In my last newsletter I mentioned that I had attended a training course delivered by Alan Herdman, who at 82-years of age is still teaching and practising Pilates.

Alan set up the first Pilates studio in the UK in 1970 having returned from the US where he spent time training with the Pilates Elders.

As many of my clients know, I always come away from a training course full of inspiration, because it reinforces my belief in the benefits of Pilates.

Pilates exercises concentrate on the really small movements of individual muscle groups which will put less strain on other areas of the body. If you are used to the pumping rhythm of an aerobics class or the ache in your muscles after lifting weights, you will be astonished by the gentleness of Pilates. The exercises are deceptively simple, even minimal, and so effective that you needn’t perform more than ten repetitions of each at a session.

Pilates also requires concentration and focus, as you breathe to enhance the effectiveness of the movements and the feelings in your muscles. Some people have called Pilates “the thinking person’s exercise system”, because you learn how your body works and what you need to do to keep yourself healthy.

There is no doubt that exercise is beneficial, but being able to move is essential.  Just think how limiting life would be if you can’t pick something up from the floor, or climb the stairs, or carry shopping or stand long enough to make a cup of tea. 

You might be reading this and think that you are too young and too fit to worry about the future.  However, I believe that Pilates is your body’s movement pension pot.  The more work you put in now, the more you will reap the benefits in the future.

Pilates has been part of my weekly routine for over 20 years and as long as I can keep going, I will keep teaching and sharing my passion with anyone who wants to listen!!

POSTSCRIPT

Don’t take my word for why Pilates is so good for you.  A few clients have signposted me to one of Michael Mosley’s recent Podcasts – “Just One Thing”.  It extols the benefits of Pilates for all ages and abilities, whether you are suffering from back pain or want to improve a sporting activity that you enjoy. 

Michael also mentions the Sit to Stand test which is a good indicator of longevity – a movement that I have also been doing in some of my recent classes.  Have a listen and see what you think - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001rh1k