Entering a new decade

Last month I turned 60.

It was a regular day, full of the activities I enjoy. Cardio tennis, lunch with some friends from Pilates, dog walking, teaching two Pilates classes and capped off by a casual dinner out with my family.

When I look around at those in my Pilates classes who are well into their 60's and many who have entered their 70's, they all have one thing in common; they all MOVE their bodies every single day. They have designed their lives around MOVEMENT. There is no doubt they are disciplined, motivated and determined individuals. A few have even pivoted to new ventures and businesses in their 70's. They find time to nurture themselves, their families and friends and they have built movement regimes into their lives that are sustainable. I look to them with admiration.

These days, you can walk down any street and see "Pilates" on every signboard. Reformers in the windows of every gym that 3 years ago were doing bootcamps. Joseph Pilates' original classical method was designed with purpose, precision and principles, and not with the sole goal of making you sweat.

What I know from doing Classical Mat Pilates for 40 years and teaching it for 25, is that the strength and mobility builds slowly that you can feel and notice in your daily lives, ie.lifting your carry-on bag into your overhead bin on a flight, putting your sock or shoe on while balancing on one leg, or moving heavy garden pots.

I like to think of my personal Pilates practice as "back and body maintenance", supporting all the activities and sports that keep fuelling my soul, helping me MOVE well and maintain independence.

~ Christy