Christina

I’m really self-conscious about how unfit I am compared to the others in my pilates class. And how ungraceful! I feel really awkward keeping up. Sometimes I wonder if it’s always going to feel like such hard work.

Still, I’ve surprised myself by staying with the DVD routine, and keeping up with the tennis and Pilates too. When I was younger I used to quickly abandon my good intentions to exercise, but something has changed and I’m sticking to it this time. A friend from Pilates, who’s a few years older than me, says she sees it as the best form of ‘health insurance’ – and I know she’s right.

I’m leaking less than I used to, but any leaping, dancing or sneezing – or even brisk walking, is usually too much for my weak bladder. I’m not as embarrassed as I used to be, because the leaks are not as heavy and a light pad is enough to keeps it under wraps. I know my friends of a similar age need to use thicker pads – a couple of them openly admit it. I’ve told them about the programme and they might give it a go too. I do feel my bladder control is getting stronger as I continue to press on with the programme – so I’m hoping those slight leaks will turn into no leaks if I keep up with it. I’m determined to do all I can to make it so!

Alyssa’s suggestions and tips for Christina

Christina, I am proud of your determination to stick with your pelvic floor exercises. You’re clearly doing really well, and need to stop being down on yourself because you feel less fit than others in your exercise class. Comparisons with others are dangerous because you can always find someone fitter or more beautiful, or seemingly more fortunate than yourself. Instead, you should keep congratulating yourself for going to the exercise class. No, you won’t always be out of breath – your body will become significantly fitter within 4-6 weeks of doing regular exercise. The key is consistency, though, since missing a week will set your fitness levels back. Once you are fitter and get used to the class, you’ll feel far more graceful! Why not try repeating some positive affirmations when you feel a negative moment coming on. Try “I am calm, I am capable, I am strong, I choose to be happy, Things don’t have to be perfect”.