Not flexible

[u/Tiny-Programmer-9864]

My legs have never been flexible. I have never been able to touch my toes. Due to this, I am limited on some of the movements. For example when we do downward facing dog, I am unable to do that with my feet flat on the mat. Most recently we were doing a move where we lay on our side with the top foot on the foot bar. The way it was supposed to be done is with the foot flat on the bar, but because I'm not flexible I had to do it on my toes. I know a lot of you will say I'll become flexible over time and you're right but it will never be to the point where I can touch my toes. Believe me I've tried. I used to to yoga.

My question is, what do I do about this? Instructors have gotten upset with me because I am not doing what they have instructed the class to do. Do I tell the instructor about this?

[u/chuffalupagus]

First, a lot of people can't do downward dog with their feet flat. Not saying that to dismiss you. Just letting you know that's not uncommon.

As for the other example, a few suggestions:

1. Tell the instructor before class that you'll need to modify certain moves that require flat feet. They may be able to offer suggestions at the start of class or before certain moves during class.

2. Don't conflate an instructor correcting form (not knowing a modification is needed) with getting upset. It's easy to do that, but them offering form corrections isn't that same as getting upset, especially if they didn't know a modification was needed.

3. If they are truly upset, let the manager know because that's not ok. Modifications are normal.

[u/Tiny-Programmer-9864 → u/chuffalupagus]

Telling an instructor 3 times isn't confusing those two.

[u/chuffalupagus → u/Tiny-Programmer-9864]

Sure. But that's not something you included in your post so there would be no way for anyone replying to know that. My response wasn't an attack on you.

[u/Future_Story1101]

I have this same issue. I have diagnosed short Achilles tendons causing reduced flexion in the ankle. It used to be extremely painful to stand on flat feet- I was a toe-walker through high school. They told me I could have surgery to lengthen them but it’s usually done at preschool age and I had just had a horrific incident with surgery so I opted to skip it. With lots of PT I can now stand on flat feet but still am very limited in flexion.

I tell my teachers I have short tendons and my feet do not fully flex and they seem ok with that, but I gave up on doing classes with the jump board because I cannot put my feet flat on it and so I’m essentially doing the whole class “wrong”.

[u/alleycanto]

Did they have you move your foot way up toward the front of footbar so only your heel is on and rest of foot is just in air. Many can’t put whole foot on like that my ankle doesn’t have enough hinge. When they come to correct you just answer “I tried my body doesn’t do that.”

[u/QuietBar2325 → u/alleycanto]

This! It really helps to let toes hang relaxed off of edge of bar or jump board.

Goal is to get balls and heels connecting (try 1-2 reps where you’re really trying each time), but modify per your needs after that.

[u/Dry_Perspective1794 → u/alleycanto]

I’m an instructor and when I teach this side lying move with 1 foot on the foot and the foot parallel, I always tell clients to slide their foot all the way towards the front of the footbar and let the toes hang off if they are unable to keep their heel down on the foot bar otherwise. There are plenty of people who have short Achilles tendons and can’t keep their heel on the foot bar. This is not your problem. This is a problem with the instructor who didn’t know how to help you modify. That really makes me angry because instructors should know better!

[u/Specific-Data-4104]

I have issues with the tendons in backs of my legs and have similar limits to my flexibility. I saw a podiatrist and physical therapist which helped me get a grasp on my issues and some stretches that help. But I also will never get my heels down.

Instructors should be able to modify for you so you still get a good workout.

[u/Existing-Joke3994]

What have the instructors said or did that indicated they’re upset?

I’m an instructor and I can think of very few exercises that require the heels be down for safety. Almost none at all. For example, down dog doesn’t require heels down, the intention is heels down. Side lying footwork (lying or propped on the box) doesn’t require the heel down in order to be safe. The heel down will assist you in getting into the glute.

