I was very pleased to read George Ford’s “confession” that “in recent months I’ve been doing a lot more pilates” (George Ford turns down R360 riches for last shot at England World Cup glory, 15 October).
In the last six years, so have I, and I wish that I’d discovered pilates 50 years ago when I was playing rugby; I’m sure I would have recovered more quickly from injuries and maintained a higher level of fitness with a much stronger “core”, so essential in such a physical sport.
But pilates and the male psyche don’t seem to connect, unfortunately, as the classes I went to had about a 10:1 ratio in favour of women. So, thank you, George. I hope your example can encourage other men to give pilates a try. Don’t forget: it was invented by a bloke.
Tim Heavisides
Church Stretton, Shropshire
• Your encouraging article on walking football (The beautiful stroll: England’s seniors take walking football to world stage, 17 October) omits to mention the risk of damaging knees, one of which my husband (78) has indeed damaged in playing this game. I understand from a nursing friend that this is very common among hospital admissions. The recommended treatment? Rest, then gentle physio, with recovery time of six months to a year. He is missing the camaraderie and other benefits also from playing walking rugby.
Margaret Evans
Finstall, Worcestershire
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