I was very pleased to read George Ford's “confession” that “I have been doing a lot more Pilates in recent months” (George Ford gives up R360 riches for one last bid for England World Cup glory, 15 October).
Over the past six years, so have I, and I wish I had discovered Pilates 50 years ago when I was playing rugby; I am confident that I would have recovered faster from injuries and maintained a higher level of fitness, having a much stronger core, so necessary in such a physical sport.
But Pilates and the male psyche are unfortunately not connected, since in the classes I took the ratio of women was approximately 10:1. So, thank you, George. I hope your example encourages other men to try Pilates. Don't forget: it was dude came up with it.
Tim Heaviside
Church Stretton, Shropshire
Your encouraging article about recreational football(A Wonderful Walk: England seniors take walking football to the world stage, 17 October) doesn't mention the risk of damaging his knees, one of which my husband (age 78) actually injured playing this game. I learned from a nurse friend that this is very common among hospitalizations. Recommended treatment? Rest, then gentle physical therapy, recovery time from six months to a year. He misses the camaraderie and other benefits of playing walking rugby.
Margaret Evans
Finstal, Worcestershire
