“I started Pilates at 43 and it changed my life”

For Sangeeta Patel, 54, Pilates was the cure-all for debilitating sciatica. Now she attends two classes a week and claims it has helped her relieve severe joint pain for the past 11 years – for the past 18 months she has been completely pain-free. Here’s why she thinks Pilates is more than just a trend.

Reformer Pilates is everywhere right now, but for me it’s not a passing trend – it’s changed my life. I was 43 – and living in Mumbai during my husband’s two-year internship – when I first took a class. I was hooked, I’d never felt so powerful. Back in London, I joined Korin Nolan’s Power Pilates studio in Beckenham. Except for lockdowns when I took her classes virtually, I’ve returned twice a week since then. Without the studio, I honestly think I’d be immobile.

I first started having lower back pain ten years ago. Over the next few years, the pain came and went, and Pilates helped me manage the worst of the flare-ups (my trainer explained that it made my muscles stronger, which relieved pressure on my joints).

But in 2023, my life changed when my GP diagnosed me with acute sciatica caused by the formation of degenerative discs. I have a high pain threshold, but I had never experienced anything like this. Still, I was relieved to have a diagnosis for the lower back pain I was experiencing.

Reformer Pilates Sciatica — Hearst owner

For four months I was unable to exercise at all. My logical mind knew my body needed it, but giving up the form of exercise that had given me so much was making me depressed. When I was allowed to resume my weekly classes, I was once again grateful for everything they had done for me. Some 18 months later, I am pain free – and stronger than ever, especially in my core.

As well as getting through the day, my body also supports me through swimming, yoga and padel (yes, another trend that got me hooked). I am so enamored with the power of Pilates that I now plan to complete my level three mat qualification. I want to help other women achieve the same successes as I have.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Korin Nolan, founder of Power Pilates UK, says: “Osteoarthritis – the breakdown of tissue in the joints – is often diagnosed after the age of 45, and studies show that 61% of sufferers are women. Pilates can reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis as it is gentle on the joints, while also improving joint mobility – by stimulating the production of synovial fluid that lubricates the joints – and building muscle strength so that pressure is distributed between the muscles and joints.”

How often should women practice Pilates?

“Beginners should try mat Pilates two to three times a week for 30 minutes, focusing on form and basic Pilates principles: alignment, breathing and core connection,” advises Nolan. As you progress, you can take a reformer Pilates class once a week. “This is more challenging as it requires both balance and strength.”

What other exercises should women do besides Pilates?

“Strength training is crucial for joint support and studies have shown it to be particularly beneficial for people with osteoarthritis as it provides additional strength to the surrounding muscles while using heavier weights than is typical in Pilates. Add a 40- to 60-minute session weekly.”

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