Healthy Ageing Classes

A variety of changes occur to the body as we age, including sarcopenia and loss of balance. Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of skeletal mass, strength and function as one ages. This process starts as early as age 30 and is driven by a combination of physical inactivity, hormonal changes, chronic inflammation, and poor nutrition. Adults lose about 3-8% of their muscle mass per decade, with losses accelerating after age 60. Sarcopenia is slowed and managed with resistance training.

Loss of balance with age is driven by a mixture of muscle weakening, vestibular changes, slower nerve signals and vision decline. It is a major contributor to falls, with 1 in 3 adults over age 65 experiencing a fall each year. Balance-challenging exercises are recommended to mitigate these effects.

At SPS, we offer a Pilates-based class tailored to individual goals, exercise capacity, and pre-existing comorbidities.

Exercises may include:

• Muscular endurance training using higher repetition ranges
• Maintenance and development of flexibility and motor control
• Pilates principles focusing on lumbopelvic and thoracoscapular stability
• Balance and coordination training