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Exercise and Fitness

Pilates: A good workout option, even as we get older

These stretching and strengthening exercises can be adapted to your needs and abilities.

  • Reviewed by Lauren Elson, MD, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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A senior woman uses a Pilates machine to exercise.

Pilates is once again growing in popularity after first going mainstream in the early 2000s. Nearly 12 million Americans tried the low-impact workout in 2023, 15% more than during the previous year. And the attention on this exercise workout might make you wonder if Pilates is a good option for you.

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About the Reviewer

photo of Lauren Elson, MD

Lauren Elson, MD, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Lauren Elson is board certified in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. She attended Tufts University School of Medicine, did her residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia/Cornell, and completed a fellowship in sports … See Full Bio
View all posts by Lauren Elson, MD
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