Benefits of Yoga & Pilates for Queer Chronic Cuties

A combination of Yoga & Pilates is great for queer chronic cuties. For a long time, I felt totally locked out of movement. I was afraid to go to Yoga classes for fear that I would go out of my range and cause a flare. I was afraid to do anything with more intensity out of fear that it would also cause a flare.

Over time, I found ways to adapt Yoga to my needs and also reunited with Pilates. Together, they have helped me maintain my body, especially after graduating from basic physical therapy exercises.

In my seasonal workshop Queer Chronic Cuties, I bring my informed experience and specific styles of accessible Yoga and Pilates. Below, you'll see how each practice benefits queer chronic cuties.

Benefits of Yoga for Queer Chronic Cuties

Better breathing

Breathing is both a voluntary and involuntary action in the body. By consciously shaping the breath throughout practice, the nervous system gets a signal to shift towards rest & digest/ heal & grow.

Mental health hygiene/ nervous system regulation

A queer chronic cutie can be overwhelmed by pain and that’s what pulls all the focus. Yoga helps focus the mind elsewhere, which in turn regulates the nervous system.

Mind-body connection

This connection can feel fraught for a queer chronic cutie, especially when pain is present. Yoga gently brings the mind and body together.

Less pain & Stiffness

Pain and stiffness can rule a chronic bbs life. Asana (movement) brings relief.

Sangha (Community)

Yoga is often described as a union of the body and mind. It’s also a union creating community. In community, we see that we're not alone in our experiences and can both receive/provide mutual support.

Enhanced blood circulation & organ function

Yoga boosts overall functions of the body, giving support to any parts of the body that have chronic issues.

Benefits of Pilates for Queer Chronic Cuties

Rehabilitation & Injury Prevention

Pilates is a wonderful next step after physical therapy to maintain strength and prevent further injury.

Core Strength & Stability

Oftentimes, fear avoidance of activities can lead to a weaker core and instability. Pilates encourages core engagement and stability in each exercise.

Flexibility & Mobility

Pilates encourages flexibility and mobility. However, it as a dynamic stretch, ensuring any hypermobile bbs don’t go out of their range of motion.

Muscle Strength & Tone

Fear avoidance can also lead to general muscle atrophy, as QCC’s may avoid movement to avoid flares. Pilates gently supports this.

Low impact & less pressure on joints

Pilates is accessible to QCC’s because it doesn’t load too much weight on joints or doesn’t get so intense that it could cause a flare. Pilates also focuses on quality over quantity so a QCC can stay in alignment and engage the correct muscles.

Stress Relief

Engaging muscles, getting warm, and that endorphin release is so needed! All in an accessible way.