We all know the benefits of staying active, particularly as we age, but with so many different exercise options available it can be hard to know which is the right one for you. High impact or low impact, cardio or strength… Every day, it seems there’s a new kid on the block promising better health benefits and boasting ever whackier concepts. We had yoga, then voga - now there’s doga; essentially, yoga with dogs, which leaves us feeling both baffled and intrigued.

If doga sounds a bit barking and yoga doesn’t quite capture your imagination, Pilates might be the the memo-busting exercise for you. Supposedly, Madonna and Cameron Diaz are big fans of this core-strength building exercise that helps maintain flexibility and balance, whilst strengthening and maintaining muscles. With varying levels of difficulty, and a focus on breathing, strength, balance and flexibility, it’s suitable for most and can be a great social activity to attend with friends and have a giggle. The average class lasts between 30 minutes to an hour and flies by, even for the exercise shy (and hey, who’s not guilty of that some times?).

Don’t believe us? Here’s a few of the multiple mind/body benefits practicing Pilates can have:

• Improves Mood 
• Improves Co-ordination, Flexibility and Balance
• Relieves Muscle Tension
• Decreases Lower Back Pain
• Boosts Energy 
• Aids Weight Loss and Toning
• Maintains/Enhances Pelvic Floor Muscles
• Improves Posture
• Helps Reduce the Effects of Osteoporosis
• Improves Lung Capacity 
• Relieves Muscle Tension
• Helps to Reduce Blood Pressure
• Can Aid Sleeping

So sign us up! We’re sold! If you give it a go, drop us a comment below - we’d love to know how you got on!