As we age, the importance of a balanced approach to exercise becomes paramount, but where does Pilates fit into this mix?

In this chat with Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt, we venture down the path of women's health and longevity, discussing Pilates and its role in overall fitness. We share our experiences and highlight the differences between mat and reformer Pilates.

But don't be fooled; Pilates is not a cure-all.

We emphasise the importance of aerobic exercise in combating cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of death among women in Australia and the US. And progressive overload through resistance training to prevent osteoporosis and muscle loss in mid-life.

Variety is the spice of life – and exercise? Absolutely! We delve into the world of exercise variety, emphasising the need for a well-programmed strength regimen, a specifically tailored nutrition plan, and, potentially, some supplementation for women over 35.

We believe in a balanced blend of cardio, strength, conditioning, core, stability, and mobility exercises throughout your week or even a 10-day period.

And while flexibility is crucial, we caution against pushing too far, highlighting the importance of awareness to prevent potential injuries.

We round off our chat with a comparison of flexibility and mobility. Spoiler alert: Mobility wins!

It's not just about stretching; it's about the ability to move a joint in all directions and still be able to load it. We highlight the potential dangers of performing Pilates incorrectly and its possible contribution to injuries.

We also underscore the power of strength training and sensible eating in maintaining a healthy body. To top it off, we touch on the concept of mindful nutrition and how it can aid in achieving your health goals.

Settle in, and listen to our insightful chat about women's health, longevity, and making informed fitness choices.

Resources:
Roma van der Walt | Vitelle  https://www.vitelle.co/
Sonya Lovell | Dear Menopause   https://www.dearmenopause.au/
The History of Pilates
Progression of volume load and muscular adaptation during resistance exercise  - European Journal of Applied Physiology
The Importance of Flexibility and Mobility - Penn State University

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