So I was experiencing a bit of an IC flare today. Not sure what exactly it was from. Sometimes it just happens. Anyway, I sat around and wondered if I should just lay around the house or attempt some exercise. I mustered up the energy to do some exercise (a combination of pilates and stretching) and I must say, I am feeling better. I know that other IC patient's have had similar experiences. Please contribute your stories to the COMMUNITY.

I'm feeling terrible today, but I did the video this evening...and I'm glad I did. The rest of my body appreciated it, and it didn't make my flare-up worse.

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing a flare today. I understand what that's like! Changing my exercise routine was one of the biggest adjustments that I had to make after developing IC, an adjustment that didn't make me very happy. At first, I wanted to try to keep up the same pace I always had, until I realized I just couldn't tolerate the same level of intensity. That's how the idea of New Dawn Pilates came about. I felt that there were not many pelvic pain-friendly options out there and was confused about what to do. Thanks for taking the time to do the video and send me your comments. I really hope this flare ends soon for you.

Jenny

I used to walk and ride my exercise bike, but when the IC got worse I was lost on what kind of exercise to do. For about 3 years I did very little exercise. Last year I ordered your dvd on the IC Network. I was amazed how easy it was and the difference it made in the way I felt. It was as though I got a piece of my life back which had been lost due to IC and pelvic floor tension. I like that if a exercise is too difficult I can press skip and go to the next. The part that bother me is the movement when you sit in a Capital C position and lean back and then roll all the way back. Also when standing you bend all the way down and bend the knees and then straighten the legs to stretch the back of the legs. I modify that part and I don't straighten my legs all the way, just enough to feel it. I have bad leg pain and have to be gentle or it causes a flare. I have to be honest, I don't do the exercise consistently which I'm trying to work on being more committed. I do the dvd about 2-3 times a month but I'm going to try to do it at least 2-3 times a week because I do feel better on the days that I do the video, physically and mentally. Thank you so much for creating this, I notice this is a vol. 1 is there going to be a second one?

Thank you for your comments Jayjay. You touched upon some key ideas in your post. First, not all movements will be suitable for all people. The exercise you described as being difficult for you to do is Rolling Like a Ball. For me, that exercise is a massage to my spine but for you, it is uncomfortable. Joseph Pilates believed his exercises should not be painful. If it is, leave it out like you are already doing. Secondly, I love how you have adapted the bend and stretch movement to meet your individual needs. There is no one cookie-cutter approach that will work for all pelvic pain sufferers. The great thing about Pilates is that there is always a way to modify an exercise. Eventually, I hope to have a volume 2 DVD but it has proven to be a bit challenging. I don't have a date yet as to when production will begin on it but will post it on the website when I have more information. Thanks again!

Jenny

I just got the DVD a few days ago and yesterday I couldn't do it so I did it today (during a flare) because I heard that stretching is good for flares. I was having a small amount of pain before doing the exercises and now I feel great! First because the pain's gone right now and second, I did some exercise. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS DVD!!!!

I am always encouraged when I hear the DVD is helping people decrease their flares! As we all know, finding relief can sometimes be so difficult. Thank you so much for your post!

Jenny