Ahead of her much-anticipated return to the stage following her 2022 diagnosis of stiff person syndrome (SPS), Céline Dion has shared the exercise routine helping her get ready for life back on tour.
The singer, who begins a five-week residency in Paris later this month, told Harper’s Bazaar that she currently completes 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week, alongside two weekly ballet classes with a local dance company.
What is stiff person syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome is an exceptionally rare progressive autoimmune neurological disorder, believed to affect around one or two people per million, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The condition most often causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go, and these symptoms can become more severe over time.
‘Although there is no treatment that cures stiff person syndrome, working with a specialist and maintaining symptom control can make it easier to live with the condition,’ the organisation explains.
The Stiff Person Syndrome UK and Ireland Support Group and Charity notes that people with the condition are frequently initially misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression, and that women appear to be affected more often than men.
According to Harper’s Bazaar, Dion has received physical therapy, vocal therapy and immunotherapy since her diagnosis, alongside taking medication. In 2024, her foundation also donated $2 million towards research into autoimmune neurological disorders.
Why Céline Dion's workout routine makes sense
Dion's current routine brings together Pilates and ballet five days a week, with a focus on strength, mobility, balance and control.
While exercise won't be suitable in the same way for everyone living with stiff person syndrome, there is some evidence that carefully supervised movement may help with symptom management.
A case report found that therapeutic exercise improved muscle flexibility, balance and functional ability in a woman with the condition.
Meanwhile, another case report found that a clinical Pilates programme had 'positive effects on many physical and functional parameters' in a patient with stiff person syndrome.
More broadly, Pilates has recognised benefits for many women during midlife.
‘Pilates emphasises correct postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance. It is great for ironing out muscular imbalances, injury rehabilitation and injury prevention,’ says Aimee Victoria Long, PT and founder of Body Beautiful Method.
Ballet provides similar benefits. A 2024 study found that a 10-week classical ballet programme improved strength and balance in women over 50.
And, as Céline Dion demonstrates, it's never too late to start. She only began ballet as an adult, yet it has since become an important part of the training helping her prepare for her return to performing.