How does Pilates keep you healthy and fit?

For the older population keeping active and mobile is essential, but sometimes challenging. You need to keep healthy and fit but how do you do this as you grow older?

A major benefit of Pilates is that it can support the body while reducing the risk of injury that other weight-bearing exercises might cause.   Pilates focuses upon effective breathing and quality of movement rather than the quantity of repetitions.

Pilates focuses on building a strong “core” which supports your back and trunk; in addition, Pilates promotes effortless movement of your spine and major joints to keep you moving well.

Exercises can be adapted to sitting or standing positions, and are low impact.

Supporting chronic conditions of ageing arthritis with Pilates

Pilates can support arthritis sufferers using gentle mid-range movements that may decrease the chance of joints compressing while maintaining the range of motion and strength around the joint.

For osteoporosis the use of weight bearing exercise in standing may increase/maintain bone density in both the spine and the hips. Exercises can be modified to avoid certain movements of the spine which are not recommended for people with osteoporosis.

For neurological conditions such as Stroke, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis Pilates can support the maintenance of muscle strength for daily activities, balance and mobilising/walking.

Pilates and exercise improves movement, strength and flexibility

Pilates exercise has a focus on the control of movements and this control element helps lead to strength and length (stretching) in the muscles.  Movements can be performed in a small range of motion, and progress to a larger range of motion as control, comfort and confidence are gained.

Muscle strength begins to decrease from the age of 35.  The phrase “use it or lose it” is very true for muscles. Without maintaining strength through exercise, especially in our lower limbs, we are unable to walk, do the stairs, get out of a chair easily.  Loss of strength can contribute to a reduction in balance and increase the risk of falls.  Pilates offers low impact exercises to keep you active.

Pilates can improved posture, joint stability and mobility

As we age our posture can change; we may become more bent forward (sometimes referred to as a kyphosis).This change in posture can change the shape of the spine which can compress the joints and may also reduce the range of movement at the shoulder joint resulting in problems when lifting the arms.  Reaching up for items in cupboards becomes harder and in addition to reducing independence, it may lead to falls.   Pilates exercises can address these issues by improving posture and shoulder mobility.

Pilates can further improve breathing and circulation

As our posture changes with age we may become more rounded and this can reduce the space for our lungs to expand which can increase the effort needed for breathing.  Throughout Pilates we promote effective breathing which can assist with building core strength, supporting pelvic floor function and creating an awareness of better posture.

Pilates can help prevent falls and general imbalance in elderly and aged

Falls can become common among older adults leading to reduced confidence, reduced mobility and sometimes injury.  Building and maintaining strength through Pilates can support your balance, mobility and body awareness allowing you to take part in the activities you enjoy with increased confidence.

Using the Pilates equipment at the studio allows you to exercise in a variety of ways without worrying about getting up and down from the floor.