Pilates

I woke up this morning with very little pain in my neck, so I decided to do pilates again today to see if it would continue to help.

I asked Luke if he wanted to join me. I don't know if he accepted because he wants to become more flexible, or if it's because it's our anniversary and thought it would be a nice gesture, or who knows. Whatever the reason, it was fun exercising with someone for a change.

At right is a picture of Luke doing a twist exercise from the Pilates for Dummies DVD. My chiropractor says I should NOT twist at the waist, so I had the opportunity to snap this picture.

Pilates

Or as my aunt says, "Pilots."

Because I am still having some pain in my neck and shoulders, I decided to do some pilates today, instead of running or strength training, in order to help stretch out and loosen those tight muscles. It seemed to help.

At right is my go-to DVD for Pilates, and a picture of me doing one of the Pilates for Dummies moves. I also have some "express" Gaiam pilates DVD that was included in my cereal box once.

Luke watched me do the Gaiam DVD pilates routine, and said he was amazed at how flexible I am (which, I didn't think I was). He shared this when I did an exercise while lying on my back; one leg is outstretched straight on the floor, the other is outstretched straight above me and I'm holding that leg's calf in my hands; then I alternate my legs, grabbing the other leg's calf as I alternate. (Although it looks similar, the picture at right is not the exercise I just described.)

Luke was determined to show me how flexible I am compared to him, so he did the 10-minute Gaiam routine.
Ok...I'm convinced!

Pain Tracker

So last night, my neck and right shoulder area was feeling sore. I woke up this morning and it was stiff and painful.

After icing it (which seemed to help the most) and then putting heat on it while I worked (which didn't help at all), I decided to go to my chiropractor. My bones definitely moved around, but the muscular pain didn't go away.

I think carrying Baxter the 3 or 4 blocks yesterday caused the "injury."

It wasn't until I smeared some "Tylenol Extra Strength Precise," pain relieving cream (Tylenol's version of Icy Hot, I think) that I finally was able to move around and help Luke hang more pictures in our new place.

I was meant to do strength training today, but I best give my body some time to heal.