Yoga, Pilates or some sort of water aerobics

[jofeb04]

I've got SPD, and need to start doing some sort of strenghing (sp?)exercise around the pelvic, hip area.

My doctor will not let me do any sort of cycling, weights etc, only swimming and yoga or pilates.

Which one is best? What is the difference between Yoga or Pilates

I have done Yoga and Pilates. Yoga is about getting into a pose and holding it. Pilates is more like slow movements. Both involve stretching. There's a lot of emphasis on abdominals and pelvic floor in Pilates. Yoga is more cerebral and can include meditation and relaxation.

Re swimming: great exercise if you do the strokes properly and I guess breaststroke would be out for SPD sufferers because of the frog kicks. If your technique is not great it could cause more problems.

i would say definitely pilates but make sure you go to a good instructor and book at least 1:1 session so you can get teh technique right.

I'm recovering from severe SPD and my doctor has recommended pilates. She said it'll do me more good than all the physio and chiropractor treatments I've had since DD was born. It really helps stabalise and strengthen the core stability muscles, so I'm off to join a class.

Pilates is much more about strengthing the deeper muscles and in turn strengthening your back. The deep tummy muscles tighten and it work from the inside out. The movments much more slower as this keeps muscles contracted longer but also gentler.
Yoga more postural and strecthing and lengthning.
I am going to pilates tonight, its just recently started at my gym and my tummy needs a good tighten!