Do you use the Classical Basic/Intermediate Mermaid or Advanced Mermaid to open your back. Would I be correct to assume it is the former?

Of particular interest to me.

Thank you. Colin Henry.

I can relate to your comments that since you are now in your 50′s you need a lot more time to “warm up your back”.

To explain:I am 65 and have been suffering from chronic lower back ache since 1990. Then I found Pilates 3 years ago, and got hooked on the Classical Matwork. It is my hobby, and way of life nowadays!

Pilates has just about eliminated my back issues. The Standing Pilates work has proved very helpful. I started doing it six months ago, and still feeling more gradual improvement.So it is significant.

Now to get back to your point about the importance of a “warm-up”. Yes, I certaintly have felt this is crucial for me. Often we are told the 100 will do the warm-up for you. Not so for my body.Many students ask about warm up movements!

Lesley, what warm up exercises or I prefer to call them “movements” do you suggest? I have yet to see a list of good movements for the body prior to commencing the matwork.I concur 100% with your experience with the roll-over.

Your chance to pioneer the mat intro movements for older people, or, perhaps, it should apply to all!

Thank you. Colin Henry.

Would you share your experience of studying with Mary Bowen? Living in Scotland such opportunities simply don’t exist.
I hope to hear from you. Email me if you would be so kind: pilates08@tiscali.co.uk
Thanking you in anticipation. Colin.