Pilates is often marketed with very fit young people doing extremely intimidating looking moves. While those exercises are great for some they’re not really representing the kind of Pilates that the “average” person may want or need.
As humans we are made to move in many ways. Modern life has all but eradicated many ranges of motion that are vital for a healthy body that will function into old age. With Pilates you can re-educate your body in how to move through motions that have been long neglected. All the sitting we do can cause our spines to curve forward. In the Pilates repertoire there are many exercises that give the spine the extension that it requires for healthy mobility. There are small and gentle exercises as well as much bigger more advanced ones that achieve this. Depending on your body’s specific needs certain exercises are more appropriate for you than others. As you practice and build new strength and awareness you can increase the level of challenge and progress to more advanced exercises. But even if you stick with the basics you will be reaping the benefits. Don’t be intimidated by seeing a move that looks impossible, with practice it might be within reach but either way your spine will be healthier no matter what level of movement you work up to. When the practice is the goal you’re always winning!
Solara Pilates 