Are Your Wrists Trying to Tell You Something?

Have your wrists been feeling a little stiffer, weaker, or more sensitive lately?

You’re not imagining it — and you’re certainly not alone! Like many areas of the body, our wrists naturally change as we age.

The good news? These changes are not a reason to stop using them. In fact, smart movement is one of the best ways to keep them strong.

Your wrist is tiny, complicated, and somehow involved in everything you do (yes, even scrolling and texting). It’s made up of a bunch of small bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage all trying to work together like a very chaotic group project.

As the years go by, it’s totally normal to notice a few “updates,” such as:

• Thinning cartilage, which can lead to stiffness

• Less elastic tendons, making the joint feel tighter

• Reduced joint lubrication, sometimes causing that “creaky” sensation

• Decreased grip strength as muscle naturally declines

• Osteoarthritis, a common wear-and-tear condition where protective cartilage breaks down, occasionally leading to soreness or swelling — often at the base of the thumb

❗Here’s what matters most: how you respond.

Avoiding weight-bearing exercises can actually increase weakness and instability. Research consistently shows that appropriately loading the joints helps maintain strength, mobility, and even bone health. Simply put — movement is protective (but you already know this!)

A thoughtful Pilates practice helps support wrist health by:

• Strengthening the muscles that stabilize the joint

• Improving alignment to reduce unnecessary strain

• Keeping surrounding tissues flexible and adaptable

• Building resilience through gradual, smart progression

Sometimes the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference. For example, during exercises on the reformer, simply placing your thumb over the footbar instead of wrapping it underneath may help keep the wrist in a stronger, more neutral position and reduce pressure on the joint.

If your wrists have been “talking” to you lately, let your instructor know. Small changes in hand position or alignment can dramatically improve comfort while still allowing you to build strength.

Aging is inevitable. Falling apart is optional. Let’s keep building that strength.