Gearing out can make it easier to get the heel down for those who lack the ankle mobility. This could solve the side lying problem and if you can’t get your heel down in a Cardio Sculpt class. If you’re in Flow 2s and you’re doing elephant, just only press the carriage out as far you can keep your heel down. Dropping heels under the foot bar with toes on, one foot at a time can stretch this muscle and tendon. Squats - feet wider apart in sumo squats.

I’m drawing a blank but I can’t think of any other instance where you’re cued for the knee/shin to go forward resulting in deep ankle flexion though I’m sure there are more.

I have done pilates and yoga for 10 years. I also was in gymnastics and dance. I’ve never been able to get my heels down. I’ve also never really prioritized it and stretched everyday, multiple times a day to make this happen. I’m guessing you haven’t either so unless you’ve been diagnosed with a shorter tendon as others have mentioned, I wouldn’t be so quick to say it will never happen. It hasn’t happened because you haven’t prioritized working on it. It hasn’t happened yet. That’s ok. Who cares? I certainly don’t, not in my own body, not in my students’ bodies. It in no way reflects on us as people. Oh well, another alleged shortcoming 🤷‍♀️ right?

[u/Head_Pangolin_6123]

Instructors should never get upset that you can’t do something. That’s a signal not to take a class with the instructor. By all means, let them know.

[u/eegrlN]

I was this way when I started, I can put my palms on the floor now, 3 years later! Keep at it! You got this!

[u/OGHollyMackerel]

If an instructor is getting upset at clients bc of physical limitations they aren’t only a bad instructor, they’re a bad human. The hubris one must possess to feel slighted or emotional about someone else’s body is crazy. I modify as needed. I’m an adult. I don’t need permission to make it accessible for myself. If someone gets all in their feelings about it, that’s a them problem.

[u/GreenQuiet8934]

You might want to run the side-lying foot on footbar issue by your instructor as there are a number of things that could be done to help you. For example, Are you tall? You may need to be geared out.

[u/idkdouu]

Stretch at home. The more you stretch the more flexible you’ll get. Yoga involves stretching but it’s not only stretch focused. As for now just modify. Bend your knees when in downward dog, etc.

[u/Tiny-Programmer-9864 → u/idkdouu]

I understand that! As stated in my post I use to do yoga and I never became flexible to the point that I could touch my toes.

[u/tettyk → u/Tiny-Programmer-9864]

Don’t worry, I’ve been doing Pilates for 3 years daily and it hasn’t made a dent in my Achilles flexibility! I’ve just become very good at modifying. I really push myself during stretching and I feel better, but I’m no closer to actually touching my toes when my leg are straight!

[u/According_Spend545]

Foot surgery

[u/The_Villain_Edit]

A good instructor knows anatomy and adaptations and thus won’t be upset if someone has limited range of motion in various parts of their body. You won’t even need to explain it, they will know how to instruct everyone to work with their own body throughout class

[u/BeneficialImpress570 → u/The_Villain_Edit]

I respectfully disagree. The instructors have upwards of 12 students at a time, multiple classes per day, and sometimes at multiple studios. They are also Pilates instructors, not physical therapists and will need explanation of physical limits because they are not medically trained and every body is different. You should always state your needs with them before the start of class for everyone’s safety. I am 238 classes in as of today, take the majority with the same instructor who is also a close friend, and tell her every class that I have a lingering back injury that may prevent me from doing certain exercises if it flairs during class. You are responsible for your own body and even more so in a group setting where the instructor’s attention is spread thinly across multiple people. A good instructor is only as good as the information they are provided.

[u/The_Villain_Edit → u/BeneficialImpress570]

An instructor getting upset is the problem. But I also think OP should let the instructor know they will be modifying (and the instructor should be ok with that and not get upset)

[u/Tiny-Programmer-9864 → u/BeneficialImpress570]

I think you nailed it with every body is different. It seems as though they forget that. The latest issue was I told the instructor I couldn't do it because I wasn't flexible enough she then tried to adjust my foot so it would be as she instructed and I again told her two more times that I wasn't flexible enough to do it.