I can touch my toes! Yeah, I know. What’s the big deal? Well, it’s been a long while since I could bend at the waist and touch the floor. It’s not that I’m in bad shape. I take pride in keeping active and living healthy. It’s just that as I have gotten older, I’ve noticed less flexibility and a few more aches and pains.  Even more troubling, is my drooping posture.

So…. the lone purchase I made on Black Friday was a membership to the local Pilates studio. Since it was a bit pricey, I waited patiently for a good deal to come around. The package that I purchased provided a free membership and two classes per week. What’s a better investment than caring for one’s health?

Why Pilates? I chose Pilates because of the focus on core strength, flexibility and postural alignment. The series of stretches are low-impact and promote balance and stability. And while it’s not necessary to join a studio, I wanted the benefit of a certified instructor, a weekly schedule, and the ability to use a reformer.

A reformer?  Yep. It’s a is an odd-looking piece of equipment developed by founder, Joseph Pilates. It has a wooden frame (sort of like a bed frame), with a carriage that glides forward and backward. There are a set of springs for various resistance levels, and two long straps that can be used by both arms and legs. Because I have some hip issues, working on a floor mat for too long can be uncomfortable so having the reformer option is perfect.   In addition to the reformer, we use a variety of other equipment such as hand weights, balls, wall springs, a magic circle and more.

The first day was like trying anything new. It was awkward as I experienced that “new kid in the class” feeling. The other students all seemed to know each other and had a friendly bond with the instructor. I didn’t know the people, the routine, or the terminology. In all honesty, I looked like a fish out of water with my body flapping about. It wasn’t pretty but I knew it would get better.

Well, it’s been a few months and I’ve come to love my classes. It’s not an easy workout. Even though the movements are slow and intentional, they are still challenging. In addition to touching my toes, I can successfully plank, and do a series of complex balance activities without tipping over.  More importantly, I’m gaining strength and flexibility which is critical for an aging body. Just recently, my granddaughter (who is 4) asked me to do cartwheels with her while we were at the park.  I don’t know if that will ever happen, but who knows?  

 I now find myself smiling whenever someone new joins the class. One student who started a few weeks ago is 87 years. She jokingly said that she truly hates attending but is committed to preserving her health and range of motion. She’s smart.  Numerous studies have demonstrated that seniors with mobility issues are more prone to falls, depression, and need for assisted living support. In addition, they are less likely to leave the home and engage in social activities. 

So, it’s never too late to think about starting a fitness routine, particularly one that one that helps with core strength and balance.  I’m determined to keep moving for as long as possible. And who knows, maybe someday, I’ll attempt those cartwheels.