Aging Gracefully: How Mobility and Pilates Can Keep You Moving for Life

Don’t Take Your Mobility (or Your Body) for Granted

Truly inspiring to see these athletes zoom around!

This past weekend reminded me just how precious our mobility really is.

I had the absolute pleasure of watching one of my former students, Akshay, compete in Power Soccer—an incredible sport played in custom power chairs designed for speed and agility.

It was a full-circle moment for me, as I had helped Akshay years ago when he first learned to drive his initial power wheelchair.

Watching these athletes zip around the court, relying on both their own skill and the support of their families for transfers and setup, was a powerful reminder:

Mobility is a gift.

Your body is a gift.

Don’t wait to protect it. Take care of it now—because every small action today matters for your tomorrow.

Akshay and I getting a selfie!

Why Mobility and Pilates Are Essential as We Age

Mobility is often something we don’t think about until we start to lose it.

As we age, maintaining mobility becomes a non-negotiable part of living a full, independent life.

Here’s what naturally happens if we aren’t proactive:

• Our connective tissues lose elasticity.

• Inflammation increases throughout the body.

• Our range of motion diminishes over time.

• Muscle activation weakens, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

And the kicker?

An injury can start a downward spiral of inactivity, pain, and even further loss of mobility.

That’s where Pilates comes in. Pilates is a dynamic, intentional method of strengthening the body, improving posture, enhancing breathwork, and maintaining healthy joint movement. It's one of the most powerful ways to keep your body strong, supple, and resilient as you age.

And because I’m always looking to expand the ways I can serve you, I’m excited to share that I’ve officially started my Yoga Teacher Training!

Soon, you’ll start seeing a sprinkle of yoga-inspired movements integrated into our Pilates work—offering even more ways to improve mobility, balance, and mind-body connection using just your own bodyweight.

May is for Mat (and Mayhem)

Get ready for Mat Mayhem!

One of my amazing clients recently said, “May isn’t just May—it’s Mayhem!”

Between school graduations, end-of-year projects, and the general hustle, this time of year can feel chaotic.

So this May, I’m keeping things mat-based and simple:

More focus on movement you can do at home with minimal equipment—because mobility shouldn’t get pushed aside when life gets busy.

To kick things off, check out a brand-new video I shared where all you need is a simple towel! This quick routine focuses on:

• Mobility

• Breathwork

• Postural awareness

Three things that keep your body thriving—no fancy gym required.

(And yes, this towel routine is great whether you’re just starting or getting back on track!)

All you need is a cheap beach towel!

How to Get Started When You're Just Exhausted

How to Get Started When You’re Just Exhausted

Let’s be real:

Knowing you need to move and actually moving are two different things—especially when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or feeling stuck.

When motivation is low, I always come back to a simple tool: the ABC’s of behavior change.

• A = Antecedent (what triggers the behavior)

• B = Behavior (the action you take)

• C = Consequence (what happens after)

Here’s a real example from my own life:

For a while, my Sunday nights turned into stress-eating pizza and wine fests.

• Antecedent: Stress

• Behavior: Overeating and drinking

• Consequence: Temporary stress relief, but feeling sluggish and miserable the next day

The short-term reward (numbing) was stronger than the long-term consequence (feeling awful). To shift the pattern, I had to change the setup—whether that meant speaking up, building in accountability, or swapping in a healthier stress outlet.

Behavior change is hard.

Starting when you feel awful is even harder.

But even small steps—a five-minute towel stretch, a glass of water instead of wine, a walk around the block—can start to shift your momentum.

If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone.

What’s one small action you could take today to support your mobility, your health, and your future self?

I’d love to hear what you’re working on!

Reply to this email, DM me on Instagram @amanda_anchortolife, or come visit me in the studio.

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Let’s pause, breathe, and thrive.

Yours in longevity, empowerment, and thriving,

Amanda Curd

Anchor to Life Pilates & Nutrition