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Writer's pictureRiki Shore

Let's Get Taller as We Age... with Pilates!

Something unexpected happened to me last week...


During a routine bone density scan, the technician asked for my height. I told her I was '5'2", maybe 5'2.5" on a good day, and she said, 'Let's just measure.' What happened next took me by surprise!


A Pilates instructor, Riki Shore, assists a client in a seated position on Pilates equipment. The client, facing away from the camera, is extending her arms upward while gripping a horizontal bar, engaging in a stretching or strengthening exercise. The instructor is gently guiding the client's back with one hand to ensure proper posture and alignment.
Coaching a client to sit tall on the Short Box

During the scan, they check your height and weight to adjust the scanner for an accurate reading. The technician had me stand against the wall to measure my height. 


As I stood there, I could hear my Pilates teacher's voice saying, "Grow tall. Reach long. Keep it. Don't lose it!" So I reached my feet down into the floor, lifted my low belly and reached the top of my head into the ruler. And lo and behold, the technician said, "5'2" and 3/4!"


That's practically 5'3" and the tallest I've been in my life!


I thought about all those reps I've done – reaching long on the mat in preparation for the Hundred, sitting tall on the Short Box, those Leg Springs on the Cadillac, and pressing the Wunda Chair pedal to the floor and holding it while growing tall.


A Pilates instructor works with a client who is lying on a reformer machine, performing a leg exercise. The client is lying on her back with one leg extended upward while holding onto the equipment's bars. The instructor, seated nearby, is guiding the client's other leg, ensuring correct form and providing support. The room is bright and organized, with Pilates equipment and instructional charts visible in the background.
Using the Cadillac poles to reach her whole body longer

I thought about my Pilates teacher's advice to, "Always be doing Pilates", even when you're driving, emptying the dishwasher, or scrolling on your phone.


I like to give my clients this simple bit of homework - you can do it while you're driving. When you come to a red light or stop sign, lift your low belly, lengthen your low back and see if you can sit up a little taller. Now stay tall once the light turns green!


I haven't gotten the bone density results yet, but I've been preparing for this decade of maximum bone loss by jumping rope and doing lots of resistance exercises. 


Stay tuned for more about how you can grow taller and protect against bone density loss in the coming weeks. Let's get taller as we age – with Pilates!


Want to try the Pilates equipment and see how it can help you get taller, reach longer and feel better? Learn more and get in touch to schedule your first session!

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