Pauline Caswell is the owner of Love Pilates Wirral, and this is her latest column for West Kirby Today…
Perusing healthy treats this week in a West Kirby deli, a heartfelt exchange unfolded between two middle-aged men across the pastéis de natas. It could be paraphrased: “The thing is at our age you have to stay fit, I go to a gym, do Pilates, (ears prick up!)”; friend replies: “I’ve not done anything for 20 years! I just wouldn’t know where to start, but maybe I should try Pilates (ears stayed pricked up!)”.
Listening behind in the queue, my husband was tempted to chime in and point them towards me – his wife, a skilled Pilates instructor – though he held back knowing I might have rolled my eyes into a squint that said: “No, I’m off today, looking at (nutritious) cakes”.
Walking away though, that moment put me in the shoes of someone else, a common dilemma faced by many: the desire to become fitter but the uncertainty of where to begin. Taking the first step towards fitness can feel daunting, overwhelming, and confusing.
Pilates meets you exactly where you are
Of course, Pilates is one of the best places to start. Designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness, it caters for all fitness levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. It’s low-impact, gentle on the joints, and offers a holistic approach to movement that benefits both the body and the mind. I wish I had turned back and invited him to the studio to recite all these benefits but the moment had passed – next time!
If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar conversation, or wondering where to start, let me assure you that Pilates doesn’t require you to be fit or flexible as most people worry about. If you were already fit and flexible, you probably wouldn’t be having the conversation anyway. Pilates meets you exactly where you are. I often tell those new to Pilates that just getting yourself to the session, is 90% of the effort. My private studio in Hoylake is a welcoming space that focuses on tailored instruction, ensuring that each individual receives guidance suited to their needs. If you want to chat about Pilates or where you might start, let me help you.
Special mind and body event
To make starting even more accessible, I am hosting a special event this Friday, June 6th, at Hoylake Community Centre. The event begins at 7:15pm and is designed for anyone curious about Pilates but hesitant to jump into a regular class. We’ll explore gentle movements and exercises aimed at introducing the principles of Pilates in a relaxed and friendly environment. The evening is rounded off with a guided meditation sound bath, offering a restorative experience to soothe the mind and body. The cost is £20, and places are still available.
The door’s open – come on in
If you’ve been feeling out of shape, uncertain, or simply don’t know where to begin, this event could be the perfect opportunity to take that first step. Pilates is more than a physical activity – it’s a pathway to greater self-awareness, mental clarity, and long-lasting well-being. Whether through a casual chat or joining us on Friday, the door is always open to taking that first step toward a healthier, more balanced you. Who knew an overheard conversation could be the call to rediscover your own wellness? Sometimes, talking to strangers in shops might just be the spark you need, enjoyed with a pastel de nata of course!
Pauline Caswell is the owner of Love Pilates Wirral. Pauline is a skilled 2nd Generation teacher with a direct lineage to Joseph Pilates. She’s also a qualified teacher of Education in Biology, Psychology, Science & Health. Her practice is about helping people to feel good about movement and the body you live in, whatever your lifestyle, age or ability. For more information visit www.lovepilateswirral.co.uk.
This article is sponsored and has been paid for by Love Pilates Wirral
