OUR MISSION is to educate people—from collegiate students to those well into their twilight years—about how the body works and to enable them to move with ease and strength.
Located on the beautiful 13,000-acre campus of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, Bodyworks Youniversity is a perfect setting for our restorative work. We want your experience to be a “tiny vacation” from your busy life, to learn how to destress and unwind your body and soul.
We offer private and duet sessions that use heat and stretching on Pilates equipment to release and align your body before taking you to core strengthening exercises. We also offer Pilates mat classes to strengthen and tone your body, as well as to educate you about what each exercise is designed to achieve.
Aging Gracefully: The Power of Exercise at Every Stage of Life
Aging is inevitable, but how we age is, to a large extent, within our control. While genetics and environment play a role, one of the most powerful tools we have to age well is exercise.
Why Exercise Matters More As We Age
As we grow older, our bodies naturally undergo changes—muscle mass decreases, bones may become more brittle, and balance and coordination can decline. But here’s the good news: regular physical activity can slow or even reverse many of these effects.
Here’s what exercise can help with:
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Maintaining muscle mass and strength
Strength training helps combat the natural loss of muscle that comes with age, keeping us strong, mobile, and independent. -
Improving balance and coordination
Activities like yoga, tai chi, or simple balance exercises can significantly reduce the risk of falls. -
Boosting mental health
Exercise releases endorphins, helps manage stress, and can reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline. -
Protecting the heart and lungs
Aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or cycling improve cardiovascular health, keeping your heart and lungs in good shape. -
Enhancing flexibility and joint health
Stretching and mobility work improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Finding the Right Routine for You
The key is not to aim for perfection, but consistency. Here’s a simple weekly framework recommended for older adults:
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150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking, swimming)
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2+ days of strength training
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Balance and flexibility exercises several times a week
And if that sounds overwhelming, start small. Even 10-minute sessions throughout the day add up. The best exercise is the one you enjoy and can stick with.
Age Is Just a Number
Exercise isn’t about trying to look 20 again. It’s about feeling energized, staying independent, and enjoying life to the fullest—whether you’re 45, 65, or 85. So grab those sneakers, hit the walking trail, take a pilates class, or do a few stretches while watching TV. Your future self will thank you.
293 Ball park Road
Sewanee, TN 37375
and on Zoom app
(423) 322-1443
Monday-Friday
8a-7p
Private sessions available by appointment.