Despite what social media may depict, Pilates has actually been around since the early 20^th century. At its core, the practice is about mindful movement, engaging your muscles in a deliberate, controlled way. Unlike high-intensity workouts that rely on brute force, Pilates emphasises precision and flow, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels. For this reason, you see a huge range in participation from athletes hoping to increase flexibility, to those recovering from injury, right through to postpartum mothers, and older adults who are simply hoping to get out of bed more easily in the morning.

One of the most persistent myths about Pilates is that it is “a women’s workout”, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the practice was originally created by Joseph Pilates and was designed to help injured soldiers regain strength and mobility. One of our Activo Members Steve, who attends Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne kindly enlightened us about his own Pilates journey and how it has completely changed his day-to-day life following surgery (despite him being among the sceptical at first).

“In May 2023 I had a full hip replacement at the grand old age of 57. Years of football and endless hospitality steps resulted in me walking like Quasimodo and seriously struggling to complete everyday tasks.

The operation has been life-changing, and I can now put my own socks on, tie my own laces and use a dustpan and brush without any pain. 

I’ve been swimming at Colne for years as it’s the only exercise I could do in relative comfort. Helen knew about my operation and has suggested Pilates as something that may aid my recovery. 

After many months I bit the bullet and had a go. The benefits have been considerable. My balance, core stability and mental well-being have benefited remarkably. I’d never done anything like it. I hate the gym and only generally like sports that involve round spherical objects. I joke with Helen that ‘I hate it’ every week, which she doesn’t take personally, and hope she finds funny. I’ve heard a fellow gentleman say, ‘he swears at her under his breath ten times a lesson’.

It is surprisingly tough, but you can develop at your own pace. I’ve also found the various instructors have a slightly different approach, all are helpful and instructive.

I’m not as bendy as many (that’s an understatement!), and sweat more than most but I find the whole experience entirely beneficial and recommend it to many of my friends and old footballers like me, suffering after years of wear and tear.

I can now put on my socks and change for swimming with relative ease.”

Steve

If you are in a similar situation to Steve, struggling with mobility, recovering from injury or surgery, or simply wanting to increase your mind-body coordination, we offer Pilates classes at Pendle Leisure Trust across our three leisure centres: Pendle Leisure Centre in Colne, West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick, and Pendle Wavelengths in Nelson.

Why not try our full membership and facility offering for free for 7 days with a FREE pass? Or bite the bullet like Steve, and jump right in today with one of our Activo membership options. We can’t wait to have you on board!