This reminds me of what I have been telling my shoulder patients over the past 4 decades - what you can get away with at twenty, is likely to be risky once you reach midlife and beyond. While our bodies thrive on regular movement, as we age we need to be selective!
I have L5/S1 fusión and a replacement disc. Pilates has been the only thing that has kept me going. However, and it's a big however - so many Pilates teachers don’t ask or allow for back problems. I was very lucky, after I had my surgery, I went to a Pilates class specifically for post-op/injury patients. Every move was calculated not to exacerbate the spine. I have taken that with me to many classes, and I tell the teacher what and why I am doing them for. Don't just follow the class, the odd time I did this, thinking I must be ok by now, taught me a painful lesson. Great post.
This is such a smart, reassuring breakdown of Pilates for anyone over sixty. The reminder that spinal‑flexion moves aren’t mandatory — and may not be wise until you know your bone density — is incredibly valuable. I love how you show that the core isn’t “gone”; it just needs safer, smarter activation. The swaps you offer keep all the benefit without the risk, and the emphasis on balance as real independence is spot on. This is exactly the kind of guidance that helps people stay strong, steady, and confident as they age.
This reminds me of what I have been telling my shoulder patients over the past 4 decades - what you can get away with at twenty, is likely to be risky once you reach midlife and beyond. While our bodies thrive on regular movement, as we age we need to be selective!
Exactly!
I have L5/S1 fusión and a replacement disc. Pilates has been the only thing that has kept me going. However, and it's a big however - so many Pilates teachers don’t ask or allow for back problems. I was very lucky, after I had my surgery, I went to a Pilates class specifically for post-op/injury patients. Every move was calculated not to exacerbate the spine. I have taken that with me to many classes, and I tell the teacher what and why I am doing them for. Don't just follow the class, the odd time I did this, thinking I must be ok by now, taught me a painful lesson. Great post.
This is such a smart, reassuring breakdown of Pilates for anyone over sixty. The reminder that spinal‑flexion moves aren’t mandatory — and may not be wise until you know your bone density — is incredibly valuable. I love how you show that the core isn’t “gone”; it just needs safer, smarter activation. The swaps you offer keep all the benefit without the risk, and the emphasis on balance as real independence is spot on. This is exactly the kind of guidance that helps people stay strong, steady, and confident as they age.