Pilates Blacksmiths: Finding Strength Across Generations

Hi, I’m Olivia. Usually, I live with my parents in Melbourne. I am going to talk about last year's summer, which I spent with my grandparents living in Blacksmith. Of course, I love them, and as they are in their 80s, I thought I'd be with them for a while.

The vacation was filled with laughter, stories, and cooking. But something different happened that changed my way of living, too.

One day, I took my Nan for a little walk; during the walk, she was complaining that her back felt stiff. At first, I thought, well, this is just what happens when you’re older. But then one afternoon, wandering around town, I saw a sign for Pilates Blacksmiths. I don’t know why it caught my eye—maybe because I’d been hunched over TikTok too much myself and could feel my own shoulders knotting up.

The Surprise Find

Honestly, when I first heard “Pilates,” I thought it was something more for older people only, as it sounds serious. But the class I peeked into looked nothing like that. Just a group of locals stretching, breathing, and moving slowly. Some younger, some older, all looking… lighter, somehow.

I thought of Nan complaining about her back and Pop rubbing his stiff hands after mowing. What if this could help them? And maybe even me, since my posture’s already dodgy from scrolling on my phone half the night. So I signed us up. Pop rolled his eyes at the idea, but Nan was secretly excited—she’s always up for something new.

First Class with Nan and Pop

When I walked into the class, I felt a sense of calm, like walking into a gentle sea breeze. The instructor didn’t complain about what we couldn’t do. She just said, “Move how you can; listen to your body.”

Nan tried a few moves and laughed when she wobbled. Pop, who swore his knees wouldn’t hold up, actually managed a couple of stretches. I wasn’t much better, but that made it funny as we all looked ridiculous together.

By the end, Nan said her back felt a little looser. Pop admitted his breathing felt better. I just liked seeing them smile and not think about their aches for a while.

Why It Matters

At their age, it’s not about running marathons. It’s about little things—walking without pain, sleeping better, keeping balance so they don’t fall. And Pilates gave them something small but powerful: confidence that their bodies could still do a bit more than they thought.

Watching Nan and Pop try made me want to keep going.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. We didn’t suddenly turn into super-fit gym junkies, but those classes made our days lighter. Nan kept saying, “I feel like I can breathe deeper,” and Pop teased me that he could touch his toes now (he can’t, but let him have it).

I know next time I’m back in Blacksmiths, we’ll roll out those mats again. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll drag a cousin or two along so they can see that even at eighteen—or eighty—you can always try something new.