on with my Stoma during and after Pilates. Before I started I was quite nervous as I had never done Pilates before let alone Reformer and also hadn’t exercised in a long time so my fitness levels were not the best really. I always loved the look of Pilates and Reformer Pilates as it looked fun as well as getting that workout in too and also I used to be a dancer from the age of 3 to 18 so I wanted an amazing hobby back in my life again and to get my posture back to what it used to be with the dancing.
Before my first class I made sure to let the instructor know all about my stoma and certain core exercises I may not be able to do and that I have to go at my own pace and they are very understanding about it so when it came to my first class my instructor fully observed everything I did so i felt really taken care of.
I made sure for the first class to wear my stoma support belt just for that additional protection and extra support on my stoma. For me my confidence felt really good after a few classes so I don’t wear mine anymore but I just make sure to not push myself too much on certain exercises and now iv noticed I can actually do absolutely everything in class which is amazing!
I notice I ache a lot the day after with muscles which is a very good thing as that means I did a good job in class so I always make sure to get a nice relaxing bath to help them muscles feel good. For me the aches actually motivate me to get to another class which sounds crazy but if you know the feeling you know what I’m on about.
Iv been to 14 classes now and my strength has improved so much and I feel my core is actually getting stronger and that makes me so happy! Also my mental health has really improved and I feel so good in myself!It’s amazing what exercise can do and that not only is it great for your body, it’s also great for your mind.
My Stoma has been great and I’ve had nothing to worry about it just goes to show that a Stoma doesn’t stop you from doing what you love to do!
So to anyone out there who really wants to try Pilates but feels nervous about it, I hope I’ve made you feel much better about going and that you feel excited to join a class!
I can’t tell you all how much I’m obsessed with it and now get to say I am well and truly a Pilates Princess!