Molly, I don't think you sounded fierce at all. I'm right with you on that. They have all these videos out for pilates, but it seems that rarely do they actually start at an absolute beginner level. People try them, then hurt themselves trying to do advanced level stuff the first time out. I just cringe when I think about it and have been mighty vocal on the importance of taking classes to learn this when you first start.
And that's 'normal' people - if you know what I mean.
We living with AS must be careful with our spines. While pilates, for me anyway, is the be-all-end-all therapy, I was blessed to have a teacher who did her research and found out about what this disease can do to us. She helped me adapt certain exercises (I don't do roll like a ball, for instance - instead, I do the prep and then as soon as I'm in the 'C' position I balance there. It's as big a work out to hold yourself on your tailbone as it is to roll and bring yourself back up to your tailbone).
Anyway, it is one of my favourite soapboxes and I'll step off it for the moment.
Warm hugs,
