Sabrina’s Daily Dose: Hiking and Pilates/Yoga
—When I walk I stick to natural trails. They are easier on my feet and back. I invested in solid waterproof (Reynaud’s) hiking shoes that have foam lining to add comfort. I only carry my phone in one pocket and mace in the other. I keep it light and make sure my clothing flows easily. Then I’m off! I don’t carry water because it hurts my back, shoulders and arms after just a short while. I don’t stay out on the trail too long so I don’t need water. I’ll increase my time only if there are water fountains and benches to rest. I don’t try to go fast and I rest often. I don’t do the same exercise routine back to back either to reduce which part of my body I’m strengthening or abusing depending on which way you look at it.
—For pilates and yoga I don’t go to a gym. I know many think it’s the only way to go but it’s not. I have thorough DVD’s that I do at home that teach me how to alter the poses to work for me. As my instructor says, “There is no perfect pose just a perfect you making the pose work perfect for you.”
If you can’t touch your toes and think pilates and yoga won’t help or is out of your reach I can promise it’s not. Maintaining range of motion is one of the best things we can do to battle AS so it’s worth putting a solid effort into finding something that works for you! I would recommend starting with pilates because it builds your core muscles that help support our weak skeletal structure. It was easier for my body to start there then progress to Yoga. I won’t promise it will be easy but I know YOU CAN DO IT! In order to be comfortable for the floor exercise I bought a very thick mat but on bad days it can be done on the bed as well. I use pillows where needed and elastic straps and blocks to reach where I can’t reach anymore. Don’t expect it to be comfortable or easy right away especially if you’ve never done it before.
We Spondys take a long time to reach what others may not have to work too hard for. It doesn’t mean we won’t get there! Go slow respect the screaming “NO’s”! Push the “kinks” just till you feel them, hold it for at least thirty second and back off! You will begin to see improvements slowly and steadily. You will begin to feel your body building what you thought you’d lost forever.
YOU CAN DO IT!
Tomorrow’s Daily Dose will be about Cycling, I hope you will join me. Please feel free to leave a comment or question.
Sabrina Diane