I’m too old/weak/stiff to do Pilates!

In short, no! As a Pilates instructor I hear these “reasons” all the time, but in fact these are the reasons we should do Pilates!

Pilates has a bit of a reputation for being difficult (which is weird because it also seems to have another for being really easy and mostly stretching and lying down - for my clients, you can let me know your thoughts on that one…).

However in reality, Pilates is designed to be adaptable for almost all of us and has been modified to create more options to help people with injuries or movement limitations.

You’ll have heard the old adage “use it or lose it”, and it’s so true when it comes our bodies and the movements we have available. You’re never too old to start exercising.

If you have poor mobility, Pilates is great for working all of your joints in turn. Our joints contain a fluid that lubricates them, but if we aren’t using them they start to dry out and stiffen up. Increasing your movement really helps us to get our joints and muscles moving well again.

Pilates is also really good for building strength. It’s bodyweight exercise, so by moving our bodies through a range of different positions we’re challenging them in ways they aren’t used to. If you (like me) are very mobile, Pilates can also help with increasing strength and stability in your joints which also improves movement and reduces injury. Increased strength and movement can also help to improve our posture.

Pilates is great for increasing your strength and mobility, both of which become increasingly important to maintain (or indeed improve!) as we get older. Strength training is generally considered to be the best anti-aging treatment available! It's also a really lovely way to meet new people and feel part of a supportive and friendly community.

If you’d like to give Pilates a try, get in touch: www.faybpilates.co.uk/contact