I've just started a yoga/pilates class, and I am depressed about how NOT flexible I am! I'm middle-aged and creaky, LOL! If I stick with it, will I regain some of my former flexibility, or is this as good as it gets?

By Groovepickle on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 01:16 pm:

Oh no you will gain all that flexibility back. Oh and by the way, How long did it take you to lose the flexability? It's not going to happen overnight but do expect to see improvements within 3 months.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 01:18 pm:

I had ZERO flexibility when I started Pilates when Kaitlyn was around a year old. Within 2 months I noticed a huge change in my flexibility. I swear by Pilates and can't wait to start it after this baby is born. It worked so great for me!

By Heaventree on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 01:23 pm:

You will definately get your flexibilty back, depending on how often you are practicing you might even see improvements before 3 months.

When you are watching T.V. at night sit on the floor and do some gentle stretching for a few minutes. Don't push yourself too hard or you will end up sore. You can also buy some pilates body bands they will help you with a nice gentle stretch and help you keep a little more stable.

Also, Yoga is not a competition it's about doing your best for yourself. Don't compare yourself to others in the class. Some people are naturally more flexible than others. Lastly if you breathe through your stretches it will really help get that extra little bit in.

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 02:35 pm:

Definitely! I was taking a Pilates/yoga class a couple years ago, taught by a Hindu lady. She has started teaching classes again sort of near me, and Jen and I may start going.

Believe it or not, when I was between 34 and 39, I could do a split. I was taking competition dance classes (tap and jazz) and was in great shape. Then I ruptured a disk in my back and lost a LOT of flexibility.

It takes a few months, but you WILL get it back.

By Janet on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 03:03 pm:

Oh, I KNOW I didn't lose it overnight...
I just wanted to know if there was any hope for me! Thanks for the encouraging words!

By Breann on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 06:14 pm:

I love pilates! The flexibility will come in time. Just keep going!

By Conni on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 08:41 am:

Oh Lord, I tried one of these DVD's and ended up laying on the floor through most of it with my jam wide open in disbelief wondering how the heck my body was ever going to do what that lady was doing. LOL!!! I decided it couldnt be safe.

Have fun!!!

By Kym on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 02:46 pm:

You will become even more flexible with regualar practice! and leaner muscles as well.

Melissa, there are two great videos, Pre and Post Natal Pillates available, I can't remember the complete name off the top of my head but if you e-mail me I'll get it by Monday for ya. I did both with and after my last, and it's a great stress reducer as well as keeps you from getting to stiff and keeps muscle tone up.

By Janet on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 03:53 pm:

Dh and I were watching TV the other night, and there was one of those workout commercials, showing a very buff (and very young)woman, with an incredibly flat stomach... I mentioned how much I would love to have one of those, and dh told me I could...
I said no, I couldn't. I pointed out that this young lady probably hadn't had any kids, to which my dd said that some women have had kids and still have trim bodies...
So then I said fine, but I never had a flat stomach, even in junior high! We were all laughing, but secretly I wonder, what are the chances, without surgery? Probably not very likely. Reality check, Janet!!

By Janet on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 03:53 pm:

BTW, I'm not out for a flat stomach.

By Brandy on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 04:11 pm:

supposedly there is a vitamin? called cla/gla still ? lol i'm not sure but i heard it does wonders for bellies i need to make sure what the name of it is and get me some lol = )