Many of our members didn’t start Pilates because they want to get better at Pilates. They started because they wanted to keep walking, gardening, travelling, running or playing their favourite sport without feeling stiff, achy or held back by their body. So when it comes to moving well for as long as possible, there are a few ways we can help ourselves depending on what your favourite hobby is.
Walking & Hiking
Whether it’s a weekend ramble, a walking holiday or simply getting out every day, walking is one of the most popular activities amongst our members.
If you’re noticing
- Tight hips
- Achy knees
- Sore feet
- Lower back stiffness after longer walks
It’s worth focussing on
- Hip strength
- Single-leg balance
- Ankle mobility
- Core endurance
Strong hips and good balance help absorb the demands of walking, while mobile ankles can reduce unnecessary stress travelling up into the knees and back.
Gardening
A few hours in the garden can involve squatting, kneeling, lifting, carrying, reaching and twisting.
If you’re noticing
- Back ache after gardening
- Difficulty getting up from the floor
- Achy knees
- Tight shoulders
It’s worth focussing on
- Leg strength
- Squatting ability
- Hip mobility
- Upper back and shoulder mobility
Pilates develops the strength and control needed for these everyday movements. Many members find they can spend longer in the garden and recover more quickly afterwards.
Running
Running is repetitive by nature, so small weaknesses can become more noticeable over time.
If you’re noticing
- Tight calves
- Knee niggles
- Hip discomfort
- Lower back tightness
It’s worth focussing on
- Glute strength
- Single-leg control
- Core stability
- Calf mobility and strength
A stronger, more stable body often copes better with the miles.
Tennis & Padel
Sports like this – including golf – involve quick changes of direction, balance, co-ordination and plenty of rotation.
If you’re noticing
- Shoulder tension
- Back stiffness
- Feeling slower around the court
- Loss of power
It’s worth focussing on
- Rotational strength
- Balance
- Hip mobility
- Shoulder stability
Strengthening the muscles that support movement while improving rotational control and balance helps players move more confidently around the court and generate power more effectively.
Travel, City Breaks & Adventures
Travelling often involves long periods of sitting, carrying luggage, walking unfamiliar streets and saying yes to new activities.
If you’re noticing
- Stiff hips after travelling
- Back ache from carrying bags
- Fatigue from long days on the feet
- Worry about keeping up with family and friends
It’s worth focussing on
- Rotational strength
- Balance
- Hip mobility
- Shoulder stability
Whether it’s paddle boarding, exploring a new city or climbing the steps to a viewpoint, a stronger body gives more freedom to say ‘yes’.
If you’re enjoying a hobby – or hoping to get back to one – come and talk to us.