This topic is about someone who has a permanent colostomy and a large peristomal hernia, seeking to regain strength and fitness through Pilates using Reformer and Cadillac machines. They are looking for experiences from others in similar situations to understand if Pilates has been beneficial or detrimental to their hernia.

Here are some insights and advice shared:

1. Always get professional clearance before starting any exercise and pay attention to your body's signals. Stop any activity that causes pain.

2. Protect your abdomen:
- Avoid aggressive movements like bending, twisting, heavy sit-ups, or weighted incline exercises, as these can aggravate hernias.
- Start with gentle isometric contractions while seated and only progress when incision sites are pain-free.
- Some professionals recommend using an elastic support or ostomy hernia belt during activities, though results can vary.

3. Progressive whole-body training can be effective:
- Success has been reported with weight training, CrossFit, yoga, Tai Chi, water exercises, walking, and low-impact cardio, as long as progression is slow and form is maintained.
- Core exercises can begin with supine ab crunches with legs raised, ensuring to tense the abs first and gradually increasing repetitions.

4. Mind-body practices can aid recovery:
- Methods like Feldenkrais and Tai Chi help relearn movement patterns, improve posture, and reduce strain.
- Staying motivated, setting realistic goals, and having a supportive coach or physiotherapist are crucial.

5. Nutrition plays a significant role:
- Achieving visible abdominal tone is more about maintaining low body fat through a clean diet, such as Atkins, rather than endless abdominal exercises.

6. Inspiration from others:
- Many have regained high activity levels after multiple abdominal surgeries through persistent, disciplined, and cautious training.

7. Equipment and methods mentioned include:
- Pilates Reformer and Cadillac machines (Stott method).
- Dynamic-tension exercises (Charles Atlas style).
- Feldenkrais Method.
- Atkins diet.
- Medications like Lyrica (pregabalin) and Ativan (lorazepam).