I recently hit the “50″ mark (ugh, oh-no not me) and had a physical… my blood work came back as if I was in my 30′s, this was great news ! However I had been waking up with back pain (in spite of a “sleep number” bed) and the doctor sent me off for an x-ray… his letter said something to the effect of “your back is older than you look”… I was devastated, I don’t look 50 (at least that is what other kind people have said 
and most especially as I am a DOER (typically well above others), not a watcher/couch-potato. So off to physical therapy he sent me. PT said that development of my “core” was the best treatment for addressing my “aged” back. They referred me to Pacific NW Pilates.
Though I have not been at Pilates very long, I attribute Pilates to no more back pain in the morning. Proper diet and cardio workouts in a gym had not been enough to address the needs for my back. So even though I’m a “newbie” at Pilates, I am well convinced that I’m going to be a life long Pilates advocate.
Since starting Pilates, the back pain in the morning is gone, I’ve dropped several pounds, reduced my body fat, and am within 10 lbs of my high-school cross-country running days (!), one of my next goals. I’ve been attending great semi-privates, and will be looking to schedule group classes next.
Best regards,
Otto
