'I’m a Pilates instructor, and I recommend these 5 core exercises to help older clients build strength and improve posture'

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Power up your core

three woman doing a glute bridge on mats
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In Pilates, the core is often referred to as the powerhouse of the body, and it's an idea that goes right back to the method’s founder, Joseph Pilates. He developed Pilates in the early 1900s, teaching that strong, controlled movement should always start from the centre, where strength, stability, and balance are built.

One of the reasons Pilates has stood the test of time is how adaptable it is. It can be made challenging or supportive depending on what you need, which makes it a smart choice for building core strength, improving posture, and supporting balance as we get older.

1. Modified Plank

a woman doing a knee plank

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  • Place hands directly under your shoulders.
  • Step feet back into a plank position; lower knees to the floor if needed.
  • Engage the abdominals and glutes to create a long line from head to knees.
  • Imagine pulling the floor apart with your hands to activate the upper back.
  • Hold for 20-30 seconds, breathing steadily.
  • Modification: Perform on knees or elevate hands on a chair or bench to reduce wrist and shoulder strain.

2. Bird Dog

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  • Start on all fours with hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
  • Engage your abdominals to stabilize the spine.
  • Extend the opposite arm and leg, reaching fingertip to heel.
  • Keep hips and shoulders level - avoid arching the back.
  • Return to start and switch sides.
  • Perform 6–8 controlled reps per side.
  • Modification: Lift only the arm or the leg if balance is limited.

3. Bridging

a woman doing the two stages of a glute bridge

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
  • Start on all fours with hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
  • Engage your abdominals to stabilize the spine.
  • Extend the opposite arm and leg, reaching fingertip to heel.
  • Keep hips and shoulders level - avoid arching the back.
  • Return to the start and switch sides.
  • Perform 6–8 controlled reps per side.
  • Modification: Reduce range of motion and lift hips only a few inches if needed.

4. Bow & Arrow (Half Roll‑Back)

Half Roll Back with Bow and Arrow - YouTube Half Roll Back with Bow and Arrow - YouTube
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  • Sit on the mat with knees bent and feet lightly resting on the floor.
  • Sit tall, then gently round the spine and lean back halfway.
  • Rotate the torso to one side, bending the elbow as if drawing a bow.
  • Return to the center and repeat on the other side.
  • Perform 6–8 slow reps per side.
  • Modification: Sit more upright and limit the lean‑back depth.

5. Mermaid Stretch (Z‑Sit or Seated Option)

Mermaid Stretch - Z sit - YouTube Mermaid Stretch - Z sit - YouTube
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  • Sit in a Z‑sit position or on a chair if floor seating is uncomfortable.
  • Lengthen the spine and extend arms out to a T‑shape.
  • Place one hand down and sweep the opposite arm overhead into a side bend.
  • Return to center and switch sides.
  • Continue flowing side to side for 30–45 seconds.
  • Modification: Perform seated in a chair with feet flat on the floor.

If anything causes pain, particularly in the lower back or hips, stop and reset your form or choose an easier option. Pilates is about building strength in a way that supports your body, not pushing through discomfort.

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Jessica Downey
Jessica Downey
Senior Fitness Writer

Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.

Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge.

When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking.

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