I was very pleased to read George Ford’s “confession” that “in recent months I have been doing a lot more Pilates” (George Ford rejects R360 riches for his last chance at World Cup glory in England, October 15).
Over the last six years, I have too, and I wish I had discovered Pilates 50 years ago when I was playing rugby; I’m sure I would have recovered quicker from my injuries and maintained a higher fitness level with a much stronger ‘core’, so essential in such a physical sport.
But Pilates and the male psyche seem unfortunately unrelated, as the classes I went to had about a 10:1 ratio in favor of women. So thank you, Georges. I hope your example can encourage other men to try Pilates. Remember: it was invented by a guy.
Tim Heaviside
Stretton Church, Shropshire
Your encouraging article on walking football (The beautiful walk: England’s seniors take walking football to world stage, October 17) fails to mention the risk of knee injuries, which my husband (78) actually injured while playing the game. I understand from a nursing friend that this is very common among hospital admissions. The recommended treatment? Rest, then gentle physiotherapy, with a recovery time of six months to a year. He misses the camaraderie and other benefits of rugby on foot.
Marguerite Evans
Finstall, Worcestershire
