Pilates!
 

I've been a Pilates fan since around the late 1990s. I have worn out two sets of the Winsor Pilate video tapes/dvds and am onto the third. I recently started doing it again after being very sick for months.

I have encountered something that I haven't before, and that is a sore tailbone. It doesn't feel like I over-stretched or did something that I wasn't ready for. It feels bruised to the touch, and obviously, just lying down on the mat now hurts. During Pilates, you are always supposed to be pulling your belly button in, and your lower back needs to be touching the mat (when laying down).

Has anyone experienced this before? Did anything help? Does it go away?

It's the best exercise program for me at the moment. I'd hate to have to give it up again.

Ouch! I haven't experienced this before but it sounds painful. Any chance it could be the mat you're using? Maybe a thicker one would work better for you and keep it from happening in the future? Other than that, I don't have any suggestions, but get better soon!

Thanks for the suggestion! I've used this mat before and no problems. It does suck. I used to dance and I find Pilates to be a lot of fun and very effective for maintaining lean muscle.

Maybe for now I'll try putting my two mats on top of each other.

I just got a new mat from my Pilates trainer who told me it was the best on the market. I find that it gives wonderful support and is very soft. I was always afraid to 'Roll Like a Ball', because of back concerns, but I have no problems with the new mat.

Its called Airex Coronella and comes in several sizes. Here is a link from medical supply house: http://www.theratek.com/ItemForm.asp...3-deb894777d8a

Here it is on Amazon for a bit less: http://www.amazon.com/Airex-Exercise.../dp/B000MRGMVC

I have some of the Winsor Pilates DVDs, and although I've fallen out of touch with them I can't say I've had that issue. However, for several exercises I support my lower back/tailbone with my hands to help provide stability & make it more comfortable. Not sure if something like that would help- once you're feeling better, of course!

Side note, Mari Winsor is a Kappa :D

Okay... you're making me feel like I should get back on the wagon. Pilates today for me!

Adding this to my birthday wish-list!

I've had instructors suggest a folded/rolled towel placed under the lower back or anything else you need supported—would that work?

PS- Love Pilates. Best workout for ex-dancers.

Annabella, I hadn't thought of that. I'm really sore today, but I want to try. And I agree - if you've ever danced, Pilates is just as challenging/rewarding. And you already know the hardest part - keeping that core tight! My poor husband can't roll like a ball without rolling into furniture (lol).

Thetatygerlilly - going back is so hard, but once you're back, you wonder why you ever stopped! That's cool that Mari is Kappa! She'll whip us into shape so we can go buy some Betsy Johnson dresses (with that rumoured AXiD Discount lol!)

Teke - that looks AWESOME! A little out of my budget though right now. Lucky!!

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Okay now I HAVE to go do it!!!

I asked my Pilates trainer about this and she said that she had heard of it and had seen one case herself. That case was an infected coccyx and she recommends checking with a doctor just in case. If that is OK, she recommends stretching - as they always do.

I'm wondering if you lost weight while you were ill? Perhaps you have less padding there than you used to? Or perhaps even muscle atrophy back there if you have been very inactive?

That could very well be the case. I was very sick with pneumonia and spent some time in the hospital, and on IV antibiotics at home.

I doubled up on the mats (I had two) and put a folded towel under my lower back. It's still a little sore to the touch, but my muscles are already strengthening, and I'm not "hitting" my back to the floor anymore. My husband always marvels at what quick results Pilates gives. I can already see more definition in my legs.

Thanks!!:)