Page 316 - Total War on PTSD

When you think of tools that are good to help with managing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the Pilates method may not be one that immediately comes to mind. Is it for dancers? Is it just a fancy way to work your abs? Pilates was developed by a man, initially to train boxers, and addresses the whole body. One might even say it is the first advertised method of “functional training”. I have successfully used the Pilates method, traditionally just known as Pilates, to not only gain strength, but connect my body to my brain, and address all of my PTSD symptoms. It is my goal to encourage the reader to try Pilates for themselves, to reap the benefits of this dynamic and life changing method of exercise. Whether it is practiced as a supplement to a regular routine or as a primary form of exercise, all participants will benefit, inside and out.
I served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999-2003. My trauma experience and military experience go hand in hand; I was sexually assaulted by my Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in Charge at my first school. I told no one, and the pain and shame grew into an awful beast. PTSD has been a part of my life since early adulthood and it will be a burden I carry for the rest of my life.
It took me a long time to be able to talk about my trauma. I was ordered to stay, do what I was told, and my career was threatened if I didn’t do exactly as he demanded. At first, I self-medicated with alcohol; a common way many of us begin to deal with the demons. Since the Marine Corps is well known for alcohol consumption, it was a natural place to start. The more I drank, however, the angrier I got. Instead of feeling numb, I felt a rage that was unmanageable. Unfortunately, this was accepted amongst my friends since so many of us had anger issues. I was part of the crowd, and not willing to address the underlying issues causing me pain. I drank like this for a long time. There were many ways unhealthy ways I choose to deal with my pain, and they only contributed to my shame.
After separating from the Marine Corps, I started over like all of us do after our tour of duty. There were ups and downs, successes and failures. I was able to put myself through school and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. I taught fitness classes, held
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