Pilates Evolved: Why Women Over 40 Need a Different Approach with Christine Kirkland

Описание: The fitness industry has largely forgotten about women over 40—pushing high-intensity workouts that leave us exhausted, injured, and wondering what’s wrong with us.

Spoiler: nothing is wrong with you.

My guest, Christine Kirkland, is a Pilates instructor and the founder of My Pilates, an online studio created specifically for women over 40. After becoming a mother and realizing that the “no pain, no gain” mentality was breaking her body instead of strengthening it, Christine discovered Pilates, and everything changed.

I’ll be honest: I was not a Pilates person. I tried group classes, private sessions, reformer work, mat Pilates—you name it—and none of it clicked. Then I tried Christine’s program using her free 7-day trial, and I’m officially a convert.

I now take her classes 3–4 times per week, and I love them. No neck strain. No feeling wrecked. No “hundreds” torture. Just smart, effective movement that actually works for this body.

This conversation challenges the belief that heavy weights and intense workouts are the only path to results—and explains why slower, more intentional movement may be exactly what women need as we age.

What You’ll Learn

👉 Why high-intensity workouts often backfire for women over 40
👉 How Pilates builds strength, balance, posture, and bone density without heavy weights
👉 Why slowing down helps you activate the right muscles (and avoid pain)
👉 What “bully muscles” are—and how they sabotage your workouts
👉 Why balance is a powerful predictor of longevity and independence
👉 How Pilates acts as “prehab,” protecting joints before injury happens
👉 Why lighter weights and bodyweight resistance can be more effective than heavy lifting
👉 How short, focused workouts (20–25 minutes) can deliver real results
👉 Why you are not the problem if traditional workouts leave you depleted

Key Takeaways & To-Dos

• Test your balance: Stand on one leg for 10 seconds if this is hard, make balance work a priority
• Start lighter than you think: Try 1–2 lb weights and focus on muscle activation, not ego
• Watch for bully muscles: Neck tension during shoulder work or hip flexor burn during core work means slow down
• Prioritize alignment before load: Proper joint positioning prevents injury and boosts results
• Embrace shorter workouts: 20–25 focused minutes is more than enough
• Stop comparing yourself to your 25-year-old body, your needs are different now, and that’s okay

About Christine Kirkland

Christine Kirkland is a certified Pilates instructor specializing in women over 40. After struggling with postpartum depression and finding traditional workouts exhausting and ineffective, she turned to Pilates and was surprised by how much stronger and more balanced she became without burnout or injury.

Connect with Christine

🌐 Website & Studio: My Pilates https://www.my-pilates.ca

Stay Connected & Explore More

🌐 Website: https://rebelliouswellnesslifestyle.com

📞 Free 20-Minute Discovery Call with Greg
https://calendly.com/gregory-rebellio...

🎧 Explore Past Episodes: Rebellious Wellness Over 50
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

📘 Facebook: Gregory Anne
📸 Instagram: @gregoryannecox_
🐦 X: @RebelWell50
💼 LinkedIn: Gregory Anne

🎥 More Rebellious Wellness Videos You’ll Love
➡️    / @gregoryannecox  

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
   / @gregoryannecox  

📜 Important Information

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program.

💖 Spread the Love

If this episode helped you rethink fitness after 40, share it with a friend. Like, comment, and tap the bell 🔔 to support more honest conversations about health, aging, and what actually works.

#PilatesOver40 #WomenOver40Fitness #HealthyAging #LowImpactExercise #BalanceTraining #RebelliousWellness #MovementMatters #PilatesForLongevity #FitnessAfter50