What exercise might suit me?

[NorthernDancer]

I have tried Pilates over a two year period without much success. I find it so hard that I get out of breath and start to shake, plus in a lot of sessions I have cramp in my feet from start to finish. That's matwork, I've tried reformer, which my teacher said I would love, and I hated it. Sliding backwards and forward seemed a bit pointless,

I also tried a Yin Yoga session and couldn't do any of the poses. I left in tears at the end of the session and a couple of days later I had a text from the teacher sending me love and light and suggesting I did not bother to go back until I had dealt with my repressed trauma!

I lost a lot of flexibility when my thyroid packed up 20 years ago and have been trying ever since to find some way of regaining it. I am active (walking, gardening, lifting, carrying) and don't notice any problems day to day, but when it comes to Pilates/yoga. there is basic stuff I still cannot do, like sit on the floor, lift both legs to table top etc.

I had thought about trying to talk to my GP about this, but with a six week weight for a telephone appointment, it seems unfair on those who are actually unwell.

Does anybody have any suggestions please?

Thanks in advance.

I've got no qualifications, but I'd suggest swimming or aquarobics. You can stretch out in the water in all directions without any weight.

But what are you trying to achieve specifically? Increased flexibility?

Couple of Instagram pages that might help

More physio based

www.instagram.com/stephanieridgwaydpt?igsh=ZTd0ZHBybnk5dGlx

Mobility exercises

www.instagram.com/aadamrichardson?igsh=aXR2Mmp3bTYwcGFz

What about weight lifting? Almost all exercise can be tailored to individual needs, have you considered working with a PT who can design a programme specifically for you and your goals, taking into account your limitations. Even a small gym would usually do this.
Barre is also great, more in the line of Pilates/yoga, but again, you need a good teacher who will listen and give you alternatives if needed.

Strength training with a PT tailored to your needs is what I would suggest too. I have chronic health conditions related to my joints and I've been working with a PT strength training twice a week for the last year and it's transformed my mobility and fitness.

Both Pilates and yoga can be adapted for the less "bendy" of us. It really sounds like you are trying too hard. If you can't manage tabletop there are easier variations of the exercises. In my area there are chair based classes, gentle classes, beginners courses. Or one to one classes with just you and the instructor to get you started. Look for, dare I say it, an older instructor. Check their website for their level of experience with injury and chronic conditions.
I get that cramping feeling in my feet, too. I've been told it's a nerve that needs stretching, that runs right down the back of my leg and along the foot. I have exercises to do that, given me by an NHS physiotherapist.
Can you access NHS physio, given that it's a chronic condition causing the problem?
Because basically you have to start at a level you can manage and then build up gradually, and physiotherapists are great for assessing your ability and devising a program for you.

I have the flexibility of a steel post, but I do enjoy yoga, that class sounds like a bad fit for you, do you have any beginner classes you could go to, our local council leisure centre does one even I got on fine but they can adapt it a bit for the people who improve (I do not improve)