To wonder if I will ever have any core strength?!

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10 years on from Pregnancy/Csection and I still have NO core strength.

To the point that I am struggling in Pilates classes (which I started about 4 months ago along with HIIT classes) to do half the moves.
I literally can't do so many moves either because they hurt my back to the point the instructor & I agree its dangerous so make a major adjustment, or because I physically just do not have the strength to pull them off.
It's so depressing when i am one of the youngest people in the class and I seem to be so pathetic!

I'm just feeling so frustrated as I cant see how I will ever get stronger in my core if I cant even do the relevant core strength manoeuvres?!

I am enjoying pilates though.. but certain moves are just impossible. This is reformer btw. But I struggle on the mat too..

I am otherwise pretty fit...! Size 12/14, strong legs and glutes...

You may want to get a personal trainer (or just have a few sessions to make sure you are moving correctly and safely) and do weight training. 3x sessions of weight training a week got me in the best shape of my life after each of my pregnancies (I also dropped a bunch of weight too). The trainer will start you at light weights, either using machines or free weights, which you will increase as you get stronger and can target all the muscle groups you are describing as weak. I wouldn’t do Pilates before building that core strength you are talking about. I have always found strength training to be more successful then cardio at getting me back to optimal health and a shapely and slim figure (combined with eating Whole Foods).

Pilates I would consider more advanced and the next step from a really good weight training routine.

I would find an instructor who really knows their stuff to help you with the very best exercises and make sure you are doing them properly.

Rowing (in a boat or on a gym machine) is fantastic for core strength if you do it properly.

Thanks for your thoughts & experience/view.
It's interesting as I went for Pilates after years of being told it was the ultimate excercise to strengthen and focus on your core but maybe I am just not fit or strong enough yet and am starting too 'early'?

It's actually a very personal and small class, only 2-3 of us in a class so it's pretty personalised and focused, and the teachers are very nurturing. They say I just have to build up to it.

The HIIT is actually a lot with weights and I have been doing kettle bells regularly for years...

Perhaps need to up the specific weight training as you say..

It's a very focused and small class, only 2-3 of us - and the instructor is fantastic. She's very sought after. She watches very carefully and always guides me and adjusts my positions etc.
I 100% agree, you need to do it correctly for it to be effective, hence joined this specific class.

I just feel amazed sometimes by my inability to do certain movements! Like there must be something wrong with me 😂

I'm on week six (of once a week, because it's ££) of reformer Pilates and I'm just starting to see improvements in my core.

The one where your legs are over the foot bar and you do v slow sit ups, I've only just been able to reliably do more than three of these.

I think reformer is a really good exercise for total beginners, but you need a very good instructor, one who will correct your form. There are a few moves I've been struggling with and when my form has been corrected I can do them (even though it's knackering).

There's only ever 4 people to 1 instructor in my Pilates class, which does help with individual instruction.

I would say, I've got some injuries that need considering in some moves, but none of them would class as major changes or concessions to the move, is your instructor good?

Oh sorry, I just read your last post. If she does correct your form etc then I've not the foggiest what's going on. Maybe try and do other, more regular core work between sessions?

See if you can find 1 to 1 physio led Pilates (there is such a thing)

I had similar and it took me years to build up core strength with pilates, going 2 or 3 times a week.Had to modify for a long time.

The pilates class you are going to is too difficult for you (which is OK and not anything to be ashamed of!) - pilates can be a pretty difficult workout, even at beginner level. I struggle with it too.

I agree with the person saying you should try a personal trainer if you can afford it. Strength training in the correct way for your body is the starting point. There will be core exercises you can do, so you need to do those until you are stronger.

If you really have zero core strength you should see a physio who specialises in post partum and have it looked at. You could have separation of your stomach muscles that was never sorted.

Otherwise maybe you need to start more slowly and build up. Pilates is really hard on the core.

My question is what are you trying to achieve? If it's slowly getting better that's a good thing and it doesn't necessarily matter unless it's affecting your daily life or you're training for something in particular.

I have always wondered this... I can do some movements but they just really hurt my lower back.
The instructors say that's just because My core is weak and over time as my core gets stronger it will get better...
but I think I will get it checked for peace of mind

I just want to strengthen my body and take care of it as I age, thinking long term gains.
Obviously a tidier midriff and waist would be nice but it's not my main aim. I want to stay active and fit and look after myself, esp as I enter peri menopause.

I damaged my core badly through injury and started 1-2-1 pilates classes which have been amazing. We focused on small movements, building things up gradually, has really helped.
I've seen a physios too. One thing to remember is that when a part of your body, such as your core, has 'switched off' (due to injury for example), you need to build new neural pathways to reactive it. This takes time and repetition but is totally doable.

Definitely have a proper assessment from a physio and then follow their advice, but as long as you have a well qualified pilates instructor it should be good exercise for you.

Weak core is a massive cause of lower back pain. 99% chance that's what it is. If you have a weak core then all the pressure just goes to your lower back instead when you try to do these exercises.

Just do some simple core exercises that are within your current capability and build it up from there. Look on youtube at beginner core strengthening exercises. (Or even better, get a personal trainer if it's within your budget :) )

What you think of as core exercises may not be the best place to start. I literally did no "core work" when I started out, but I did do relatively heavy (for me) compound lifting (so squats, deadlifts, overhead press and bench). Those lifts actually work your core pretty effectively as you learn to brace while lifting.

Over a couple of years I went from not even being able to do crunches to being able to do 100 sit ups without needing to break (in fact I can beat the highest standard for most armed forces for sit ups).

Consistently is the key.

I would definitely get it checked. Pilates instructures don't necessary have the knowledge to advise and you can do more damage if you are using it in a way you shouldn't due to potential injury.