Home reformer for therapeutic use
Okay. I’m not sure what the responses will be for this, but I need some advice, so here it goes.
I’ve never done reformer Pilates and it’s been years since I’ve done mat Pilates, but I and my children all have a rare neurological muscle disorder (hyperekplexia) that causes extreme stiff muscles, exaggerated startle reflex, and balance and coordination issues. We’ve done the standard physical therapy, AFO bracing for the toe walking, not Botox injections, etc.
I’m not asking for medical advice. But our condition is so rare we usually have to tell the neurologists about it instead of the other way around.
All of this to say, it’s a struggle to find exercise/sports/ physical activity that they can do without the possibility of falling. (which happens a lot with t his condition).
Pilates in general, but especially with the reformer, on paper looks like the best option to give their overworked muscles a break and their underworked ones a good stretch/workout. I am mostly just looking for improve in balance/posture/ coordination/core strength. We homeschool in part bc of their condition (lots of doc appts to miss school) and six of my eight children have this condition. So going and paying for studio Pilates doesn’t make financial sense.
I’ve found a couple websites that specialize in zoom neuro Pilates. There’s also a local place that does neuro Pilates locally Ik willing to go to occasionally for feedback, but it’s not financially feesible for everyone to be able to do t his regularly.
I’m willing to invest $3/4000 for a BB or Merrithew solid reformer since first off it would be solid and safe, and could withstand six people using it daily. Pl us the cost savings would be recouped early on versus cost of classes, including the $50/mo online neuro zoom classes.
I’ve done soooo much research and just want to help my kids and myself, but every time I look things up in a Pilates group, people are basically looked down on for trying things on their own and told how unsafe that is. I do understand the importance of an in person instructor, and hope to incorporate that least monthly, but given everything I’ve laid out, does this sound reasonable for our situation? Or should I scrap everything I’ve been researching because I can’t swing in person classes?
Thank you for any advice.