By Tyler Wright
Over 55s in the hills are able to get moving at the Monbulk Living & Learning Centre as part of a series of fully funded pilates classes run by Mountain Pilates and supported by Yarra Ranges Council and Monbulk & District Madcow Community Opportunities Working Group.
Stretching and strengthening for the young at heart is the main focus of the eight week program, starting on Friday 6 May and led by pilates instructor Jeanette Tatton.
“I was asked to do a speech at the CWA’s agenda meeting at the start of the year, talking about the impact that stretch can have for people in the older generation,” Jeanette said.
“When I left there, after hearing their stories and doing a small five minute session with them and talking to them, I was inspired. And I just said ‘there’s more than I can do here. I’ve got to be able to reach this age group post Covid’…”
“A lot of people just didn’t have that support or understanding that this could really make a difference.”
The sessions will remind attendees about the importance of self-care, breath-work, strength and core exercises.
“A lot of this is going to be about being in a group of a community like-minded age group where people have not been in that position before, and hopefully friendships are formed. And hopefully, people will go out and have a coffee together or go for a walk together [afterwards],” Jeanette said.
“Hopefully, they can set themselves up for success with a little bit more confidence or a little bit more smile in their day.”
The free 45 minute classes will hopefully create a more accessible environment for over 55s to get physically active and interact with others in the hills.
“Walking into a studio, walking into a gym, or walking into a community space. I mean, that’s hard in itself, right?
“Covid has just completely pushed us into spaces where we have never felt before…, people just feel their self worth isn’t worthy enough. It takes a great deal of bravery and courage for people to step forward to make changes happen today, not like it was before,” Jeanette said.
“I want people’s lives to feel better.”
You can find more information about bookings by emailing mountainpilatesmonbulk@gmail.com
