Teaching Pilates and Gyrotonic to Students in their 70s, 80s, and 90s

Pilates and Gyrotonic are specifically beneficial for people in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s who wish to gain flexibility, strength, and self-confidence. My oldest clients are of varying fitness and health levels. They’re active but not athletic, and in most cases they began Pilates or Gyrotonic on the recommendation of their adult children. Most are in the studio two and three times weekly (sometimes more) for 55-minute classes or private sessions. They are consistently pleased with their increased strength and stamina, flexibility, balance, relief from some aches and pains, and even increased height due to a lessening of spinal compression.
Pilates and Gyrotonic equipment offers resistance and pressure, but at the same time it supports the neck, shoulders, and back, enabling correct use of muscles, and a lessening of pressure on sensitive areas. Instruction is clear, easy to hear and to see, client-centered and individualized. The private and small classes and the quiet studio become such an asset when trying to learn how to move more ergonomically and painlessly while achieving better posture, more strength and stretch, circulation and balance.
The confidence that comes from feeling physically capable is wonderful. In addition, Pilates and Gyrotonic workouts consistently reward older clients with positive changes and measurable increases in stamina and general fitness levels. Even posture improves! I love to design workouts that are fun, as easy or challenging as is appropriate, and that help my older students build their physical confidence - which is so important to a rich and active life.