We are an ageing population and – as we move through each decade of our lives – the way
we move in class also needs to change.
Why exercise for mature people is so important
The Royal Osteoporosis Society says that half of women over 50 and one in five men will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is where your bones lose strength; if you have this, you are more likely to fracture or break a bone – even after just a minor bump or fall. In fact, Public Health England reports that falls are responsible for around 95% of all hip fractures. The Society also states that breaks caused by osteoporosis are the fourth worst cause of disability and premature death in the UK.
But there is good news … an evidence review commissioned by Public Health England and the Centre for Ageing Better found that muscle & bone strengthening and balance activities have great health benefits for all adults, including those aged 65 years and over.
Functional exercises for a functional lifestyle
Senior Strength & Balance is a slow and steady class I have developed for mature people that has a focus on Pilates principles to help improve posture alignment, stability and mobility.
It is specifically designed for those who cannot lie down – which is a requirement in so many traditional Pilates moves. Instead, my 60-minute weekly class mainly involves standing exercises, using barres and chairs for assistance, to improve strength and balance. (Anyone needing to stay seated the whole time will still be able to participate in full.)
Other gentle exercises focus on improving joint mobility, so that class participants can safely move from seated to standing in everyday movements, with careful exercises using bands to help with upper body strength. There is also posture work because poor posture affects our breathing and blood pressure: it restricts the diaphragm and compresses the chest cavity. This hinders oxygen intake and the heart has to work harder to pump blood.
I also teach my “Vanessa-special lymph exercises” to connect mind and body in preparation for movement and to improve circulation. Read my blog to see why a good lymphatic flow means a healthier life.
“A game changer”
This is what a client who attends my seniors class at St. Michael’s, Chiswick, had to say:
“A bombshell hit me in the middle of 2024 – I was diagnosed with cancer, which I found very difficult to deal with. As someone who's always been very active, I struggled with the loss of energy and motivation. I found myself not wanting to do anything or exercise, which led to a loss of muscle strength in my legs, lower body, and upper arms, and my balance wasn't great.
Four months ago, my sister told me about a senior Pilates group run by Vanessa. At first, I was hesitant, but she insisted it would make a big difference. I decided to give it a try, and Vanessa was very understanding about my situation. I have not looked back since!
The Pilates group has been a game-changer for me. My stability, movement, and balance have vastly improved. Vanessa is a very special person – caring, supportive, and dedicated to her students. I can see the difference it's made to our senior group, and I'm amazed by the impact it's had on me. Thank you, Vanessa, for being an exceptional Pilates teacher and for going the extra mile to support us.”
Victor
Want to age with confidence?
For details about my gentle classes for seniors held in Chiswick, please get in touch
