Mum getting her hair dyed pink and blue on her birthday

‘Aging is not for the faint hearted’ says my 89-year old mother. But does it have to be this way? 

Now I am also in my sixth decade I really understand how she feels but I have more tools at my disposal. These days we have a whole host of resources and facilities available to us: online classes, superb fitness facilities and more access to interesting social activities such as walking, cycling and swimming groups. These facilities and activities allow us all to stay fitter and stronger than ever before. However, we have to move carefully and with precision. Pilates has helped me to see this very clearly.

My own journey into Pilates began after 30 years of yoga, from Hatha yoga in my early twenties, to the precision of Iyengar yoga (10 years) and finally to the flow of Ashtanga Yoga (15 years). I was also a keen long distance cyclist, regular hiker and outdoor swimmer. So in constant motion when not at my desk.

I felt fit and strong but the niggles of a lower back ache together with knee pain (going downstairs made me weep) made me realise that I had to change the way that I moved.

Mum and her favourite flowers at the local garden centre.

I struggled with Pilates when I first took classes, especially alongside my Ashtanga Yoga practice, as they seemed to address the same moves but from completely different angles.  After each Pilates class I felt muscles that I did not know existed, deep muscles, useful muscles. I also felt calm and composed. I was amazed when, after just 6 weeks, my knee pain had vanished and has never returned

Pilates has helped me to stabiize my deep postural muscles, improved my balance and made me feel taller.

If you are interested in exploring what Pilates may offer you why not try one of my classes. The first one is free!