Posted By : Admin / On : May 07, 2024 / In : Health,mental health
As we grow older, we might notice changes in our flexibility, strength, and ability to move around easily. Everyday tasks can start feeling a bit tougher and moving in ways that once felt effortless might become a challenge. This might lead us to shy away from exercise altogether particularly if it has been absent in our lives. However, as we age, staying active becomes even more important. In fact, it’s a good idea to consider doing even more physical activity to adapt to the changes happening in our bodies, like shifts in hormones and other factors we can’t control. In this article, we’ll explore why we consider Pilates to be the perfect exercise to help you combat the unwanted effects the aging on the body.
Given its focus on the core and stabilisation exercises, Pilates is often considered one of the most effective forms of exercise for improving balance. Pilates movements engage the deep muscles of the core, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back, which are essential for maintaining stability and proper alignment.
Exercises like the Single Leg Circle or the Side Leg Lift require precise control and awareness of body positioning. You need to engage specific muscles while maintaining alignment when practising Pilates. This enhances proprioception—the body’s ability to sense its position in space—and ultimately improves your balance.
As a result, Pilates can be particularly beneficial for older adults, who may experience declines in balance and coordination as they age, making them more susceptible to falls. In fact, numerous studies recommend Pilates for older adults due to its potential benefits on functional fitness – including posture and balance. By incorporating Pilates into their fitness routine, older adults can enhance their balance, reduce the risk of falls, and maintain independence in daily activities.
Pilates May Improve Bone Density
There is strong evidence to suggest that Pilates may improve bone density, particularly among postmenopausal women. Bone density is crucial for maintaining skeletal strength – especially as we age and gradually start losing bone mass from around the age of 35 experiencing Muscle Atrophy. This decline in bone density increases the risk of fractures, even during regular daily activities like standing or walking.
Pilates incorporates weight-bearing exercises using specialised equipment like the Reformer, which help stimulate bone formation and increase bone density. By placing load and resistance on the bones through controlled movements, regularly practising Pilates ultimately leads to stronger and denser bones helping offset the impact conditions such as Arthritis can have on the body. This, in turn, can decrease the risk of age-related fractures and osteoporosis, improving overall bone health and longevity.
Pilates can combat stress and boost your mood
Pilates can directly and indirectly improve mood and decrease stress in the older population. Whilst we already know that any form of physical activity is natural mood booster and stress reliever, Pilates offers unique benefits for older adults. The focus on controlled movements, rhythmic breathing, and mindful awareness during sessions promotes relaxation and reduces tension in the body. Ultimately, these aspects of Pilates can help older adults to feel more connected to a body that may sometimes seem to be working against them.
Also, by improving overall fitness and mobility, Pilates can enhance older adults’ quality of life. By keeping individuals mobile and capable of participating in everyday activities, Pilates helps prevent the negative mental health consequences that can arise from isolation and loneliness. Regular Pilates practice fosters a sense of connection between mind and body, promoting mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a positive outlook on life.
Pilates improves posture and spinal alignment
Poor posture is a common issue, particularly among older adults, and can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal problems, including back pain and discomfort. Pilates emphasises proper alignment of the spine and encourages the engagement of core muscles to support the body’s structure.
Through targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvis, Pilates helps individuals develop better posture and spinal alignment. By correcting imbalances and promoting optimal alignment, Pilates can alleviate strain on the spine, reduce back pain, and enhance overall posture and body awareness. Improved posture not only contributes to a more youthful appearance, but also supports optimal function and comfort in everyday movements.
The Takeaway
Of course, Pilates is great for any age. However, for adults looking for a form of exercise that is particularly beneficial for combating the aches and pains that come with aging, Pilates is especially effective. If you’re wanting to start your Pilates journey and feel the benefits for yourself, try out one of our classes in Guildford or Godalming. We suggest Reformer Lengthen or Reformer Control would be the most relevant in terms addressing any concerns you feel were raised in the above paragraphs.
Our award-winning studio is the perfect place to experience everything Pilates has to offer.
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