Newbie breathing patterns
I tried my first beginner reformer Pilates class today and I’m curious if what I experienced is normal or if others with low blood pressure/lightheadedness issues have experienced something similar.
During some of the slower movements, especially leg extensions/tabletop work, I felt like the breathing cadence was almost too slow for my body. For example:
“Inhale prep, exhale extend legs, inhale hold, exhale return.”
I felt like I needed multiple extra breaths between movements just to catch up. Like literally in the middle of the set. Pause where I’m at to take a few breaths to continue for the same set. When I do mat videos at home, I literally have to pause to catch my breath.
This was a true beginner reformer 30 min class and there was little to no resistance for some of these exercises, which is partly why I was surprised by how strongly my body reacted.
For context, I do tend to have lower blood pressure and occasional lightheadedness already. Add in, I am not “conditioned” per se nor of much aerobic ability.
Is this something others experienced when first starting reformer Pilates? Did your breathing adapt over time? Or does this sound more like my body/low blood pressure not tolerating the exertion normally?
Would especially love insight from instructors, healthcare professionals, or anyone with low BP/POTS/orthostatic intolerance experience.