Barbara WintroubHere are two stories that might scare you a bit.
I have a husband and wife taking a Pilates duet. She has rods in her back and is not great from back surgery. But, he is the issue. He’s big maybe 6’4″ and overweight. He wants a hard workout and thinks Pilates is easy. Every time I ask him to do exercises that are more difficult he turns red. I encourage him to breathe and I have him talk to me while doing the exercises when he stops the breath work. This last meeting with him I gave him a few stronger springs but this time he was working very hard and was very red. He loved the work out but I had some reservations. Fortunately, he was going to see the doctor after the lesson. Word got back to me that he immediately had three stints put in because he was 95% occluded. Oh My!
SECOND STORY: I have another gentleman who is short and very over-weight with two torn rotator cuff muscles and a well defined hernia. He also wants a good workout because he thinks he will lose weight with the workout. He, also, has been turning red when I have him lift his arms over his head or doing bridges while laying down. I instruct him to breathe but that doesn’t seem to help. I asked him about heart meds. He is on meds and says his heart is regulated to 128. That means his heart rate is higher during exercise. I checked the location of the AED and notified my boss that I was going to use the heart monitor during exercise next time because I am very nervous about him. If his heart rate is above 135, exercise class is over. I need a doctors release letter before I will continue.
When working with seniors observe the problem signs and don’t let them control your workout.
Tip of the day: You know you’ve grown up when a nap is no longer a punishment but a reward. Stand tall. GOOD POSTURE BECOMES YOU.
BARBARA IS AVAILABLE TO GIVE A FREE OSTEOPOROSIS LECTURE or teaching an osteoporosis class called “Tone Your Bones” OR FOR BOOK SIGNINGS. 310 913-3333