Pilates for Healthy Ageing
Pilates in a comprehensive studio environment is a fantastic choice for regular exercise for older adults. Most full service pilates studios (ie. utilizing the full range of equipment and taught by teachers thoroughly trained in the whole method, not just Reformer or Mat) will have many older clients as their regulars, and there’s some very good reasons for this!
- Pilates is adaptable. As part of their training, Pilates teachers are taught to adapt each exercise to suit an individuals needs, which means there’s no one-size-fits all approach to studio-based pilates. The programs and exercises are tweaked and customized to cater for variations in peoples dimensions, strengths, range of movement and injury history.
- Injuries are ok! We can work around just about anything. Hip pathologies, frozen shoulder, broken toe, lower back pain. We’ve seen it all. A new injury should be seen by a medical or health professional for diagnosis and management planning, but after that, we can work your pilates sessions to complement your rehab as well as address the postural and muscle imbalances that might be contributing to your symptoms.
- Pilates times are flexible. Not everyone likes to exercise at 5am. For retirees or semi-retirees, daytime sessions as private or small group sessions are calm, quiet and focused, allowing you to plan your day around your regular session (and avoid travelling in peak hour!)
- Pilates is transportable. If you are travelling regularly, your pilates teacher can help you develop a solid home practice program that will keep you moving while you are away.
- Pilates works on strength, mobility and balance. Think of moving through your older years with the freedom to get up and down off the floor, climb flights of stairs with ease, and reduce risk of falling. Even if you’re still a spring chicken, its never too early to work on these important elements of movement!
- Pilates is great with a friend! A duo session is the perfect combination of exercising and socialising, while getting the individualised attention that you deserve. Many couples do sessions together, but these are just as suitable for friends or relatives to book as a weekly catch up. Post-pilates coffee dates are an great addition to your week too.
If you’re curious about Pilates, book an initial consultation or get in touch and I can recommend a suitable Pilates Practitioner in your area.
“I’ve engaged in Pilates sessions with Catherine from her earliest days in the industry. She is very personable, friendly and very patient with her clients – like when she has to tell me to use ‘the other left foot’. She can assess your body’s needs and hone into specific issues with deep knowledge and focus. Over many years, she has helped with a variety of aches and problems.
Catherine is capable, flexible and, I believe, unflappable. She helps clients to set achievable goals and to work consistently towards these. She is a consummate, capable, caring enhancer of my wellness. I recommend her classes to benefit from her specialist skills.” – SM, age 70-ish
Catherine Neal Pilates 