further quick note on embodiment

[kaberett]

So it turns out that Pilates is making me more aware of my back muscles more generally, and that in turn is making it easier to recruit them to use them, and that in turn meant I managed a full set of horn exercises today without the bottom of my shoulderblades turning into burning wretchedness by the end, even with breaks. My lats got sore, but I was consciously engaging them and it felt muscular rather than "joint screaming", so! Tangible benefits! And I've been getting more practice in as part of my attempt to work out what my musculature is doing, so I'm generally sounding better, too.

Would it be going even better if I weren't simultaneously reading books? Eh, probably, but (1) it's worked out so far and (2) enjoy my geology rant tomorrow, friends, it's coming with citations.

Comments

[alexseanchai]

*victory trumpets*

[cloudsinvenice]

It's amazing how it changes body awareness generally. I fell out of practice in the last few months and now I'm trying verrrry gradually to pick it up again and a bit overwhelmed at the thought, tbh. But I liked the way it made me feel.

[kaberett]

gosh, yes, this is definitely something where I feel like coaxing myself back into it with "spend five minutes on the mat, even just doing breathing and pelvic tilts" is worthwhile!

[jedusor]

do you happen to have a non-body-shaming rec for Pilates workout videos? I just checked youtube and the top few were all about TONING and SLIMMING and SHAPING :/

[kaberett]

Nnn, not really? In that I mostly don't videos, and when I do I'm focusing on rehab Pilates or Pilates for EDS (which tend to be... less... grim... in terms of body shape/size comments); for intros to movemens/exercises I'd poke at UCLH. The books I have are PilateSystem, Trevor Blount & Eleanor McKenzie, and Simply Pilates ("Instant Master Class", published by Hinkler Books). The latter comes with a DVD that I've not used at all but the text itself isn't too grim re embodiment (there's an introductory bit about "lean musculature without disproportionate bulkiness!!!" but eh.)

I regret that I can't be more help on this one!

[silveradept]

This sounds like progress, and clearly notable progress.

[sfred]

Ooh, maybe Pilates would enable me to play the fiddle for longer!