SUPPLE SILVER — intelligent exercise for seniors

SUPPLE SILVER, intelligent exercise for seniors in Woolston, Southampton

TUESDAYS 10:30 – 11:30am

St Mark’s Institute, 37a Victoria Road, Woolston, Southampton SO19 9DY (view map)

First session £3. For further payment options, please click here.

SUPPLE SILVER is for those who are 60 and better! It is especially tailored to help seniors increase their flexibility, balance, general mobility and coordination. It is a fusion of yoga, Pilates and gentle body conditioning. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from join a more vigorous and faster-paced class, or if you are very new to exercise and want to take things slowly, this class is for you, too.

In SUPPLE SILVER, we take time to do things. You might need a bit longer to get on and off the floor, and that’s ok! Or you might not be able to get on the floor at all… and that’s ok, too. We will work with what you can do.

Here are the main things we focus on in our class:

We BUILD MUSCLE MASS. This is a big deal. Essentially, the more muscle you have, the younger you are. Muscles make it possible for us to move effectively and do all the things we enjoy. They regulate our metabolism: each pound of muscle you have helps you burn calories. In contrast, fat burns nothing. More muscle mass also protects you from injury, does wonders for your appearance, and improves just about every marker of health you can think of. Supple Silver will help you maintain and even regain your muscle mass. You have to be prepared to work as hard as you can, though!

 We INCREASE BALANCE and CONFIDENCE. Falls are most common among those over 65, and responsible for many fractures and serious injuries. The loss of balance has many causes; the degeneration of cells of our vestibular system in the inner ear, the fact we cannot rely on our eyes the way we used to, changes in blood pressure, reduced coordination, and our overall decline in fitness. But there is a lot we can do. We may not be able to improve our eyesight and inner ear, but we can ensure that our muscles remain strong, and we can train our coordination.

We IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY and ELASTICITY. Our connective tissues, muscles and bones become more brittle and fragile as we age. Some of it is due to wear and tear, but a lot of this loss is a direct result of inactivity. Controlled, mindful movements and stretches will jolt your body’s memory of better performance, even if you haven’t exercised for decades. It’s never too late to start. You will enjoy greater range of movement in your joints, improve your posture, and find places in your body you’ve long forgotten!

We GIVE THE BRAIN A WORKOUT, too. Exercise and movement, especially in a social setting, has shown to have wonderful benefits not only for people’s bodies, but also for their brains. Those who exercise on regular basis have better memory, lower anxiety levels, and are less likely to develop serious age-related illnesses such as dementia. They also tend to be happier! Mindfulness is also an important component of both yoga and Pilates, so we will also concentrate on relaxation, learn new breathing techniques, and dip our toes in meditation.

We work mostly standing, against the wall, and with chairs, and when able to, on the floor, too. There isn’t any direct weight-bearing on your wrists — instead, we use Flex-Bands to build strength. We also encourage each other to do better! My aim is to continue to build a friendly and supportive community, so that you have more than one reason to look forward to your Friday outing.

If you’d like to find out more or discuss any health and fitness concerns, please give me a call at 0798 223 6118 or email barbara@bravebodies.com. You can just turn up as the hall is large and we have plenty of space, but it would be helpful if you brought a mat with you, if you have one. You can also buy a mat once you arrive, if you’d like your own. In case you are considering yoga after a period of long inactivity and/or recovering from an injury or a serious illness, you may benefit from a 1-2-1 session first, and ease your way into a group setting. As pleasant and motivating as a class setting is, it does not allow too much space for attending to individual requirements and modifications, especially if they are significant. Please be aware of that when you come.

St Mark’s Institute is a spacious hall in the heart of Woolston, very close to the bus stop and Mac Coffee. There is some parking on the street, and two free car parks nearby as well, so you shouldn’t have any trouble. 

I look forward to meeting you!

Stay brave,