I am a 72 year old widow originally from Richmond, VA but have lived in this part of NJ for over 8 years. I am fortunate to be in excellent health in part due to genetics, but for the most part because I am careful to take very good care of myself. I maintain a very healthy diet and have always been one to exercise consistently and regularly.
I was an avid runner for about 25 years and clocked in almost daily distances of 3 -5 miles per day. Of course, as it often happens when you run for years on a hard surface, I developed some knee problems. I had to have minor surgery on one of my knees and I just knew it was a matter of time before I injured the other knee, so I reluctantly quit running.
First, I tried Yoga for about a year, but learned that it wasn't my cup of tea, so that was that.
Next stop was a full-scale gym with all the bells and whistles. I got the initial instructions on how to use the complicated machines and worked out daily for a couple of years, but that got old as my routines became boring. Plus, most of the time I was in the gym alone or did not know the other people to chat with.
Next on my agenda was Orange Theory, which I enjoyed for about 5 years. Despite being old enough to be most people's grandmother, I did, for the most part, keep up with the 30 and 40 year olds. However, after some time, I felt I was becoming limited on what I could achieve.
Club Pilates was my last choice. Admittedly, I dragged my feet for a few months, but finally went in for an into class. Prior to my class, I thought it would be nothing more than an easy stretching concept.
Immediately after the intro class, I signed up for 8 classes per month, and after just a few weeks, I bumped up my membership to Unlimited. It was one of the greatest decision I have made.
The benefits are endless.
Everyone knows that long breaths in and out have proven to relax you, but think about it for a second. Not only are you calming yourself down, you are also actively exercising! Pilates also helps increase flexibility and mobility, which are vital when getting older as they support optimal balance. Pilates offers all of these things and much more.
My favorite classes - and after 4 years and 1,837 classes, I have taken them all - are the F.I.T. and Level 1.5 classes. I love them all, and sometimes enjoy taking a level 1 as a "refresher". Using the TRX in class is fun too, and different.
My hope was that, best case scenario, my bones had either only deteriorated slightly or maintained the state that they were at 3 years prior.
When the doctor called with my results, he asked what was I doing differently, and I told him Pilates. He was thrilled with the overall results, but with regard the spine his response was:
How can I age three years, having changed no other variables in my lifestyle, but have improved my spine health? Like the doctor said, It's Pilates without a doubt as the doctor said.
All women and men who are reading this have absolutely nothing to lose by giving Pilates a shot. As with any exercise program, the more you do, the more you will see results. Core strength is inevitable as well as back strength. Your entire body will benefit, and you will visually see results in less than 3 months. Stay with it, and hopefully when you are 72 years old you can share a success story as I have done with you now.
If you want workouts with weights, take a Pilates class that uses weights and bands. Want your heart rate to go high? Take a Cardio Sculpt class. You like TRX bands? They offer that too with Suspend. The F.I.T. class is like bootcamp. For mental restoration, take the Restore or Center & Balance class types. There are so many more classes to choose from - you just have to decide what you need. It's all under one roof! I mix them up every week so I get a full-body workout.
I have made so many wonderful friends. Everyone here come for the same reason - to better their bodies and minds; and we cheer each other on! I go on average 5-6 times a week and my classmates are like family. I am going to be moving to North Carolina in just a few months, and look very forward to joining a Club Pilates there as it is such a major part of my life.
Written by Lynn H., member at in New Jersey