Mid-Life Movement

In our Studio Three community we have a largely female, mid-life demographic which is partly due to the fact that we have been around for over a decade and also perhaps because, at 60 myself, I am able to understand the challenges that women can face as they move through the stages of perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. This period can span over a decade of a woman’s life when she is often at her busiest juggling, family, career, relationships etc. So, finding the right exercise type and balance in your early forties can really impact how well your body will be in your 60s and beyond.

So many women fail to connect the dots between their menopause transition and their unresolved injuries and aching joints. Frozen shoulders, rotator cuff injuries, back, knee and sciatica pain are just some of the many conditions that we are seeing more frequently in female clients turning to pilates to help in their rehabilitation. Changing hormone levels, along with associated changes in our weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cortisol (our stress hormone) can all increase inflammation in our body and impact joint health and integrity. This then leaves women more vulnerable to midlife injuries, musculo-skeletal problems and poor recovery from exercise if they are not doing the right quantity and type. Rather than feeling energised by exercise they end up feeling exhausted!

Pilates Reformer is such a great option for everyone and especially for midlife women if they have sore or inflamed joints or are carrying extra weight, as the machine allows them to safely strengthen while supporting the spine and joints. Think of pilates as your foundation for good quality movement, connection to your breath, muscle activation and control, muscle strength, mobility, flexibility and postural awareness. Laying and maintaining these foundations is integral to being able to do all the other physical activities and sports that you want to enjoy injury-free into your later years or just simply being able to run around with your kids or grandchildren.

At Studio Three we focus on quality of movement and setting our clients up for success. Our classes are limited to a maximum of 8 to ensure our experienced team can look after each person in class and accommodate varying ability levels. We also offer private or duo sessions to suit.