Niedra Gabriel
Hi Tatiana, I hope you are sore as that was your goal... but this is really not the purpose. The value at the beginning is to learn to work correctly with correct alignement. Often students don't get sore when they start as the correct muscles are too weak to work hard. Then 4 - 6 lessons in they find the challenge is much greater, even though the workout is the same as their bodies are now working more effectively and efficiently.
If you have a herniated disc you may find that rolling up and down aggravate the condition and without a teacher to over see what you are doing it may be wiser to skip the rolling up and down, and simply do the exercies where you are on your back, as well the sitting ones.
it is possible to roll with your condition, but you have to be super aware that you are using your abs and not working the back in a way that presses the disc out even more...
Keep going though - you can have a pain - free life, for sure! you will find your way.

Hi Niedra,
Thanks for the feedback! I did find the rolling exercise a little too much for me. I am also having a hard time rolling up so I just roll to the side and push myself up with my arms. I also found that tucking in the "tail" and sitting on it left my coxis feeling very sore from the pressure. I was wondering if it's because im very thin or if it just takes some time getting used to...

Hi Tatiana,
This is where generic group training leaves room for improvement. In your case- you deifnitely need to pad your mat and have a softer surface to work on, as well as possibly fold up a towel 2 - 3 layers and maybe 6 inches wide and place above your sacrum and up t yoru waist - so it supports your lower back and does not allow you to fully go out of yoru curves. this may help - it would be great for you to have a live person check your alignment and help you sort out appllications so you are not in pain or aggravating yoru condition. There is a way out of all this.
Let me know how you get on,
Do keep rolling to one side to get up and down. good for you.

I have lower back issues as well, I had three back surgeries last fall. I think I will try the towel trick. The rolling up & down is difficult for me too. I loved the lesson. My rehabilitation therapist specifically recommended I do these lessons. I am so glad she did. I feel good just knowing I am doing something on my own to get better.I hope I am not too sore tomorrow! I haven't done any exercise other than physical therapy for over a year.

Congratulations on this milestone of movement Joy! And, definitely listen to your body tomorrow... no matter what it says! You are clearly on the road to life in an easier body and I believe if you work together the trip is much faster! Welcome to Pilates Anytime! Please thank your rehabilitation therapist for the referral to us. It is much appreciated.

Dear Joy, Good for you for re connecting with your body and taking time to integrate what you need to progress.
I would love a littel more info about your surgeries, did they fuse any of your back? what was done? depending on what was done you may or may not be able to do certain moves. For now, keep going as you are.
I am being filmed next week and will do a section on various ways to modify to help with back problems and probably a solution can be found within this body of that video.

I have not had a fusion. Just complications with scar tissue after a discectomy. I have nerve damage. My right foot and part of my right leg are numb and weak. I need a fusion at L5-S1, I am bone on bone, but am not going get one until I absolutely have to. Thanks for your help! I feel great!

Thank you Joy - you had three surgeries? what else? did they remove a disc wiht the discetomy ( sorry I am not sure what this means). You can do a lot even if you are bone on bone so good for you for researchng and looking into alternative options as the body has an incredible force for healing if you can access and support it.

I like this instructor's tempo! She's fantastic!

Thank you Linda, glad you enjoyed the class. Keep on going - you wil have a great time discovering this fabulous work.