Deflate

Have you ever had uncomfortable gas pain?  Where your stomach is cramping up, you feel bloated and don't even want to move?
About a week ago I felt that way.  I am not sure if it was caused by the steroid I had been prescribed for allergies or the fact that I ate hummus and jalapenos before bed, but I woke up not even able to stand up straight.  But I had to go teach that morning.  What's a girl to do?
Pilates, of course!  With a dash of yoga.

Here are two moves that can get you from uncomfortable to ready to roll:

Common sense reminder:  any and all pain should be reported to your doctor.  These exercises may help relieve gas pain, but only you and your doctor know what the cause of pain is.  Figure that out first and then workout :)

Child's Pose:  Kneel on your mat or floor, toes together, heels apart.  Sit back onto your heels and round your spine.  The closer your legs are the more gentle pressure you will feel on your abdomen.

Swan Dive:  This move helps to strengthen your entire core, especially the low and mid-back.  Because of the rocking motion it also helps to stimulate the intestines, providing relief from gas pressure.  Take this exercise slow in the beginning.
Step 1:  Lie on your mat, hands under shoulders, navel drawn in and up.  Shoulders away from ears.

Step 2:  Lift your upper body, keeping your lower abdomen on the mat.  Inhale.

Step 3:  As you exhale lower your upper body and lift your legs.  Only lift your legs as high as you can and still keep the navel drawn in and up.  This starts as a slow back and forth movement and can become a rocking exercise.  Repeat 5 times.

Finish up holding Child's Pose for another 20-30 seconds.  For me, this did the trick.  I burped 10-15 times in the half hour following doing these and the pressure went away as well as the pain.

If this post has you thinking that you never want to step into a Pilates or yoga class due to embarrassing noises, click here to have your fears soothed.

Thanks for stopping by!  Don't forget, the Green Smoothie Challenge starts Monday, April 22!  Add a green smoothie each day for a week and reap the nutritional benefits.  I hope you join us!