Pilates as a form of exercise for individuals over 65 is a versatile and effective way to promote overall health and well-being. Pilates stands out for its ability to cater to a wide range of fitness levels and health conditions while delivering tangible benefits.

As we age, the importance of staying active becomes increasingly apparent. Regular physical activity not only reduces the risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular issues and cancer, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health and overall quality of life. The Australian Government’s activity guidelines emphasise the significance of engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days, complemented by strength, flexibility, and balancing activities.

So, what should you be doing?

Pilates classes have movements designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance, which check all the boxes for older adults seeking to maintain or improve their physical fitness. Moreover, Pilates can be tailored to accommodate specific health concerns such as arthritis or osteoporosis, ensuring that participants can engage safely and comfortably.

There are numerous pilates options available at CSSM:

– PilatesFIT – a high intensity group fitness class based on refomers, to get you strong, flexible and fit. Find out more here.
– PilatesFIT Stretch – a reformer based Pilates session with a focus on technique, flexibility and form. A unique combination of mat, reformer and equipment assisted exercises.
– PilatesFIT Move – caters for those looking for gentle exercise to improve balance, strength, flexibility and range of motion.  Suitable if you have arthritis, osteoporosis, balance problems or after joint replacement.
– PIER Pilates – Practitioner Instructed Exercise Rehabilitation – this group exercise therapy program is designed to prevent and manage injury.
– Clinical Pilates – is focused on maintaining and improving current function and ability and helping to prevent the recurrence of previous injuries.

Pilates addresses multiple facets of fitness – from strength and flexibility to balance and coordination – making it a valuable tool for promoting healthy ageing. Whether one is looking for a low-impact workout to maintain mobility or a structured rehabilitation program to address injury concerns, Pilates offers a pathway to improved physical health
and enhanced overall well-being.

If you’re curious about Pilates and its potential benefits for you, consider exploring the various class options available and discover firsthand how this dynamic exercise modality can elevate your fitness journey.

If you’re interested in giving Pilates a try, find out more here.

About the authors 

According to clinical pilates specialist Kim Van Hoorn  , rather than “treat” conditions, Kim says Pilates improves movement and helps to relieve pain.  “I work to help people overcome their back and neck pain, manage restrictions with arthritis, rehabilitate joint injuries,  improve balance, build strength and increase bone mass in osteoporosis.  I also love keeping people strong throughout their pregnancies and beyond.”

According to Kim, clients are surprised at how easily a problem area can be identified. “We have elite athletes coming in who are very strong and fit but have pain or an injury. We can find a muscle not doing its job properly and they are surprised at how quickly that muscle tires and how we can progress exercises to keep Pilates continually challenging.”

Kim has first-hand knowledge in the role pilates can play in pre and post-natal health but also has extensive experience treating and rehabilitating AFL and dance injuries.

Myotherapist Adele Agius is an enthusiast about health, fitness and being the best version of yourself.

Adele feels that analysing the main components of people’s everyday lifestyles and interests allows her to identify and provide specialised ways for a specific individual to help aid in strengthening, rehabilitating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adele enjoys working with people “to help get them back to the activities they love”.

Adele executes this through a “hands-on approach”, which includes trigger point therapy, dry needling, cupping, myofascial release and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Adele is a firm believer on educating her clients about their condition and what their recovery process will entail to improve their ability to manage, maintain and overcome their injuries.

Adele has worked with NICA (National Institute of Circus Australia) and amateur basketball, netball and football leagues across Melbourne.