Pilates question

[Clarella]

So I've started a proper pilates class as everyone (physios oc health) have said it will be great. I've been told ive got hms HOWEVER I feel it's not so much of an issue as the way I de condition and weaken everytime I have a thyroid wobble which I did post preg. (Medication issues I mean) plus preg and section didn't help.

I've just seen an amazing physio who explained where and why all my current issues are from. It's mostly the way I hold my pelvis tipped back (always have) plus the way pregnancy has affected it (Si issues etc.)

But - the exercises he's given me (strength ones which I know I really need to build muscle) he says to push lower back into the floor. Now I actually agree, I find this hard, even harder when then lifting legs etc.

Now at pilates they're saying keep the gap - natural curve when doing things on back - leg slides etc. He's saying it will work my abs more to go against this - which is true, I've just tried pilates leg slides whilst pushing lower back down and it's really hard.

I may have answered my own question here! But should I talk to pilates instructor about this? If she sees me without a gap I'll get told off! Or where a loose top and just go with it for now!

In a way trying to press lower back down and failing maybe creates what they want in pilates?!

Or over thinking?! But the pilates instructor makes you over think everything!!! They are very very good.

To add; the yoga I used to do - forrest- did very similar exercises to what the physio has given me, pushing lower back into the floor etc, and when I did go regularly it did help my lower back issues (pre preg) as - as the physio explained, strengthened the core so much whilst maintaining that tucked tailbone, I guess achieving 'neutral' spine when I walk about due to the natural tendency to tilt back.

I find it sooooo hard to keep that correct tilt!

(Over thinking a bit BUT I've been very physically disabled over the last year and sense I really need to target this!)

Pps- physios view is a good pilates teacher should recognise the different body type.

I think I'd go with the physio. You really don't want to hurt your back. My teacher is very anti the gap and tells people to support their lower back with their hands or gives out blocks to help them keep their lower back pressed into the mat. I am no expert though.

Ah that's interesting - you mean your pilates teacher? Thanks, that helps to know some would agree.

Yes my pilates instructor.

You definitely need to talk to the pilates teacher, I've been going to my class for several years through a variety of injuries and always mention if anything changes, in fact she asks all of us individually how we are before starting so we can update her, she then modifies our exercises appropriately.

Your Pilates instructor will adapt the exercise based on your particular injury and need. Just explain it to them and they'll help you not tell you off!

I think it's more that they really push the neutral spine, except the way the physio explained it, I need to over compensate by closing the gap when doing floor exercises eg leg lifts as I'm so weak and naturally tilt back all the time

Think I'm scared of her!!!