Pilates

[PlayItCool]

I've recently taken up reformer Pilates and absolutely love it! Unfortunately I've experienced issues with heartburn and GERD following my last 2 classes.

The first occasion I'd eaten a big dinner afterwards and was up all night in pain. It was still bad the following day. The second occasion I ate a lighter dinner and stayed up later to digest it before bed - symptoms not as severe but lots of burping and mild heartburn.

Has anyone else experienced this? I really don't want to give up Pilates as I finally found an exercise that I enjoy and it's really helping my back pain

If you can, you should avoid eating before you go or at least give it a couple of hours before class. You may need to experiment with different foods as some may trigger your symptoms more.

Do you have a hiatal hernia? Are you overweight? These can make symptoms worse.

Stay hydrated as well. Is it a full studio or just reformers? If its very bad you might have to modify your workout as laying flat (eg doing footwork on the reformer) may exacerbate it. If it's a full studio though you could do foot work on the wunda chair instead so you are sitting.

Hopefully you are at a full studio and they will be able to modify but I would try not eating beforehand and go from there.

Thanks so much for your reply! It is just reformers. I tend to go after work do a good 4-5 hours after eating. I will try a morning class to see if doing it on an empty stomach makes a difference

The last couple of classes have had options with adding crunches to some of the movements- maybe it's that. Will ask the instructor next time I go.

Hope I can get it sorted as I really enjoy it!

Also your point about staying hydrated... going after work I am very likely dehydrated. Will try drinking more water!

Let me know how you get on @playitcool Happy to help if I can!