Pilates: Movement is Medicine for the Mid-30s and Beyond
- Morgan Loughton
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
At HerMove, we strongly advocate for movement as medicine, and nobody embodies that better than our contributor, Marion Rowe. With over 25 years of experience, Marion shares why Pilates and strength training are not just beneficial, but essential as women approach and navigate menopause. Her insights prove it's never too late to invest in your future health.
By Marion Rowe
Pilates originates from Joseph Pilates creating 34 exercises and evolved to a wonderful exercise program suitable for all ages and abilities.
I have been teaching Pilates for over 25 years and mainly women (ages from 20’s to 80’s) attend my classes. Although I am not trained as a doctor or physio I have learnt a great deal over the years. Movement is key both for our physical and mental health. Our bodies are designed to move and sadly life today guides us more to being sedentary.
This can have a negative impact on our bodies: weak muscles and bones, limited joint range, poor posture, poor gut health, arthritis, weight gain, bad backs and poor balance. That’s the depressing news!
The good news is movement helps all of the above. It is never too late to exercise. If we are all hoping to enjoy and live to a good age we want to be able to continue to manage everyday tasks and keep our bodies strong.
It’s important to keep our joints mobile, lift weights (or use our body weight) keep our core strong, challenge our balance, maintain our flexibility and not forgetting increasing our heart rate and challenging our brains! Sounds like a lot? all of these things I cover in my classes.
From mid 30’s women can lose up to 8% of muscle mass per decade. From age 50-60’s muscle mass reduces further with the contribution of the decline of oestrogen during menopause.
Originally, I thought for myself teaching Pilates and running was sufficient to maintain my fitness. However, since menopause I understand the importance of strength training and mixing movement patterns is key and of huge benefit. We want to be able to feel the best for ourselves and it really doesn’t require a great deal of time to improve our fitness. Investing in a pair of hand weights (anything from 1-5kg) and repeating about 6 different exercises, 10 reptations and 2-3 sets can be completed in less than 10 minutes. I have timed it! We can improve our balance by standing on one leg whilst brushing our teeth, waiting for the kettle to boil, taking a phone call? 10-20 squats a day takes less than 2 minutes.
I truly believe movement is medicine!
Over the years I am constantly inspired by my wonderful members who attend the classes and they ‘just move’! Many of us are dealing with injury, health conditions, joint pain or just having a bad day! Any exercises don’t need to be performed perfectly, we find a way what suits us best and challenge ourselves in a positive way, free of pain or pressure.
Join Marion's Classes: Marion Pilates
Marion welcomes you to attend a complimentary class to see if it’s what you’re looking for! Classes are suitable for mixed age and ability, and beginners are always welcome.
Day | Time | Location |
Monday | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | |
Wednesday | 9:45 am - 10:45 am | |
Wednesday | 11:25 am - 12:25 pm | |
Wednesday | 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm | ZOOM Online Pilates |
Thursday | 9:05 am - 10:05 am | |
Thursday | 10:15 am - 11:15 am | |
Thursday | 11:25 am - 12:25 pm | |
Friday | 9:15 am - 10:15 am |
Classes are run on a half-termly basis and require booking. Please check availability with Marion prior to attending a class.
Website: www.marionpilates.co.uk
Email: marionrowepilates@gmail.com
Tel: 07980 975511
For more inspiring stories and to learn more about our mission, visit www.hermove.uk
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